Cardiac Sonographer (Echo Tech)

FroedtertSouth•Pleasant Prairie, WI

8h•Onsite

About The Position

Performs echocardiograms, stress echoes and TEES at the request of the ordering physician. Skilled in the interpretation of echocardiography for the purpose of creating a preliminary report to be read by the cardiologist. Explains echocardiogram procedure, including the details of the exam and duration of the test. Answers logistical questions without giving preliminary results and provides ambulatory and check-out assistant to patients, always keeping in mind patient safety. Positions patients, applies ultrasound gels and electrodes, connects and adjusts equipment and verifies accurate ECG. Produces high-quality echocardiographic images in adherence to facility protocol and IAC standards. Accurately positions transducer to get on-axis US images. Optimizes 2D images by adjusting depth, focus, TGCs, gain, frequency, etc. Optimizes color and spectral Doppler by adjusting color gain, PRF, color box, sweep speed, etc. Acquires 2-3 beat acquisitions of cardiac structures. Produces measurements of cardiac wall thickness, chamber size, ejection fraction, diastolic parameters and hemodynamics, including, but not limited to direction of flow, velocity and pressure gradients. Reviews previous echocardiogram images and results to compare to most recent images and measurements for a comparative evaluation. Observes and adheres to hospital policies and protocols. Maintains patient confidence and protects operations by following established procedures to safeguard confidential information. Participates in IAC meeting and quarterly QA requirements. Stays current with CME requirements and yearly license renewal. Performs basic maintenance checks on machine and reports if there are any problems, checks inventory of supplies, and replenishes stock as needed. Reviews inpatient and outpatient physician orders and medical reasoning for the exam, prints and reviews old echocardiograms of the patient. Reviews daily schedule of patients being performed and plans day accordingly. Assists cardiologists and anesthesiologists with transesophageal echocardiograms in the outpatient and inpatient settings. Proficient in stress echocardiography, including dobutamine stress and treadmill stress echocardiograms. Uses Definity contrast when appropriate, explains the need for its use to the patient. Performs bubble study (saline contrast) with the aid of an RN, when appropriate. Displays positive communication skills, able to successfully interact with staff, continually demonstrates courtesy to patients. Able to work well independently and as part of a team.

Requirements

Completion of an accredited Echocardiographic school (CAAHEP accredited program).
RDCS or CCI registered.
Current BLS and/or CPR certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross or the ability to obtain certification within 90 days of hire.
Demonstrated proficiency in performing Echocardiograms.
Knowledge of basic medical terminology.
Knowledge of clerical functions related to scheduling, order entry, record keeping, and patient interaction.
Ability to read, write, hear, and speak the English language fluently.
Ability to demonstrate competence with all associated equipment used.
Knowledge in the anatomy and physiology of the heart.
Ability to perform under stress in emergent, urgent, unusual, or dangerous situations, or when sustained attention and work speed are necessary.

Nice To Haves

1 to 3 years’ experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Performs echocardiograms, stress echoes and TEES at the request of the ordering physician.
Creates a preliminary report of echocardiography interpretations for the cardiologist.
Explains the echocardiogram procedure, exam details, and test duration to patients.
Answers patient questions about logistics without providing preliminary results.
Provides ambulatory and check-out assistance to patients, prioritizing safety.
Positions patients, applies ultrasound gels and electrodes, connects and adjusts equipment, and verifies ECG.
Produces high-quality echocardiographic images according to facility protocol and IAC standards.
Accurately positions the transducer for on-axis US images.
Optimizes 2D images by adjusting depth, focus, TGCs, gain, and frequency.
Optimizes color and spectral Doppler by adjusting color gain, PRF, color box, and sweep speed.
Acquires 2-3 beat acquisitions of cardiac structures.
Measures cardiac wall thickness, chamber size, ejection fraction, diastolic parameters, and hemodynamics (flow direction, velocity, pressure gradients).
Reviews previous echocardiogram images and results for comparative evaluation.
Adheres to hospital policies and protocols.
Maintains patient confidentiality.
Participates in IAC meetings and quarterly QA requirements.
Stays current with CME requirements and yearly license renewal.
Performs basic maintenance checks on equipment and reports issues.
Checks and replenishes supply inventory.
Reviews physician orders and medical reasoning for exams.
Assists cardiologists and anesthesiologists with transesophageal echocardiograms.
Performs stress echocardiography, including dobutamine and treadmill stress tests.
Uses Definity contrast when appropriate and explains its use to patients.
Performs bubble studies (saline contrast) with RN assistance when appropriate.