Echo Tech

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Cardiac Sonographer (Echo Sonographer) is responsible for the independent operation of the sonography equipment and for performing and communicating results of diagnostic examinations using sonography. The Cardiac Sonographer is also responsible for the daily operations of the cardiology department, patient schedule, equipment maintenance, the report of equipment failures, and quality assessment (QA). The sonographer maintains a high standard of medical ethics at all times and is self-motivated to increase level of understanding and knowledge of the field, disease, and new procedures as they evolve. They are responsible for interacting with hospital staff and/or nursing departments regarding patient care, concerns, and conflicts by identifying and assisting in the resolutions. Assist physician during transesophageal echocardiography and perform transthoracic echocardiography including regular, contrast and Dobutamine echocardiograms in conjunction with Cardiac Stress Testing procedures utilizing 2D and M-Mode with spectral and Doppler color flow velocity mapping in various areas of the heart and great vessels to aid in the diagnosis of cardiovascular disease or abnormalities. Routinely works weekdays, weekends, holidays, evenings, nights, overtime, and/or on-call status when needed. Will also be subject to assigned responsibilities in other departmental areas and /or other system wide facilities as needed with departmental head approval and appropriate training and direction as may be appropriate to the task. This position summary contains the most relevant duties and responsibilities and does not exclude other assignments not mentioned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Must demonstrate commitment and adherence to STHS’s Compliance Program and Code of Conduct through compliance with all policies and procedures, the Code of Conduct, attendance at required training and immediately reporting suspected compliance issue(s) to the Compliance Officer.

EDUCATION: 
1. Graduate of a formal Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program or Cardiovascular Technology Program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or Bachelor or Associate of Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography or Cardiovascular Technology. or 2 years experience in Echocardiography
2. Current compliance with Continuing Medical Education (CME) requirements for specialty(ies) as appropriate.
 

Required Licenses/Certifications:
 

RDCS certification by American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographer’s (ARDMS) or RCS certification by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI ). New hires may also be registry eligible and must obtain certification within the first year of hire.
Current compliance with Continuing Medical Education (CME) requirements for specialty(ies) as appropriate.
· Must have and maintain current BLS certification, according to unit specific needs. Certification must be in accordance with the curriculum of the AHA, for Healthcare Provider’s Program.

· Experience

At least 2 years experience in performing echocardiography studies is desirable.
Bilingual (English, Spanish) status is desirable
 

Demonstration of Skills and Abilities
Ability to effectively operate transthoracic and tranesophageal sonographic equipment.
Ability to evaluate an echocardiogram in order to acquire appropriate diagnostic information.
Ability to integrate an echocardiogram, laboratory results, patient history and medical records, and adapt sonographic examination as necessary.
Ability to use independent judgment to acquire the optimum diagnostic sonographic information in each echocardiogram performed.
Ability to recognize cardiovascular disease or abnormalities
Ability to evaluate, synthesize, and communicate diagnostic information to the attending physician.
Ability to communicate effectively with the patient and the health care team, recognizing the special nature of examinations and patient's needs.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public and health care team.
Ability to follow established departmental procedures.
Ability to work efficiently and cope with emergency situations
Essential Functions
Performs clinical assessment and diagnostic echocardiogram examinations.
Uses cognitive sonographic skills to identify, record, and adapt procedures as appropriate to anatomical, pathological, diagnostic information and images.
Uses independent judgment during the echocardiogram examination to accurately differentiate between normal and pathologic findings.
Analyses sonograms, synthesizes sonographic information and medical history, and communicates findings to the appropriate physician.
Coordinates work schedule with Departmental Director and/or scheduling desk to assure workload coverage.
Assumes responsibility for the safety, mental and physical comfort of patients while they are in the cardiac sonographer's care.
Assists with the daily operations of the sonographic laboratory.
Maintains a daily log of patients seen / completes exam billing forms.
Maintains ultrasound equipment, work area and adequate supplies.
Participates in the maintenance of laboratory accreditation.
Establishes and maintains ethical working relationships and good rapport with all interrelating hospitals, referral or commercial agencies.
Performs other work-related duties as assigned.
Examples of Duties & Responsibilities
Performs all requested examinations as ordered by the physician.
Prepares exam and report for final physician interpretation and contacts referring physicians when required, according to established procedures.
Coordinates with other staff to assure appropriate patient care is provided.
Addresses problems of patient care as they arise and makes decisions to appropriately resolve the problems.
Organizes daily work schedule and performs related clerical duties as required.
Assumes responsibility for the safety and well-being of all patients in the area/department.
Reports equipment failures to the appropriate supervisor or staff member.
Provides in-service education team on requirements of sonographic procedures as requested by other members of the health care team.
Performs other related duties as assigned.