Echo Sonographer

Department Overview

The adult cardiac sonographer works collaboratively with health care providers to provide direct and indirect care to patients undergoing procedures in the Cardiac Non Invasive Services Department and throughout the hospital.  Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, performance of transthoracic echocardiograms, stress echocardiograms, and transesophageal echocardiograms.  Evening and weekend call is mandatory.

Function/Duties of Position

• Provides direct and indirect care to patients undergoing procedures in the Cardiac Non Invasive Services Department and other areas in the hospital
• Performs transthoracic echocardiograms, stress echocardiograms, and transesophageal echocardiograms
• Assesses and prepares patients for procedures
• Conducts testing under the indirect supervision of a cardiologist
• Positions patient to maximize effectiveness of image and minimize patient discomfort
• Adjusts equipment controls and modifies images during the exam to demonstrate anatomy, physiology, hemodynamics, and/or pathology accurately
• Determines need for additional views based on patient variables or encountered pathology
• Records images for review by cardiologist
• Provides measurements, estimates, angles, and guidance as needed during certain procedures including, but not limited to, pericardiocentesis, transesophageal echocardiogram, and alcohol septal ablation
• Selects appropriate scan based on functional and/or anatomical pathology
• Utilizes ultrasound and contrast agents to view cardiac structures and wall motion/perfusion
• Monitors patients and their response
• Reports pertinent findings to cardiologist
• Arranges images of exam findings for patient’s medical record
• Documents according to established policies and procedures
• Demonstrates ongoing proficiency in clinical skills/knowledge specific to specialty area
• Demonstrates practice consistent with current research/standards/policies/protocols/procedures
• Protects patient privacy/maintains confidentiality
• Inserts and manages intravenous lines
• Recognizes and responds to adverse reactions, clinical problems, or emergent situations
• Provides teaching to patient and family as necessary
• Performs routine cleaning and reports mechanical failure of equipment
• Ensures emergency equipment is maintained and working properly
• Demonstrates fiscally responsible resource utilization and promotes cost containment
• Follows research protocols
• Performs patient care in a timely manner
• Productively utilizes unassigned time
• Prioritizes and coordinates patient care and/or services with team members
• Participates in the assessment and development of department and hospital related projects
• Participates in orientation of new employees
• Serves as a resource for staff members, students, residents, and fellows
• Serves on hospital and department committees as needed
• Develops and revises departmental policies, protocols, procedures, and forms as needed
• Plans, prepares, and presents training for departmental employees
• Assists with other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor’s degree in Non-Invasive Cardiovascular Technology or Ultrasound from an approved and accredited program OR equivalent combination of education, formal training and work experience.
• Board Certification or eligibility for certification by American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) as a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer.  Sonographer license issued by Oregon Board of Medical Imaging. For positions on adult units, certification from  Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) will be accepted in lieu of ARDMS certification. Active registration must be maintained with continuing medical education units (CME’s) on an ongoing basis.
• Positions with in person patient care: BLS certificate within 30 days of hire or prior to independent practice, whichever comes first

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree

• Minimum:  one year of recent experience as a cardiac sonographer.

  Recent experience as a cardiac sonographer in a hospital based, cardiac non invasive services department
• Ability to perform a complete transthoracic echocardiogram including assessing systolic and diastolic function, and valvular anatomy
• Knowledge of cardiovascular disease and treatment
• Knowledge of cardiac noninvasive procedures
• Effective utilization of oral and written communication skills with staff and the public
• Fluency in oral and written English
• Proficiency in computer skills including word processing and databases
• Ability to prioritize and coordinate multiple tasks
• Flexibility
• Strong customer service skills
• Proficiency in organizational skills, time management and creativity with scheduling patients
• Ability to work independently and autonomously, self-motivated
• Ability to report to work regularly, on time, and prepared
• Proficiency in intravenous line insertion and management

Additional Details

• Exposure to usual hospital environmental conditions
• Possible exposure to body substances
• Fast paced environment with frequent interruptions and multiple demands
• Ability to work a minimum of 8 hours per day and longer, according to organizational requirements
• Rotating holiday and weekend call schedule and rotating Saturday shifts.
• Travel to off site clinics may be necessary
• Ability to lift, bend, stand, walk throughout the shift
• Ability to carry and lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to stand for up to 8 continuous hours a day
• Ability to push an echo machine through hospital corridors

Why apply to OHSU?

We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact [email protected]