What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sonographer (ECHO) position at Eastern Connecticut Health Network?
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Echosonographer reports to the Manager of Cardiology Services and under the direction of a Cardiologist, performs exams at technical level that does not require direct supervision over technical detail. Conducts a variety of Echo exams including Doppler, Trans esophageal Echo, Bubble and Contrast exams. Uses independent judgment, ingenuity and acquired knowledge to obtain quality diagnostic images.
EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION:
- Must obtain Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) of Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) certification within one year of hiring and maintain registration by obtaining 30 Continuous Medical Education Credits (CMES) every 24 months.
- Must become certified in Basic Cardiac Life Support within 90 days of hire and maintain clinical competency during employment.
EXPERIENCE:
- Minimum education of a high school diploma or GED is required.
- Minimum of 2 years relevant experience preferred.
- Experience in working with and caring for all age groups of patients.
- Bilingual in English/Spanish is desirable, but not required.
COMPETENCIES:
- Complete knowledge of physics, anatomy, medical terminology, sterile technique, and universal precaution as it relates to Echocardiography practice is necessary.
- Excellent interpersonal verbal and written and communications skills with patients from all age groups as well as Nursing Stations, Physicians, and co-workers.
- Must have access to reliable transportation to travel between multiple work sites as travel is required to perform the essential functions of the position.
- Ability to work cooperatively with department staff by sharing in taking required rotational “call” hours.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:
Disclaimer: Job descriptions are not intended, nor should they be construed to be, exhaustive lists of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with the job. They are intended to be accurate reflections of the principal duties and responsibilities of this position. These responsibilities and competencies listed below may change from time to time. Eastern Connecticut Health Network reserves the right to change or assign other duties and responsibilities to this position
- Provides appropriate clinical care to the patient before, during and after to assure the patient’s comfort. Properly prepares and positions patients taking care that IV’s, catheters and oxygen leads, etc., remain intact and are handled with care.
- Exhibits a constant awareness of sterile practice and initiates all procedures using appropriate Infection Control Procedure. Coordinates patient’s medical needs with the Stress Nurse.
- Applies expertise and knowledge of machine functionality during patient exam to obtain quality images. Verifies that all exam images are received by the PACs system for Cardiologist’s review. Reports any equipment malfunctions to supervisor and/or Bio-Med.
- Accurately completes computer (Meditech) patient procedure documentation. Assures the accuracy of documentation understanding that all items will be charged to the patient’s hospital bill. Is available to Cardiologist for review and discussion.
- Independently responds on call basis to perform procedures. Drives to affiliate and/or contracted location to provide services as may be required. Travels to the Emergency Room and/or Intensive Care Unit and or Operating Room with portable equipment, as needed.
- Responsible to insert IVs and administer Definity.
- Independently runs one’s own schedule and properly documents patient flow while remaining sensitive to patients care and other co-workers needs and desires. Remains flexible in-patient flow in order to accommodate daily emergency calls and requests for inpatient procedures. Assists in obtaining transportation for patients when procedures are scheduled by internal Hospitalists, Physicians, etc.
- Works cooperatively to accomplish all tasks as a member of the Team.
- Adheres to established department procedures for storage, administration on billing of contrast material.
