Job Summary

• The Cardiac Sonographer functions under the direction of the Manager or Lead/Chief Sonographer.
• Responsible for performing all cardiac imaging, which may include adult, pediatric, transesophageal (including structural heart) and stress echocardiograms, depending on facility.
• Performs measurements and calculations according to laboratory protocol.
• Provides an oral summary of preliminary findings to the interpreting physician when requested.
• Responsible for the safety and well‑being of all patients in the Echo department.
• Must communicate effectively with patients and the health care team.
• May be asked to inject/administer Ultrasound Enhancing Agents (UEA) and perform saline bubble studies.
• Performs other work‑related duties as assigned.
• Must be available for call, weekend and Holiday rotations.

Core Responsibilities and Essential Functions

Patient Care

• Verifies proper clinician order for procedure.
• Obtains complete clinical history, gathers exam data and assesses for contraindicating conditions.
• Follows established procedures for administration of UEAs safely.
• Ensures all studies have proper patient identification.
• Reviews ultrasound images for clinically acceptable results and releases patients.
• Assists team members in all modalities when needed.
• Observes patient condition and evaluates when physician intervention is required.
• Verifies correct patient identity using two unique identifiers.
• Ensures patient privacy, comfort and dignity throughout the exam.
• Demonstrates competence in appropriate procedures, equipment, supplies and techniques based on patient age.
• Organizes schedule, time and priorities to complete required activities within designated timeframes.
• Follows physician instructions when assisting with procedures and exams.
• Uses critical thinking skills.
• Dialogs with patient/family.
• Asks clarifying questions.
• Seeks clarification on ambiguous orders.
• Understands, demonstrates and documents preprocedural verification and Time‑Out process when appropriate.
• Demonstrates and understands pre‑ and post‑procedural care.
• Preps the patient for the procedure.

Education and Communication

• Clearly explains purpose and nature of exam using AIDET to minimize anxiety and increase cooperation.
• Ensures patient questions, concerns or contraindications are fully addressed prior to procedure.
• Participates in orientation and training of departmental employees.
• Provides preparatory instruction and explanation of procedures.
• Documentation is concise, legible and uses precise terminology.
• Reads email each scheduled workday and completes assigned tasks.
• Completes all required departmental and hospital‑wide education.

Quality Control

• Ensures that equipment is fully operational before each use by checking calibration and operating deficiencies.
• Sends all studies to PACS immediately after completion; prints CDs as needed.
• Follows infection control policies.

Operations

• Restocks linens and supplies and maintains department cleanliness and organization.
• Transports and positions patients; assists them on and off the procedure table.
• Performs patient charging activities on the day services are rendered.
• Applies supportive and immobilization devices and equipment.
• Willingly assists others as needed and uses work time in support of departmental needs.
• Performs clerical and support duties to maintain continuity of services.
• Keeps supervisor informed and promptly reports potential issues.
• Maintains productivity equal to coworkers.
• Operates all workstations associated with the ultrasound department.
• Transfers and retrieves studies from the ultrasound console to PACS.
• Maintains Joint Commission and regulatory standards.
• Takes call when necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Equipment

• Reports malfunctioning equipment promptly.
• Cleans, disinfects and maintains equipment according to infection control and department schedules.
• Performs other duties as assigned and complies with all Wellstar policies and code of conduct.

Required Minimum Education

• High School Diploma or GED
• Trade School Diploma/Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography — Preferred

Required Minimum License(s) and Certification(s)

(All required upon hire unless otherwise stated)

• ARDMS Registered Medical Sonographer or
• RCS (CCI) Registered Cardiac Sonographer or
• RDCS Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer
• BLS, ARC‑BLS or BLS‑Instructor

Required Minimum Experience

• Minimum 1 year experience in echocardiography — Preferred
• Graduate of a formal Diagnostic Medical Sonography program — Preferred
• Graduate of an accredited Cardiovascular Technology program — Preferred

Required Minimum Skills

• Excellent communication skills with physicians, patients, visitors, staff and nursing personnel.
• Routinely obtains, presents and discusses clinical information.
• Able to explain or give directions to maintain goodwill and cooperation.
• Able to function independently and under pressure while actively participating in a team environment.
• Must consistently demonstrate excellent customer service skills.
• Must perform effectively in a stressful and fast‑paced work environment.
• Must prioritize appropriately.
• Must be detail oriented and able to multitask throughout the work shift.
• Must interact professionally with patients, families, coworkers, volunteers and physicians.
• Must function independently yet productively as a cooperative team member.
• Must comply with all hospital policies, practices, protocols and professional standards.
• Must be flexible, dependable, accountable and cooperative.
• Has the knowledge and ability to obtain a quality diagnostic study safely.
• Performs a wide variety of technical procedures requiring independent judgment and initiative.
• Able to independently perform job functions and set up imaging equipment.
• Competent in all aspects of Cardiac Ultrasound, patient positioning and exposure factors.
• Must understand anatomy and pathology and how they affect procedure quality.