Echocardiographer

Obtains high quality cross-sectional, two-dimensional and three-dimensional ultrasound images of the heart and related structures, as well as recording M-mode and Doppler blood flow for the physician who interprets these diagnostic studies. Ensures adequate functioning of all equipment used in obtaining Echocardiograms. JOB QUALIFICATIONS Education or Formal Training Graduate of an Echocardiography Training Program preferred Special Qualifications (Licensure, Registration, etc.) BLS required within 90 days of hire IV certification required within 90 days of hire ARDMS RDCS registered or registry eligible required Registry eligible must pass registry within one year of employment or transfer into the position Knowledge, Skill and Ability Demonstrates proficiency in skills in in obtaining complete anatomical and blood flow information Demonstrates understanding of normal and abnormal anatomy and pathophysiology and the ability to recognize structural and functional abnormalities during imaging and to extend and/or modify the exam as appropriate for that individual patient Demonstrates independence in obtaining comprehensive cardiac imaging and appropriate clinical information Demonstrates operating knowledge of the equipment used with the ability to troubleshoot associated technical problems and problem solve Demonstrates proficiency in all skills necessary to assist with Transesophageal Echocardiograms as well as obtaining images.

Demonstrates proficiency in obtaining images during Exercise and Dobutamine Echocardiograms. Ability to interact effectively with patients and significant others, physicians and other personnel in the overall care of the patient Experience Minimum of 2 years experience performing Echocardiograms strongly preferred MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT DIRECTLY USED Includes all equipment associated with Echocardiogram testing including Cardiac Ultrasound machines and their associated specialty probes; Echo reporting systems and Cardiology PACS..

Needs familiarity with hospital beds, patient monitors and emergency call systems. WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES Provides echocardiogram testing for patients of all ages neonatal to geriatric Requires the ability to bend, crouch, twist or hold awkward positions for several minutes Requires ability to push Cardiac Ultrasound machine to other areas of the hospital and move furniture as necessary to get appropriate positioning Must be able to frequently support, push, pull and/or lift up to 30 lbs, and occasionally support, push, pull and/or lift up to 50 lbs.

(for example, moving a patient from a wheelchair to a table or transferring from a table to a bed). Occasionally must transfer up to 50 pounds when moving patient from wheelchair to bed or cart Requires sitting and standing for extended periods Functional physical demands include manual dexterity, fine motor skills and reaching The following senses will be needed for essential duties of the job: speech, vision, hearing and touch.

INTERRELATIONSHIPS Patients and family members, physicians and their office staffs, nursing personnel, unit coordinators, other hospital personnel and sales representatives as appropriate SUPERVISORY DUTIES None

AND RESPONSIBILITIES Explain purpose of test and procedure to the patient. Obtain necessary clinical history of present illness, reason for referral, and auscultation when appropriate. Enter record keeping data on the patients digital echo system and logbook.

Perform studies in accordance with developed policies and procedures and appropriate standards of care. Obtain high quality cardiac ultrasound images including M-mode, two dimensional, three dimensional, pulse wave, continuous wave, and color doppler modalities. Measure all parameters obtained from the study on the digital echo system.

Create draft report on the digital echo system. Maintain records in a retrievable manner. Prepare cases for the doctors reading session.

Follow Children’s Hospital Pediatric protocols for infant and adolescent Echocardiograms, both for studies and transmission of studies for reading. Maintain accurate log of Echo studies.. Responsible for adherence to the High Level Disinfection policy, including disinfection of probes, QC and associated documentation.

Responsible for covering after hours On Call shifts as necessary, including evenings, nights, weekends and holidays. Must be able to meet Restricted On Call response time as defined by the hospital. Responsible for awareness of sterile technique and sterile fields.

Maintain service maintenance log on all Echo equipment with an updated file of company representatives and repair services. Ensure adequate supplies and evaluate new equipment as required. Assist in development of policies and procedures for the department.

Assist in the orientation of new department personnel. Adhere to all departmental and hospital policies and procedures. Seek opportunities to maintain and enhance technical skills and job knowledge.

Contribute to departmental and/or hospital-wide projects, committees and meetings. Maintain department in a clean, neat and orderly manner. Participate in quality improvement projects as appropriate.

Adhere to and promotes all components of the ENCORE program. Employees are expected to comply with all regulatory requirements, including Joint Commission Standards. Is familiar with organization, department and job specific Environment of Care areas, including Life Safety, Utilities Management, Hazardous Materials Communications, Emergency Preparedness, Infection Control and Medical Equipment Failure.

Aware of surgical technique and sterile fields. Adhere to Standard Precautions as appropriate, which may include: the use of protective barriers, as appropriate (e.g., gloves, masks, gowns, pocket masks, and/or safety glasses); handling and disposing of infectious waste appropriately; and hand washing as appropriate. OTHER DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES Participate in formation and coordination of Restricted On Call coverage after hours, weekends and holidays.

Participate in formation and coordination of department daily schedule. Participate in formation and coordination of department vacation schedule. Coordinate scheduling and performance of special procedures, including Stress Echo, Transesphogeal Echo, Outpatient TTE’s and procedures in Cath Lab, EP Lab and OR, including Pericardiocentesis, Structural Heart Procedures, EP Procedures and Open Heart Procedures.

Assist and communicate with Information Technology on the management of Cardiology PACS, hospital EMR and Children’s Hospital image transmission. Provide support and communication with Bio-Med department for Cardiac Ultrasound machines and Transesophageal Probes. Coordinate, educate and assist in training new employees.

Provide support and communication to equipment vendors. Provide CD’s and Echo reports to HIM. Identify need for Echo Contrast in individual studies.

Provide support to the Surgeon and Anesthesiologist during Open Heart Surgeries. All employees are expected to remain flexible to meet the needs of the hospital, which may include assisting other departments as the patient needs fluctuate.