JOB SUMMARY:

Under the general supervision of the Director of Cardiovascular Services, Echo sonographer performs a variety of routine echocardiograms including, but not limited to, Transthorasic Echocardiogram or TTE, with Color, Spectral Doppler and 2-D imaging, Transesophageal Echocardiogram TEE, Plain Stress Echocardiogram or Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram, TTE with bubbles, TTE with contrast and advanced TTE such as TTE with 3D imaging, for both inpatient and outpatient studies. Locates, evaluates, and records pertinent anatomical, pathological and functional data while using different systems of ultrasound equipment. Transmits exams to compatible DICOM storage applications, processes preliminary technical data in designated interpreting system, and communicates any significant findings to the attending reading physician. This job requires availability to be on call. They will carry out job duties consistent with St. Joseph Medical Centers mission and values by working as a team member and mandating customer satisfaction

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Performs cardiac echo studies while ensuring precise and accurate data is transmitted for physician completion. (EF) Provides care for the physical needs of patients when conducting the cardiac echo studies. As well as educates patients who require inpatient or outpatient echo exams by providing explanations of purpose and techniques used during the exam. Proactively identifies issues and how to address them for optimum outcomes. Provides direct assistance to physicians and other health care team members during cardiac echo studies including, patient preparation before procedures and performs proper sterile techniques as indicated in support of the procedure. People Consistently follow patient care, and facility guidelines and procedures in performance. Collaborates with inter and intraprofessional colleagues to ensure quality outcomes. It promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team-focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner. Uses professional judgment and critical thinking to prepare, prioritize, and execute the patients plan of care consistent with patient assessment data, physicians treatment plans, and professional standards of care. Implements measures to prevent exposure to infectious pathogens and communicable conditions. Identifies risks and hazards to patients through various risk assessments, with actions taken to mitigate patient harm. Identifies and recognizes cardiac structures accurately, including: calculate valve area, pressure gradients and ejection fraction when performing echo studies. Confirms the quality of the study is concise and clear to optimize best images for the patient care team and interpreting physician.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Graduate of an education program approved by the American Registry of Diagnostic Sonography (ARDMS) or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) Certificates.
• Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) from American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) OR Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) or Registered Congenital Cardiac Sonographer (RCCS) from Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI)
• Basic Life Support certification required
• American Heart Association and American Red Cross accepted.
• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills and competency assessments
• Possesses basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to include, Hospital / Radiology/ Cardiology Information Systems and Office software to maintain patient and exam documents
• Exhibits strong interpersonal and team player skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians, and co-workers.
• Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities with minimal supervision including, organizing workflow, and actively participating in problem solving Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially regarding activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

PREFERRED:

• Minimum 1 year experience as a cardiovascular Echosonographer
• Preferred Spanish speaking, preferred
• Adult and Neonatal experience is preferred.