Echo Tech

Responsibilities

The Cardiac Sonographer (Echo Sonographer) is responsible for the independent operation of the sonography equipment and for performing and communicating results of diagnostic examinations using sonography. The Cardiac Sonographer is also responsible for the daily operations of the cardiology department, patient schedule, equipment maintenance, the report of equipment failures, and quality assessment (QA). The sonographer maintains a high standard of medical ethics at all times and is self‑motivated to increase level of understanding and knowledge of the field, disease, and new procedures as they evolve.

They are responsible for interacting with hospital staff and/or nursing departments regarding patient care, concerns, and conflicts by identifying and assisting in the resolutions. Assist physician during transesophageal echocardiography and perform transthoracic echocardiography including regular, contrast and Dobutamine echocardiograms in conjunction with Cardiac Stress Testing procedures utilizing 2D and M‑Mode with spectral and Doppler color flow velocity mapping in various areas of the heart and great vessels to aid in the diagnosis of cardiovascular disease or abnormalities.

Routinely works weekdays, weekends, holidays, evenings, nights, overtime, and/or on‑call status when needed. Will also be subject to assigned responsibilities in other departmental areas and/or other system‑wide facilities as needed with departmental head approval and appropriate training and direction as may be appropriate to the task.

Must demonstrate commitment and adherence to STHS’s Compliance Program and Code of Conduct through compliance with all policies and procedures, the Code of Conduct, attendance at required training and immediately reporting suspected compliance issue(s) to the Compliance Officer.

• Graduate of a formal Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program or Cardiovascular Technology Program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or Bachelor or Associate of Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography or Cardiovascular Technology.
• 2 years experience in Echocardiography.
• Current compliance with Continuing Medical Education (CME) requirements for specialty(ies) as appropriate.
• RDCS certification by American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographer’s (ARDMS) or RCS certification by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI). New hires may also be registry eligible and must obtain certification within the first year of hire.
• Must have and maintain current BLS certification, according to unit specific needs. Certification must be in accordance with the curriculum of the AHA, for Healthcare Provider’s Program.
• Experience:
  
  At least 2 years experience in performing echocardiography studies.
• Bilingual (English, Spanish) status is desirable.

• Ability to effectively operate transthoracic and tranesophageal sonographic equipment.
• Ability to evaluate an echocardiogram in order to acquire appropriate diagnostic information.
• Ability to integrate an echocardiogram, laboratory results, patient history and medical records, and adapt sonographic examination as necessary.
• Ability to use independent judgment to acquire the optimum diagnostic sonographic information in each echocardiogram performed.
• Ability to recognize cardiovascular disease or abnormalities.
• Ability to evaluate, synthesize, and communicate diagnostic information to the attending physician.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the patient and the health care team, recognizing the special nature of examinations and patient's needs.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public and health care team.
• Ability to follow established departmental procedures.
• Ability to work efficiently and cope with emergency situations.

• Performs clinical assessment and diagnostic echocardiogram examinations.
• Uses cognitive sonographic skills to identify, record, and adapt procedures as appropriate to anatomical, pathological, diagnostic information and images.
• Uses independent judgment during the…