Cardiac Sonographer - Royal Columbian Hospital (RCH)

Detailed Overview

This role practices in accordance with the standards of professional practice as well as within a client and family centred care model , and the vision and values of the department within Fraser Health.

Performs standard cardiac ultrasound procedures, including cardiac studies and measurements, and provides preliminary assessments for review and interpretation by the Radiologist / Cardiologist.

Duties include receiving and completing requisitions, entering relevant data into the radiology information system, preparing patients for procedures, operating echocardiography equipment, including processing and archiving of acquired data, monitoring patient during procedures and monitoring equipment performance.

Provides information / education to patients and staff on topics related to the procedures and consent. May perform venipuncture for contrast media injections as directed by the Cardiologist / Radiologist.

Responsibilities Receives and prepares patients for testing by receiving requisitions, reviewing patients' case history, correlating clinical history with examination to be performed, positioning patient and explaining clinical procedures and assessing the nature of the issue to determine a process for testing.

Explains procedures to patients and answers any questions that may arise. Performs cardiac studies, such as 2D, M-mode and Doppler, by setting equipment to produce accurate images.

Obtains and records cardiac ultrasound views and measurements in accordance with department standards and procedures, including heart chamber and wall thickness measurements, hemodynamic / velocity measurements across the heart valves and measurement of Doppler wave forms.

May perform venipuncture for contrast media injections as directed by the Cardiologist / Radiologist. Monitors patient during procedures by methods such as observing and responding to possible contrast media reactions or other emergency situations in accordance with facility policies and procedures.

Reviews and records pertinent patient history and supportive clinical data. Provides a preliminary assessment for review and interpretation by the Radiologist / Cardiologist by recording information obtained from the scan on a department-specific Cardiac Sonography worksheet.

Recognizes conditions other than normal and provides related scan information (measurements, etc.) to the interpreting physician.

Maintains a comprehensive record of patients' cardiac Ultrasound log as per established standards enters data into the radiology and hospital information systems as required.

Ensures proper maintenance of Ultrasound equipment including routine cleaning of filters and outer surfaces, monitoring its operation and making arrangements for maintenance and repairs as required.

Notifies Supervisor of all quality control issues for determination of appropriate follow-up action. Provides education, including formal workshops, in-services and informal discussions with patients, staff and students on the topic of procedures and consent.

Provides and receives information regarding patient conditions at Radiology rounds, including making presentations on interesting cases.

Demonstrates procedures and usage of equipment to staff including medical residents, sonographers and students. Participates in orientation of new employees.

Participates in approved research and special projects in collaboration with Supervisor and other health care professionals.

Participates in the departmental Continuous Quality Improvement / LEAN programs by using established monitoring and auditing methodologies to perform quality assurance checks such as patient / physician satisfaction or booking protocols.

Participates in the evaluation of new equipment by performing duties such as trying new equipment and supplies, and providing feedback to the Supervisor / Site Coordinator on purchase decisions.

Requisitions in-house stock and forwards purchase order requests to the supervisor for approval and signature. Cleans and stocks area as required.

Carries out responsibilities in accordance with health and safety requirements and practices such as Standard Lifts and Transfers, Infection Control, Fire, Disaster and WorkSafe BC.

Immediately reports unsafe situations by notifying supervisor or other appropriate personnel. Performs other related duties as required.

• Qualifications Education and Experience Graduation from a recognized training program in Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography and certified with Sonography Canada or the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS);
• or be certified with Sonography Canada and have passed the Sonography Canada Skills Assessment (CCSA). Completion of Intravenous Therapy training course or applicable experience working in IV Therapy;

or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience when required by site practice. Skills and Abilities Demonstrated knowledge of theory and practice for Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography.

Demonstrated ability to perform sonographic examinations in compliance with departmental standards. Demonstrated knowledge of the aseptic techniques.

Demonstrated knowledge of organization policies, procedures and standards of care, including practice of safe work procedures with modality equipment.

Demonstrated ability to communicate (orally and in writing) and deal effectively with clients and their families, co-workers, physicians, other health care staff, and staff of external agencies.

Demonstrated ability to teach in a one-to-one and group setting. Demonstrated knowledge of evidence-based practice related to designated modalities.

Demonstrated ability to operate related equipment. Demonstrated ability to work independently and in collaboration with others.

Demonstrated ability to establish workload priorities in collaboration with others. Demonstrated knowledge of research process and methodology.

Demonstrated ability to deal with and / or guide others in resolution of conflict issues. Demonstrated ability in CPR techniques.

Demonstrated computer skills including the ability to effectively use a computerized client care information system. Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.