Ultrasound Technician

Overview

Evaluation of anatomy and pathophysiology of the heart and great vessels by the use of diagnostic ultrasound. Performance, measurement, and evaluation of Adult and Pediatric Transthoracic Echocardiograms, Stress Echo (Treadmill, Dobutamine, and Valvular), and TEE procedures. Image and report processing via PACS and electronic reporting applications. Perform specialty imagine (contrast, 3D, strain) and participate in cardiac cath lab and cardiovascular surgical procedures. Engage with sonographer team, physicians, families, and patients to create a Great Patient Experience. Support laboratory operations by participation in accreditation, quality assurance, education, and lab development projects. Embodies the Memorial Health Values of Safety, Integrity, Quality, and Stewardship that support our mission and vision

Qualifications

Education:

• Graduate of an accredited Ultrasound Program

Licensure/Certification/Registry:

• Must be registry eligible at time of hire/transfer
• Sonographer Registry Pending: New graduate sonographer until active ARDMS (American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers) in Cardiac RDCS or Cardiac credentials from CCI (Cardiac Credentialing International) registry passed (max time 6 months)
• CPR required within 90 days from hire/transfer date

Experience:

• New Graduate-1 year
• Graduate of an Accredited School for Radiologic Technologist, required
• Graduate of an Accredited Ultrasound Program, preferred

Other Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to lift and move patients and heavy equipment to meet the clinical and operational needs of the area
• Effective oral and written communication skills

Responsibilities

1. Obtain, review and bring together pertinent patient history, physical examination and supporting clinical data to facilitate diagnostic result.

1. Perform cardiac ultrasound diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedures on patients of all ages by producing, assessing and evaluating ultrasound images and related data according to established standards, policies, procedures and guidelines.

1. Provide interpreting physicians with an oral or written summary of technical findings.

1. Maintain technical skills related to all ultrasound imaging factors; maintain knowledge of other testing modalities.

1. Demonstrate knowledge in human gross and sectional anatomy and physiology and pathophysiology to image and evaluate normal and abnormal tissue structure or function.

1. Understand biological effects of ultrasound.

1. Adheres to behavioral standards.

1. Utilize proper infection control procedures according to department and hospital procedures.

1. Ensure proper recording, documentation, confidentiality and transmission of patient information. Develop and maintain skills in digital imaging and information practices.

1. Monitor the condition of equipment and supplies to ensure safe and efficient operation of the department.

1. Comply with departmental policies regarding employee/patient incident reports.

1. Participate in the department's continuing education program, Laboratory accreditation and case review/quality review processes.

1. Keep current with clinical developments in the field of ultrasound imaging. Be responsible for continual learning.

1. Maintain ARDMS or CCI credential through documentation of continuing education requirements of the credentialing organization.

1. Organize and participate in daily activities that maintain operations: cleaning stocking, equipment evaluation, moving equipment to bedside studies, data entry and evaluation, emergency call rotation, imaging system electrical safety, equipment repair and diagnostics, Imaging and reporting system Dbase maintenance and Sys Admin functions.

1. Follow SMH policy directives and procedures the performance of duties and responsibilities.

1. Be an example to the laboratory staff of professionalism, teamwork and patient advocacy.

1. Demonstrate leadership in helping the team meet strategic goals of the department and the organization.

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA (CARDIAC):

1. Maintain skills and expand knowledge in the performance and evaluation of transthoracic echocardiography in the adult population.

1. Maintain skills and expand knowledge in the performance and evaluation of transesophageal echocardiography in the adult population in standard settings, the surgical suites and Cath Labs.

1. Maintain skills and expand knowledge in the performance and evaluation of stress echocardiography procedures.

1. Maintain skills and expand knowledge of the application of echocardiography in pericardial centesis, myocardial biopsy, intracardiac echo, or other interventional procedures.

1. Maintain skills and expand knowledge in the performance and evaluation of transthoracic echocardiography in the pediatric, neonatal and fetal population.

1. Possess knowledge and understanding of other cardiac diagnostic testing: cardiac cath, EP, Holter, EKG and arrhythmias, radionuclide imaging.

1. Maintain skills and expand knowledge of ultrasound contrast agents and their applications.

1. Recognize and address critical pathology through modification of scan protocols, recommendation of ancillary testing and notification of interpreting physician.

1. Demonstrate leadership in clinical application of echocardiography.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
Associated topics: cardiology, ccc, echocardiography, gyn, ihr, imaging, sonographer ultrasound, ultrasonographer, ultrasound, vascular