Become An Echo Technician

* Positions patients, selects anatomic and technical parameters accurately to independently perform ultrasound imaging according to ICAEL protocol efficiently and accurately.
* Assists the cardiologist with the performance of TEE and stress imaging studies. (65%)
* Utilizes safety and infection prevention standards and performs appropriate quality control procedures.
* Cleans equipment including TEE probes per laboratory approved protocol.
* Maintains adequate supplies for efficient department operations. (15%)
* Recognizes the need for contrast imaging and may administer if trained and verified as competent per laboratory protocol. (5%)
* Operates the laboratory ultrasound systems, information systems and databases and enters all required demographic and other data. (15%)
* Performs other duties as assigned or required

* Contributes to the safety of patients by monitoring safe practices and communicating concerns to other members of the care team.
* Collects patient and ordering information and performs tests with safety in mind.
* Produces quality outcomes in the department by always being accountable for the quality of the exams and holding others to the same standards.
* Assures that testing is efficient, equipment is maintained and appropriate procedures are followed.
* Creates an optimal environment for patients through exceptional communication and a focus on meeting the expectations of the patient.
* Contributes to the financial goals of the department through appropriate data collection and documentation and order maintenance

* Assist in the performance of cardiac non-invasive procedure related activities.
* Perform echocardiography with 2
* D/3D Doppler, and color flow studies on adult, late adolescent and pediatric patients in a timely manner from time of request.
* Perform Stress Echocardiography on adolescent and adult patients.
* Prepare echocardiogram for diagnostic interpretation and preliminary impressions.
* Input accurate patient demographic information, register patients in the computer systems and create/maintain patients' files, filing and retrieval of echo reports.
* Provide all aspects of echocardiogram procedures related to patient care, including patient transportation.
* Liaise with the Information Technology Department on the Centricity Reporting System.
* Respond promptly to re-calls and function independently during on-call/re-call hours.
* Assist in orientating Cardiology Fellows, new hire echocardiographers, and diagnostic medical sonography students to perform echocardiography and the skills in imaging techniques.
* Maintain inventory, clinical supplies and cleanliness of the echocardiography laboratory equipment.
* Maintain accurate daily patient log for statistical reports.
* Participate in research studies coordinated for the Cardiology Fellowship Program.
* Report any hazardous conditions and equipment malfunctions immediately to the supervisor/administrator.
* Maintain patient confidentiality and patient privacy according to HIPAA, and a safe working environment.
* Perform all other related duties
* DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE ABOVE POSITION DESCRIPTION
* All successful candidates must undergo various background checks, maintain credentials required for continued employment and adhere to the SUNY
* DMC UHB Principles of Behavior.
* Clinical Faculty and Allied Health professionals must receive and maintain Medical Board authorization

* The Echo/Cardiac Ultrasound Technician 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.
* Applies technical knowledge of diagnostic non-invasive cardiac imaging equipment operation to include: Proficiency in basic troubleshooting, proper equipment cleaning, storage and maintenance of equipment.
* He/she accurately documents in accordance with Hospital policies and standards.
* Communicates timely and appropriate information with necessary members of the patient care team.
* Essential Job Functions:
* 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:
* A.
* 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.
* B.
* 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.
* C.
* 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.
* Minimum Education, Experience, Training, Required Knowledge, Skill, Abilities and Other Job
* Related Characteristics:
*

* Obtain and record patient identification.
* Explain testing procedures to patients to obtain cooperation and reduce anxiety.
* Prepare and position patients for testing.
* Attach electrodes to the patients' chests, arms, and legs, connect electrodes to leads from the echo machine to obtain a reading for timing of cardiac cycle, for measurement purposes Adjust equipment and controls according to physicians' orders or established protocol.
* Perform 2-dimensional, m-mode, color Doppler and pulsed wave/continuous Doppler echocardiograms on patients in various locations throughout Kentucky various days of the month (M
* Friday).
* Over-night stay in clinic area may be required.
* Overnight lodging expenses/meals are paid by company.
* Mileage reimbursement available in some circumstances.
* Recognize and provide detailed exams of specific heart defects during the study Monitor patients' comfort and safety during tests, alerting physicians to abnormalities Observe video screens of data analysis system during imaging of cardiovascular system.
* Provide obtained measurements of 2
* D, color Doppler & pulsed wave/continuous Doppler After physician interprets, type & chart report Clean, check and maintain cardiology equipment Remote device management.
* Other duties as assigned