
Lead Echocardiogram Technician
Job Description
GENERAL SUMMARY:
Under the general direction of the Director, Cardiology and the technical direction of the Cardiologist, performs professional duties as Lead Echo Technologist. Performs a variety of technical procedures requiring special handling or unusual techniques to apply sound waves for ultrasound diagnoses on individuals ranging in age from infancy to geriatrics. Provides direct and indirect lead support for area personnel and coordinates activities with other departments. Maintains echo imaging services in a confidential manner and in accordance with standards established in order to provide and efficient and patient driven service.
These duties are to be performed in a highly confidential manner, in accordance with the mission, values and behaviors of Insight Hospital and Medical Center. Employees are further expected to provide a high quality of care, service, and kindness toward all patients, staff, physicians, volunteers and guests.
DESCRIPTION:
Duties and Responsibilities:
Reports adverse signs to physicians.
- Operates all sonography equipment (Philips, GE, and Siemens) and performs sonographic examinations to produce high quality ultrasound images.
- Performs/Assists Physician with sonography related procedures. Prepares patient or the equipment where required. Like stress echo/Dobutamine echo/TEE and HRT mapping.
- Provides Cardiology services to Cardiac Stress testing, ECG recording/Editing and Ambulatory Monitoring/Scanning according to established standards and policies.
- Positions and handles patients with a high degree of professional ethics, care, tact, courtesy, patience, and safety.
- Maintains an awareness of patient’s physical, and emotional condition, recognize and report adverse signs to physicians or supervisory personnel, and have knowledge of patient care and emergency care procedures.
- Complete all paperwork applicable to the examination, i.e. clinical information, history, and any other pertinent data to provide useful information pertinent to the examination and its interpretation.
- Provides orientation in the echo section.
- Provides statistical reports to Director, Cardiology utilizing data recorded in area.
- Prepares the department to apply and maintain accreditation through IAC Intersocietal Accreditation Commission.
- Organizes, maintains, and reviews quality control and quality assurance programs and their proper documentation to ensure patient satisfaction.
- Participates in interviewing and selection process and provides orientation in the ultrasound section.
- Monitors all examinations so that all charges are accurate and complete.
- Ensures that all policies and procedures related to echo are maintained and updated.
- Provides instruction in new protocols.
- Reviews time sheets, ensures adequate staffing and controls overtime in echo section.
- Plans, coordinates, and controls staffing schedules, room rotations, and assignments.
- Provides lead support to personnel in the echo Section and provides input in performance appraisals of those employees.
- Assists in the screening and scheduling of patients.
- Instructs echo techs and student in new protocols and equipment.
- Ensures safe practices and techniques.
- Enters orders in Cerner Electronic Medical Record for all exams performed.
- Ensures safe practices and techniques for patients and personnel.
- Keeps adequate records and assures proper patient identification in echo section for medical/legal considerations.
- Interacts in a professional manner.
- Transmits images and documentation to Cardiology Picture Archiving Communication System (CPACS) or ISCV.
- Assures that efficient patient workflow, timely service, and special patient needs are maintained to ensure patient and physician satisfaction.
- Interacts in a professional manner with patients, visitors, and hospital staff regarding the services and operation of the echo Section.
- Maintains inventory of supplies in the area. Performs office procedures accurately in the absence of clerical support staff.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
A. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge:
- Satisfactory completion of an American Registry for Diagnostic or Cardiovascular Credentialing International required.
- Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (RDMS) preferred.
- RDMS preferred in at least two categories (abdomen and small parts).
- Three to five years' experience in a large Cardiology/Echo department in a hospital atmosphere preferred.
- Experience in a lead role preferred.
Skills:
- Must have good oral/written communication skills, and good customer service skills.
Abilities:
- Ability to effectively organize and demonstrate technical skills to lead the Echo Section.
- Must be able to organize multiple activities in order to maintain an adequate flow of work within the ultrasound section.
- Must be able to deal effectively with patients, staff, supervisors, and physicians.
Disclaimer:
The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of functions, tasks, duties, responsibilities and requirements of employees so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of Mercy Hospital and Medical Center.