BECOMING A CARDIAC SONOGRAPHER: 5 THINGS I WISH I KNEW BEFOREHAND

Summary

In this informative video, Dee shares five crucial insights she wishes she knew before becoming a cardiac sonographer. She discusses the high incidence of work-related injuries, the importance of ergonomics, the duration spent with patients, the areas scanned, and the typical work schedule. Dee also addresses the need for good memory retention and the opportunity to explore various healthcare fields. Her personal experience with pain and the shift to becoming a left-handed scanner highlights the physical demands of the job. She advises aspiring sonographers to consider these factors and possibly shadow professionals to make an informed career choice.

Takeaways

• 📚 Investing in becoming a cardiac sonographer requires significant educational expenses, so it's crucial to understand the profession's demands before committing.
• 🏥 Up to 90% of sonographers may experience work-related musculoskeletal injuries, highlighting the need for proper training and ergonomic practices.
• 🚑 Some sonographers may find it challenging to deal with the physical discomfort and pain associated with the job, necessitating self-care and possibly therapy.
• 🤲 Learning to scan with either hand can be beneficial in reducing strain and preventing injuries, as demonstrated by the speaker's switch to left-handed scanning.
• 💆 Regular massage therapy and physiotherapy can help alleviate pain and prolong a sonographer's career by maintaining muscle health.
• ⏱ The duration spent with patients can vary greatly, from over an hour for beginners to around 15-20 minutes for experienced sonographers.
• 🗣️ Strong interpersonal skills are important for cardiac sonographers, as they spend extended periods with patients and must manage their comfort levels.
• 🚺 Be aware that some female patients may request female sonographers due to the intimate nature of the scanning areas, which can be a consideration for male professionals.
• 🕒 Many cardiac sonographer positions offer regular weekday hours, which can be an advantage for those not comfortable with night or weekend shifts.
• 👀 The job involves not just taking images but also analyzing them in real-time, requiring a good memory and the ability to provide quick summaries to doctors.
• 👥 Exploring various healthcare fields is encouraged, as there are many specialized roles beyond traditional nursing or medical professions.

Q & A

What is the incidence of injury among cardiac sonographers?

According to the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, up to 90 percent of sonographers experience work-related musculoskeletal injuries, and up to 20 percent may leave the profession due to these injuries.

What personal experience did Dee share regarding work-related injuries?

Dee experienced hip pain during her clinical period due to uneven muscle use while scanning with her right hand. She resolved this by becoming a left-handed scanner and incorporating massage therapy and physiotherapy into her routine.

Why is ergonomics important for cardiac sonographers?

Ergonomics is crucial to prevent musculoskeletal injuries, which are common in the profession. Maintaining proper posture and scanning techniques can reduce the risk of injury and prolong one's career.

How long does it typically take for a cardiac sonographer to complete an exam?

For beginners, it can take an hour to an hour and 15 minutes to complete a full exam protocol. With experience and proper training, Dee can now finish an exam within 15 to 20 minutes.

What interpersonal skills are important for cardiac sonographers?

Being a 'people person' is important because sonographers spend extended periods with patients. Adaptability in communication, based on the patient's comfort level, is key to maintaining a comfortable environment during exams.

What are the common areas where cardiac sonographers perform scans?

The four main areas are the middle of the chest, the side of the chest, under the rib, and the neck. Most images, about 75%, are taken from the middle and side of the chest, which can sometimes be sensitive areas for female patients.

How does the scheduling and shift work differ for cardiac sonographers compared to other healthcare professionals?

Cardiac sonographers often have the perk of working regular Monday to Friday daytime shifts, unlike many other healthcare professionals who may work evenings, nights, or weekends.

What are some misconceptions about the job of a cardiac sonographer?

One misconception is that the job only involves taking pictures. In reality, sonographers must also analyze the images in real-time and have a good memory retention for quick reporting and identifying abnormal findings.

What advice does Dee give to those considering a career in cardiac sonography?

Dee suggests shadowing a cardiac sonographer to understand the daily life and schedule. She also recommends exploring other healthcare fields to broaden career options beyond nursing or medical school.

What are some benefits that employers might offer to cardiac sonographers?

Employers may offer incentives such as no on-call duties, regular daytime shifts, and bonuses to attract and retain cardiac sonographers.