POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Manager, Cardiology & Pulmonary Services and Nursing Supervisor, Cardiology, the Echocardiographer has primary responsibility to perform all forms of Echocardiographic studies.  The Echocardiographer is responsible to perform the functions of the CPL Tech I and Tech II technician.  Responsible for providing services to newborns through geriatrics.  Assumes responsibility for policy/procedure, performance improvement activities and collaborative committee participation.  Acts as a clinical preceptor for all levels.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education:

1. Successful completion of an ultrasound or cardiovascular technology program which includes didactic and supervised clinical experience in echocardiography.

Experience:

1. Recent training or training and experience in echocardiography.
2. Preference may also be given to candidates who have documented previous experience in similar duties.
3. Preference may be given to candidates with documented experience in invasive echocardiography (transesophageal echocardiography) procedures.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

1. Skill in basic keyboarding.
2. Demonstrates a willingness to accept the responsibility for independent study to advance skills and knowledge in job responsibilities.
3. Demonstrates good interpersonal skills.
4. Demonstrates mature judgment.

License/Certification/Registration:

1. Preference is given to candidates who are registered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer) or by the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (Registered Cardiac Sonographer).Registration must be obtained within one year of hire/transfer.
2. Meets the American Heart Association’s standards for Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) and renews BLS every two years.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Under the direction of the Manager, Cardiology & Pulmonary Services and the Nursing Supervisor, Cardiology in accordance with established Hospital policies and procedures, the employee proceeds with minimal supervision.

SUPERVISION GIVEN

None

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Assumes the responsibilities of the Echocardiography Technician.
   1. Demonstrates competency in performing the skills of the Level I and II Cardiopulmonary Technician to the standards delineated in the department Policy and Procedure Manual.
   2. Performs Echocardiographic examinations, including 2-dimensional, M-mode, Doppler and color flow interrogation. Performs exercise and pharmacologic stress echocardiographic procedures, including patient preparation and imaging.
   3. Delineates abnormalities and expands the scope of the examination appropriately.
   4. Correlates invasive and noninvasive diagnostic tests with cardiac anatomy and function.
   5. Establishes priorities, work routines and workflow patterns to assure prompt and efficient delivery of service.
   6. Completes all appropriate measurements and calculations (2-D and Doppler) to provide available anatomic and hemodynamic information. .
   7. Assists in training/mentoring co-workers with lesser degree of skill/expertise in cardiac diagnostic procedures.
   8. Assists and participates in the quality improvement initiatives as required by the accrediting body.
2. Collects data and maintains records.
   1. Completes in timely manner all requisite documentation of study performance.
   2. Completes in timely manner all charge procedures associated with study.
   3. Generates and provides information necessary for physicians’ charge for interpretation/performance of studies.
   4. Processes reports of diagnostic procedures, and forwards to appropriate destinations(s).
3. Performs the test with sensitivity to the needs of the patient.
   1. Introduces self and explains the process of the test.
   2. Provides privacy.
   3. Maintains patient comfort.
   4. Uses sound judgment to terminate the test within the realm of the job description as appropriate.
   5. Seeks help to perform the test as needed.
4. Maintains the integrity of equipment and adequate supplies.
   1. Completes daily cleaning and maintenance of equipment.
   2. Stocks supplies for the following day.
   3. Notifies BioMed of identified problems and promptly relates this to supervisor and/or other staff members before the end of the shift.
   4. Assists in troubleshooting problems.
   5. Identifies and requests appropriate supplies weekly.
5. Maintains safety.
   1. Reviews technical procedure manuals and policy manuals for content and relevance.
   2. Assists with the development of procedures/policies when requested.
   3. Participates in the evaluation and implementation of new methodologies, instrumentation and workflow, when requested.
   4. Participates in Performance Improvement Activities.
   5. Reviews the Performance Improvement summary.
   6. Assumes responsibility for Performance Improvement activities, as requested.
6. Performs the responsibilities of the job in a manner that demonstrates professionalism.
   1. Reports unusual events promptly.
   2. Utilizes the chain of command to communicate information.
   3. Participates in a formal self-evaluation by identifying areas of strengths and limitations annually.  Meets individual goals.
   4. Maintains competency by participating in an annual evaluation of skills.  This can be done by a designated peer member or supervisor.
   5. Attends scheduled staff meetings, as possible.
   6. Attends internal and external educational programs, as possible.
   7. Demonstrates system thinking and acts in the best interest of the global organization.
   8. Makes objective and timely, unbiased decisions based on facts and within scope of practice.
   9. Assists department in meeting its goals.
   10. Identifies and assists with creating the process to improve systems and procedures.
   11. Assists with implementing change effectively within department.
   12. Demonstrates a clear focus in service to both internal and external customers.
   13. Demonstrates behaviors that reflect the overall and departmental mission/vision/values.
   14. Demonstrates coaching techniques with peers, students, volunteers and patients.
7. Participate in activities related to budgeting and fiscal department decisions.
   1. Assists with gathering of statistics and cost analyses required for productivity measurements and staffing adjustments as requested.
   2. Consults with Department Director regarding equipment, supply or staffing adjustments as needed.
   3. Recommends ways to expand services and provides suggestions regarding marketing strategies, as requested.
   4. Reviews methods or procedures for cost effectiveness and cost control, as requested.
8. Assist with maintaining qualified personnel.
   1. Participates in continuing education activities for departmental personnel, as requested.
   2. Assists with orientation, technical training and retraining of departmental personnel as required.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Performs related and miscellaneous duties as assigned.