Senior Cardiac Sonographer

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under supervision, performs non-invasive diagnostic tests for cardiovascular diseases in order to support the goal of quality patient care. The Echocardiographer is responsible for preliminary echocardiographic measurements, summarizing diagnostic data and communicating information to manager or requesting physician. Performs a variety of technical duties in non-traumatic, non-invasive examinations using phono-apexcardiograms, imaging duplex and ultrasound equipment.

Position: Senior Echo Tech

Department: Heart Station

Schedule: Full Time

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:

• Performs a variety of technical duties required in non-traumatic, non-invasive examinations using phono-apexcardiograms, imaging duplex and ultrasound equipment.
• Positions patients and operates equipment to produce the most reliable and informative data.
• Explains procedures to patients.
• Evaluates as recording occurs and performs complete analysis.
• Interprets exams and chart graphics as needed and processes hard copy results.
• Assists with managing the daily work-flow by performing portable exams.
• Performs advanced technical responsibilities, consistent with level of skills.
• Performs stress echo examinations.
• Performs dodutamine echo examinations.
• Performs vascular studies when needed.
• Performs Holter Monitor analysis for cardiac arrhythmias or abnormalities.
• Performs cardiac stress tests under direct physician supervision.
• Prepares the patient for stress test, including electrode placement. Explains and demonstrates stress test to patients.
• Observes patient; records and calculates all necessary parameters, and interprets Electrocardiogram tracing for diagnostic purposes.
• Prepares and maintains a record system for patient examination results.
• Provides guidance in performing echocardiograms to technicians, fellows and students.
• Provides guidance and direction to EKG Technicians in the absence of the Manager.
• Maintains department records, reports and files as required.
• Performs charge entry into the hospital billing system.
• Demonstrates proper body mechanics in all functions as required.
• Conducts interpersonal relationships with patients, visitors, physicians and fellow employees in a courteous, professional and friendly manner.
• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age groups of adult and geriatric patients regularly served. Notifies supervisor when patients in age groups not regularly served are present, and seeks assistance from individuals with the knowledge of the specialized needs of such age groups.
• Maintains work area and equipment in condition as required by department standards.
• Maintains appropriate inventory of supplies and orders new supply to prevent shortages.
• Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, in-service meetings and workshops.
• Conforms to hospital standards of conduct so that the best possible customer service and patient care may be provided.
• Utilizes hospital's behavioral standards as the basis for decision-making and to facilitate the hospital's goals and mission.
• Follows established hospital infection control and safety procedures.
• Works independently in amyloid clinic.
• Able to perform research studies with high technical expertise and reproducibility.
• Able to take on senior administrative duty responsibilities and navigate day to day operations including delegation of workflow to other staff in the absence of the chief echo tech.
• Ability to troubleshoot scheduling issues and manage unexpected work disruptions (such as difficult patients, add-on studies, sonographer absences, etc.)
• Carry out senior administrative duties as requested by the chief sonographer and troubleshoot software difficulties with ISCV and ordering systems.
• Able to teach other technical staff and cardiology fellows both in terms of medical knowledge and hands-on technical expertise.
• Able to contribute to the maintenance and/or repair of machine hardware and software.

OTHER DUTIES:

Performs other duties as needed.

(The above statements in this job description are intended to depict the general nature and level of work assigned to the employee(s) in this job. The above is not intended to represent an exhaustive list of accountable duties and responsibilities required).

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:

Work requires knowledge of Cardiology, Medical Terminology, basic Physics, Biology and Anatomy in order to perform tests and interpret raw data. Such knowledge is generally acquired through the completion of a two-year program in a related field of study (e.g., a cardio sonography technical training program).

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:

Requires certification or eligibility for registration with the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) in echocardiography.

EXPERIENCE:

Requires at least one year of experience in echocardiography (not including as an intern) in a hospital facility.

Requires 5+ years' experience working in a Stress lab.

Amyloid patient experience preferred.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Work requires good knowledge of congenital heart disease.
• Work requires knowledge of general cardiograph and hospital procedures, sonography equipment as well as proficiency in performing technical work.
• Work requires the analytical ability to solve problems of limited technical complexity. Ability to follow standardized methods, guides and procedures in the resolution of such problems.
• Strong interpersonal skills to explain procedures and to allay the apprehension of patients; and to interact effectively with physicians, team members, other hospital staff and patient's family.
• Basic computer proficiency inclusive of ability to access, enter, and interpret computerized data/information.
• Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality of all personal/health sensitive information.
• Bilingual or multi-lingual skills (beyond that of English) appropriate to the patient population served is a plus.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans