ECHOCARDIOGRAPHER

**Job Summary/Overall Objectives**

Performs noninvasive diagnostic testing using cardiac ultrasound to provide data to the physicians to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of heart disorders. These tests include but are not limited to transthoracic echoes, echocardiograms, transesophageal echoes, stress echoes and dobutamine stress echoes. These procedures will be done in the operation room, catheterization lab or the patient bedside as necessary.

******Essential Job Functions**

* Acquires all images required by echo protocol for a complete (2D, Doppler and Color Flow) and follow- up transthoracic echocardiogram, transesophageal echocardiogram and a stress echo
* Introduces self to patient and explains the test.
* Asks the patient to state their name and date of birth and confirms by comparing to arm bracelet and requisition.
* Conducts the technical aspects of the test according to protocol explaining as much as is needed to keep patient engaged in the process and comfortable with what is being done.
* Documents in the medical record that the test was completed and any other pertinent data.
* Makes the determination of technical limitations in the exam, proceeds if needed, terminates exam or administers contrast to enhance.
* Explains the need for contrast and gets verbal consent from patient to proceed.
* Uses existing IV, starts IV or gets trained staff to start an IV for them
* Administers contrast agent per protocol
* Continues gathering needed views in sync with the contrast agent per protocol
* Downloads all the portions of study needed for complete interpretation including all technical data established in protocol.
* Enters or downloads all ADT information needed
* Enters ordering physician, interpreting physician and tech completing the test
* Completes all data fields expected per protocol
* Completes daily all clerical functions related to running this department
* Answering and making phone calls
* Getting reports to physicians for interpretation and then distributing them as needed.
* Posts charges daily
* Copies and files as needed
* Maintains a productivity rating of + or - 10% of other staff in the department on a quarterly basis based on the relative time allotted per UOS.
* Maintains sufficient level of supplies in the department.
* Maintains record of services provided for verification and statistical purposes.
* Cleans and assures proper maintenance of all equipment.
* Cleans and stores TEE probes per protocol
* Other duties as assigned.

**Competency and Experience [Knowledge, Skills and Abilities]**

**Required Qualifications/Experience**

* Graduated DMS program.
* One (1) or more years of recent experience in echo or recent graduate of an accredited program in echocardiography.
* Strong leadership ability, good organizational skills, independent and critical thinking skills, sound judgment, and knowledge of legal aspects and liability of nursing practice.
* Strong ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.
* Basic working knowledge of computers and office equipment.

**Preferred Qualifications/Experience**

* Fully trained in all aspects of echocardiography.
* ARDMS Registered or equivalent.
* Experience in Healthcare setting.

**License, Certification & Clearances **

* Current Basic Life Support (BLS) approved curriculum of the American Heart Association (CPR and AED) program.
* Must have ARDMS, RDCS certification within one (1) year from date of hire.
* Act 33 with renewal
* Act 34 with renewal
* Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal

**Position Type/Expected Hours of Work**

* Incumbent will be scheduled based on operational need (rotate shifts, standby, on-call, etc.).
* Travel may be expected locally between System locations.

******Equal Employment Opportunity**

**** Independence Health and its affiliated companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. It is their policy to prohibit discrimination of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or genetic information, or any other classification protected by law. Independence Health and its affiliated companies will comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

**Disclaimer**

**** This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Moreover, duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

**Work Environment**

Effective March 2020 or during pandemic: goggles, face shield and mask are required according to CDC guidelines

**Physical Condition** | **Essential** | **Marginal** | **Constantly** | **Frequently** | **Occasionally** | **Rarely** | **Never**
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---
Extreme Heat | | | | | | | x
Extreme Cold | | | | | | | x
Heights | | | | | | | x
Confined Spaces | | | | | | | x
Extreme Noise(>85dB) | | | | | | | x
Mechanical Hazards | | | | | | | x
Use of Vibrating Tools | | | | | | | x
Operates Vehicle (company) | | | | | | | x
Operates Heavy Equipment | | | | | | | x
Use of Lifting/Transfer Devices | | x | | | | x |
Rotates All Shifts | | | | | | | x
8 Hours Shifts | x | | | x | | |
10-12 Hours Shifts | | | | | | | x
On-Call | x | | | x | | |
Overtime(+8/hrs/shift; 40/hr/wk) | | x | | | | x |
Travel Between Sites | x | | | | x | |
Direct Patient Care | x | | x | | | |
Respirator Protective Equipment | x | | | x | | |
Eye Protection | | | | | | | x
Head Protection (hard hat) | | | | | | | x
Hearing Protection | | | | | | | x
Hand Protection | x | | | x | | |
Feet, Toe Protection | | | | | | | x
Body Protection | x | | | x | | |
Latex Exposure | x | | | x | | |
Solvent Exposure | | | | | | | x
Paint (direct use) Exposure | | | | | | | x
Dust (sanding) Exposure | | | | | | | x
Ethylene Oxide Exposure | | | | | | | x
Cytotoxic (Chemo) Exposure | | | | | | | x
Blood/Body Fluid Exposure | x | | | x | | |
Chemicals (direct use) Exposure | | | | | | | x
Mist Exposure | | | | | | | x
Wax Stripper (direct use) | | | | | | | x
Non-Ionizing Radiation Exposure | | | | | | | x
Ionizing Radiation Exposure | | | | | | | x
Laser Exposure | | | | | | | x

**Physical Demands**

**Physical Condition** | **Essential** | **Marginal** | **Constantly** | **Frequently** | **Occasionally** | **Rarely** | **Never**
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---
Bending (Stooping) | | x | | | | x |
Sitting | | x | | | x | |
Walking | x | | | x | | |
Climbing Stairs | | x | | | | x |
Climbing Ladders | | | | | | | x
Standing | x | | | x | | |
Kneeling | | x | | | | x |
Squatting (Crouching) | | x | | | | x |
Twisting/Turning | x | | | x | | |
Keyboard/Computer Operation | x | | | x | | |
Gross Grasp | | x | | | | x |
Fine Finger Manipulation | | x | | | | x |
Hand/Arm Coordination | x | | | x | | |
Pushing/Pulling(<50 #lbs. of force) | x | | | x | | |
Carry | | | | | | | x
Transfer/Push/Pull Patients | x | | | x | | |
Seeing Near w/Acuity | x | | x | | | |
Feeling (Sensation) | | x | | | | x |
Color Vision | x | | x | | | |
Hearing Clearly | x | | x | | | |
Pulling/Pushing Objects Overhead | | | | | | | x
Reaching Above Shoulder Level | | x | | | | x |
Reaching Forward | x | | | x | | |
Lifting Floor to Knuckle | x | | | | | <10# |
Lifting Seat Pan to Knuckle | | | | | | <10# |
Lifting Knuckle to Shoulder | | | | | | <10# |
Lifting Shoulder to Overhead | | | | | | | x

When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.