Cardiac Sono Non-Invasive Tech

BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY

To perform diagnostic procedures including transthoracic echocardiograms, color flow Doppler, spectral Doppler, 3D, Strain, stress echocardiograms utilizing treadmill and bicycle, stress echocardiograms utilizing pharmacological agents (Dobutamine), and assist with transesophageal echocardiograms, for both inpatient and outpatient populations.

Responsibilities

• Selecting appropriate ultrasound equipment and ancillary equipment required by individual echo study.
• Setting up procedure room.
• Assessment of echo orders to identify specific pathology requirements in imaging, as well as identify contrast requests.
• Contacting requesting service and/or accessing patient clinical history when appropriateness of requested procedure is in question.
• Explaining the procedure to the patient and instructing and assisting the patient in assuming physical positions for study.
• Respecting patient physical ability, modesty, and comfort.
• Operating equipment to maximize image quality and data acquisition.
• Choosing appropriate transducers, adjusting control settings, and following standard protocols to complete each study.
• Making decisions to involve other lab personnel (RN, Fellow, Attending) as needed to obtain a complete, optimal diagnostic study.
• Requesting contrast studies to optimize imaging and answer all diagnostic questions.
• Obtaining IV access for ultrasound contrast administration.
• Measuring, recording, and saving data as required for each procedure, including proper billing.
• Completing preliminary findings on report form.
• Aiding physicians with invasive echo procedures (transesophageal echocardiograms) and ultrasound-guided procedures performed in the cath or electrophysiology labs.
• Measuring, recording, and saving data as required.
• Monitoring physiological status of patient when needed; assisting in the initiation and maintenance of emergency procedures.
• Following guidelines in reporting critical findings to scheduled Lab Attending.
• Following all Regulatory and Infection Prevention guidelines and policies.
• Monitoring inpatient work queues and scheduling ad hoc.
• Performing data entry and report generation at the CVC and off-site clinics.
• Performing other related duties as assigned.

Ability to Operate Efficiently

Operates efficiently in a high functioning, teamwork atmosphere to decrease delays in patient care.

Related Duties

• Maintaining and cleaning equipment used in both invasive and non-invasive echo procedures, following established health and safety guidelines.
• Maintaining and cleaning procedure rooms.
• Performing data entry specific to each procedure (patient demographics, billing, report maintenance).
• Acquiring data for clinical research protocols.
• Providing training/instruction on the operation of ultrasound equipment to other professionals.

Supervision Received

Supervision is received from the Adult Echo Lab administrative manager, Sonographer Supervisor, and Lead Tech.

Required Qualifications

• Cardiac Sonographer Non-Invasive Technologist Associates Degree in Cardiovascular Technology or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must be registry eligible.

Physical Requirements

This position requires moderate standing/walking, as well as lifting, positioning, pushing, and/or transferring of patients.

Desired Qualifications

• Associate's Degree in Cardiovascular Technology or Medical sonography with a specialty in Echocardiography is required, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Candidate must meet one of the following echocardiography credential criteria: An ARDMS Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) A CCI Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS)
• Understanding and demonstrating the core concepts of Patient and Family Centered Care (PFCC), including: Respect and Dignity, Information Sharing, Participation, and Collaboration.
• BLS certification within 3 months of hire.
• Bachelor's Degree in medical ultrasound or related field.
• Experience with new echo technologies such as 3D or Strain Imaging.
• Experience with pediatric echocardiography or adult congenital echocardiography.
• Wide variety of computer skills including, Word, and Excel.
• Demonstrated accountability/dependability as evidenced, for example, by a stellar attendance record; by completion of mandatories and unit-based competencies within an established time frame; by meeting deadlines and completing required work.
• Always strives to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem by offering constructive, creative ideas.