Echo Technician Student PRN

About the role

The Echo/Cardiac Ultrasound Technologist works under the direction of the Non-Invasive Cardiology Manager or designee and demonstrates knowledge of non-invasive cardiac technology to perform physician-ordered diagnostic cardiac exams. He/she performs echocardiograms (2-D, M-mode, color doppler, pulsed wave doppler, and continuous wave doppler), TEEs (routine and CVOR), carotid imaging, tilt-table testing, and other related examinations according to established Hospital standards and practices.

Responsibilities

• Acquires a signed physician order with indicator for all exams.
• Demonstrates good judgment in responding to STAT calls and appropriately prioritizes STAT orders.
• Ensures patient consent is signed for the ordered procedure.
• Effectively communicates and explains the procedure to the patient without discussing clinical findings of the exam.
• Validates the patient and/or family understanding of the procedure.
• Ensures proper equipment operation during patient exams.
• Demonstrates proficiency in basic troubleshooting, equipment cleaning, storage and preventative maintenance.
• Demonstrates technical proficiency for echocardiograms: Adult and pediatric (if applicable) echocardiograms: Performs 2-D, M-mode, color Doppler, pulsed wave Doppler, and continuous wave Doppler. This includes all measurements as needed for a complete study to include parasternal long axis, parasternal short axis, apical 4-chamber, apical long axis, and apical 2-chamber, and subcostal 4-chamber view, subcostal short axis, subcostal RV outflow, abdominal aorta, suprasternal long axis of the aortic arch, and RV outflow to evaluate the MPA and branch PAs. Applies critical thinking skills to assess the patient condition to provide any additional views that will assist the cardiologist in the care/treatment of the patient.
• Stress echo (exercise and chemical): Performs 2-D imaging at the highest level for the evaluation of wall motion abnormalities. Stress images will include P-LAX, P-SAX, apical 4-chamber, and apical 2- chamber.
• Demonstrates technical proficiency for TEEs. Set up of equipment and all supplies. Assists cardiologist with probe insertion as directed. After probe placement, tape all data as requested. Upon completion of procedure, candidate will immediately clean and disinfect probe according to departmental policy.
• Assists with head up tilt table testing. Responsible for patient preparation to include validating the patient is NPO, patient transport, placement of electrodes, placement of blood pressure cuff and presence of a patent saline lock. If continuous monitoring is required, secures the use of EKG monitoring equipment. If labs are required, candidate will arrange for blood drawing. Candidate will remain with patient at all times and offer assistance under the direction of a RN.
• Demonstrates technical proficiency at carotid imaging. Ability to obtain images of the common carotid, bulb, internal and external carotids with color doppler and pulsed wave doppler. Provides measurements as necessary for a complete evaluation of both right and left carotids.
• Maintains all patient reports in accordance with Hospital policy. This includes but is not limited to the following: pulling all previous reports/images; presenting images to the correct reading physician; notifying reading physicians of requests; entering proper patient charges into Meditech; performing database and operating system backup; error log review; Hemodynamic Monitoring system data field modification; and proper storage of archived exam/study data.
• Performs high level disinfection using established policies and procedures as required.
• Takes “Call” as scheduled by the department Director or designee.
• Assists the Cardiology PACS Administrator with disaster recovery procedures for the Image Archive Servers.
• Serves as a resource to physicians and staff for the Cardiology PACS system.
• Orders department supplies as directed and ensures PAR levels are maintained to meet patient needs.
• Supports the mission and vision of the Methodist Healthcare System.
• Completes other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Completion of an Associate’s Degree/two year patient-care related allied health education program (diagnostic medical sonographer, radiologic technologist, respiratory therapist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, RN program) AND one (1) year full-time clinical ultrasound/vascular ultrasound experience. (ARDMS and RCS eligibility)
• Graduate of a CAAHEP accredited diagnostic medical sonography, diagnostic cardiac sonography or vascular technology program. (RCS and ARDMS eligibility)
• Bachelor’s degree (or foreign equivalent) AND six (6) months of full-time clinical ultrasound/vascular experience. (RCS eligibility)
• Bachelor’s degree in sonography or vascular technology (or foreign equivalent). (ARDMS eligibility)
• Current Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS), Registered Congenital Cardiac Sonographer (RCCS) or Registered Vascular Specialist (RVS) through Cardiovascular Credentialing International. (ARDMS eligibility)
• High school graduate/G.E.D. AND two (2) years full-time on-the-job experience in cardiac or vascular ultrasound.
• Graduate of a non-accredited program in Cardiac Medical Sonography that includes a minimum of one (1) year of specialty training (to include 800 clinical hours).

Benefits

Methodist Hospital Texsan, offers a total rewards package that supports the health, life, career and retirement of our colleagues. The available plans and programs include: Comprehensive benefits for medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, behavioral health and telemedicine servicesWellbeing support, including free counseling and referral servicesTime away from work programs for paid time off, paid family leave, long- and short-term disability coverage and leaves of absenceSavings and retirement resources, including a 401(k) Plan with a 100% match on 3% to 9% of pay (based on years of service), Employee Stock Purchase Plan, flexible spending accounts, preferred banking partnerships, retirement readiness tools, rollover support and financial wellbeing counselingEducation support through tuition assistance, student loan assistance, certification support, dependent scholarships and a partnership with Galen College of NursingAdditional benefits for fertility and family building, adoption assistance, life insurance, supplemental health protection plans, auto and home insurance, legal counseling, identity theft protection and consumer discounts