Principal Responsibilities and Tasks

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. These are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

1. Coordinates the daily patient workload and prioritizing of patients in the echocardiography laboratory. Maintains daily work log and other department reports for tracking workflow.

2. Participates in leadership activities that will improve quality, teamwork and daily workflow.

3. Works to obtain results during more complex procedures. Performs non-invasive echocardiograms that assist the Cardiologist to diagnose, analyze and monitor the disorder of the heart in accordance with ICAEL protocol and departmental procedures.

• Greets and receives patients. Explains procedure to patient; informs patient or physician of required preparation for a particular exam.
• Positions patients according to imaging protocol. Assist patient onto the examining table, as appropriate and in accordance with department protocols.
• Performs clinical echocardiogram procedures of the heart, comprising real time 2 D, 3-D, color Doppler, spectral Doppler and M-Mode imaging.
• Performs quantitative analysis of studies to note abnormalities in test results and alerts physician of such abnormalities.
• Reports potential or actual patient/equipment problems to the manager and BioMedical Engineering Department. Troubleshoots minor equipment problems. Performs minor maintenance on equipment, as needed, following protocols and guidelines by contacting Biomed when necessary. Documents all equipment problems in maintenance logs
• Recognizes and responds to emergency situations by utilizing CPR or contacting appropriate medical personnel.
• Utilizes 'Universal Precautions" at all times when working with patients. Sets up and maintains a sterile field by using sterile technique; opens sterile procedure trays where applicable. Performs proper sterile scanning technique when appropriate, and with open-chest surgical patients.
• Assists in trans-esophageal echocardiograms, under direct physician supervision and according to ICAEL guidelines, by operating cardiac ultrasound equipment, preparing and disinfecting trans-esophageal scope as per infection control standards/procedures.
• Performs clinical fetal echocardiogram procedures of the heart, comprising of 2-D real time, doppler, and m-mode imaging. Provide identification of cardiac structures, recognition of abnormalities and documentation for later clinical interpretation.
• Manipulate 3D datasets and reconstruct images through 3D software for clinical interpretation and presentations.

4. Cleans and disinfects ultrasound/cardiology equipment. Ensures that ECHO rooms are ready for clinic.

5. Responsible for maintaining adequate equipment and ECHO supply levels. Maintains supplies needed on a daily basis

6. Follows up on delayed clinical engineering or maintenance requests to ensure equipment is ready as quickly as possible.

7. Communicates effectively with patients, and staff. Communicates information regarding cardiac sonography procedures requiring patient preparation.

8. Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on the assigned unit. Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's requirements relative to his or her age-specific needs and provides the care needed related to the scope of practice.

9. Enters patient information in the ECHO and EMR system accurately and completely in accordance with departmental standards.

10. Participates actively in peer review and program QI.

11. Performs clinical assignments independently and participates patient care coordination.

12. Maintains knowledge of current technology that affects ECHO work environment.

13. Networks interdepartmentally to ensure optimal patient care across service lines (adult, peri operative, and women's services).

14. Participates in attends in-service training and various educational programs for professional growth and development. Keeps up-to-date on changes in the field. Shares current knowledge.

15. Attends Multi - disciplinary Cardiac Cath Conferences and Patient M&M forums.

16. Participate with education of students, residents and other visiting staff. Acts as preceptor for new staff. Assumes mentorship role for new staff to ensure progressive clinical development of such.

17. Participation in-service activities for students, residents and fellows, cardiac students, house staff and post graduate fellows in technical aspects of echocardiograms.

18. Performs related duties as required

III. Education and Experience

1. Completion of a high school level of course work with attainment of a high school diploma or a State High School Equivalency Certificate (GED) is required. College degree in health sciences or equivalent is preferred.

2. Completion of accredited ultrasound program is required.

3. CPR certification required.

4. One (1) year experience performing echocardiography testing/procedures, or equivalent is preferred.

5. Registered as a Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer in adult echocardiography by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers is required along with passing the pediatric echocardiography board by ARDMS within one year of employment AND/OR registered as a diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer in pediatric echocardiography by the ARDMS is required.

6. Competent in performing fetal echo is preferred.