Cardiac Echo Tech

I. Position Function:

Under the direction of the Chief Echo Technologist this person performs services utilizing diagnostic ultrasound equipment specifically of cardiac structures.

Performs and initially interprets Cardiac Echo Studies including Two-Dimensional Echo Doppler Contrast Studies Trans-Esophageal Stress Echo and Dobutamine Stress Echo Intra-Operative Studies Valvuloplasties in Cath Lab and Research Studies. Communicates with different areas of Cardiology Department other hospital departments and Echo Lab to facilitate delivery of service.

Performs echocardiograms at a technical level not requiring constant supervision.

II. Job Relationships:

Supervised by and/or reportable to the following by job category:

- Chief Echo-technologist

- Chief Medical Echo Lab Director

- Nurse Manager/Cardiology

Must be able to collaborate and effectively communicate with physicians and other health care professionals.

III. Authority:

None

IV. A. Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

1.) Provides superior customer service to internal and external clients customers

and patients as referenced in the Service Excellence Standards.

Perform echocardiograms (TEE DOBUTAMINE STRESS ECHO EXERCISE ECHO) both in the lab and in the intensive care units.

Assists cardiology fellows and nurses during special echo procedures.

Recognize and act upon abnormal echo results requiring immediate response.

Assist in scheduling special echo procedures and arrange for all necessary personnel.

Data entry of echo results generating formal reports. Dispersal of reports to referring physicians and patient floors.

Maintain logs of all patients studied and enter all patient data into the computer.

Prepare material for weekly echocardiography conference Grand Rounds and other instructional situations.

Participate in research studies.

Assist in training cardiology fellows in echo technique.

Maintain and properly clean all echo equipment; i.e. probe filters etc.

B. Responsibilities/Non-Essential Functions:

Maintain a clean and orderly environment in labs. Restock supplies and laundry daily.

Arrange for patients to be transported to and from lab. When necessary return patient to the floor.

Insure the safety and comfort of all patients in the lab.

Properly route data-processing charge tickets.

Communicate effectively with staff in the Labs Department and in other hospital areas and physician offices.

Answer phones echo results scheduling transport confer with physicians.

Cross-strains to the exercise lab.

Applies loop monitors.

Performs EKGs vital signs and phlebotomy.

V. Reporting Requirements:

Data entry

VI. Accountability:

This person shall be accountable for maintaining the confidentiality and security of all hospital-related medical staff-related and patient-related data and information.

This person shall be accountable for abiding by all relevant hospital policies and procedures.

VII. Qualifications:

Minimum Education:

College degree or prior medical background (Nursing X-Ray).

Plus 2 years classroom and at least 1600 hours hands-on experience.

Minimum Experience:

1-5 years experience performing Echocardiograms.

1 year experience in a hospital-based echo lab.

Highly trained in Echocardiography with strong knowledge of anatomy physiology and disease process.

Minimum skills/abilities:

Basic computer knowledge and some typing skills

Basic sterile techniques.

Must have strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Must be able to work independently.

Certification/Licensure:

Certification by the Registry of Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographers or registry eligible.

Training:

A minimum of 1 year hands-on echo experience in a hospital-based lab.

Must have performed trans-thoracic echo studies with doppler and color doppler exercise and dobutamine stress echo tests.

Must have assisted with transesophageal echos