Cardiac Sonographer (Days) - $8,000 Sign-On Bonus

SUMMARY

Hennepin Healthcare is currently seeking Cardiac Sonographers to join our Echo Lab team. The positions are predominately day shift with call requirements on evenings, nights, and weekends per unit policy. We have 1.0, 0.9, and 0.8 FTE positions available. 

A $8,000 signing bonus is available for eligible external candidates (current employees, contract/temporary workers, and former employees returning to HHS within one year are ineligible).

Under general supervision performs work conducting a variety of technical procedures in the application of high frequency diagnostic ultrasound to patients for diagnosis of heart disease. 

  The Echo Lab serves the HCMC inpatient and outpatient populations by providing diagnostic testing for cardiac anomalies and screening for the presence of coronary disease. Inpatient examinations may be completed in the laboratory or at the bedside. The Echo Lab's scope of service includes the delivery of needed diagnostic evaluation of cardiac function. The type of diagnostic test chosen by the physician is determined by individual patient needs, medical history, and the patient's ability to exercise. Transthoracic Echo (TTE) is the most common diagnostic test ordered for screening.
Testing offered for patients able to exercise include:

• Exercise ECG (GXT)
• Exercise Stress Echocardiogram (Stress echo)
• Exercise Nuclear Perfusion (sestamibi)

Other stress tests performed include:

• Dobutamine Echocardiogram
• Regadenoson Nuclear Perfusion
• Dobutamine Nuclear Perfusion 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform echocardiograms and manage the imaging system during a transesophageal echocardiogram using state-of-the-art methods and equipment
• Perform exercise and pharmacological echocardiograms proficiently
• Reviews and verifies exam requests to ensure correct exam is ordered on the correct patient
• Explain exam procedure to patient and family members
• Evaluates images and notifies the appropriate Cardiologist as needed; takes appropriate action to address image quality issues
• Consistently performs quality exams and ensures that department protocols are followed
• Meet ECHO lab education and training protocol requirements to administer contrast imaging agents to patient
• Determine the need for using imaging contrast on a case-by-case basis
• Administer contrast imaging agent when necessary
• Using the CVIS (cardiovascular information system), perform measurements and analyze results of echocardiogram to facilitate physician s interpretation of test results
• Assists physicians and residents as required with ECHO procedures
• Assist with education and training of nursing and medical staff, residents and cardiology fellows
• Mentor and orient new employees
• Clean, maintain and troubleshoot imaging equipment, endoscopes, and other equipment
• Ensure that exam rooms are orderly and stocked with supplies
• Participate in quality improvement processes and Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Echocardiography Laboratories ( IAC, formerly ICAEL) accreditation
• Build and support a collaborative team environment
• Participate in the implementation and performance of safety and quality assurance procedures
• Attend QA conferences as able
• May participate in research activities
• Report and discuss any malfunctions and notify the Lead Cardiac Sonographer, appropriate service personnel is then called as needed

QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Qualifications:

• Two year degree in non-invasive cardiology 

-AND-

• Credentialed by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) as a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) 

-OR-

• Credentialed by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) as a Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) 

-OR-

• Must meet the eligibility requirements to take the ARDMS/CCI examination

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in Stress Echo