JOB SUMMARY

Under the direction of the VP of Nursing and Clinical Services, Medical Director of Cardiology and Director of Imaging Services, performs diagnostic echosonography imaging procedures including holter monitor placement and EKG cardiology procedures at a technical level that does not require constant supervision or detailed instruction. Provides high quality clinical care and excellent service to patients for the purpose of obtaining quality images for interpretations by the Cardiologist.

Essential Functions:

Practices within the scope of licensure, complies with federal and state legal and professional requirements

Consistently follows Imaging Services departmental and facility wide policies, including echosonography specific policies and protocols

Follows proper patient identification protocol by using two determined patient identifiers, instructs the patient to repeat name and date of birth

Inspects the patient's examination order, clinical indication, previous imaging exams, and any pertinent patient information before proceeding with the imaging procedure

Consults the Cardiologist or ordering provider if further clarification is needed

Prepares patients for examination by acquiring history, answering questions, and providing instructions and detailed explanation of the procedure to obtain the best possible study while reducing the patient's anxiety

Thoroughly completes patient screening and applicable forms relating to the echosonography procedure and patient's care

Demonstrates competency in appropriate documentation

Follows policies/protocols when documenting within the patient's chart

Communicates effectively to caregiver responsible for the care of the patient following the imaging procedure if applicable

Demonstrates competency in accurately implementing "downtime" processes

Prepares and positions patients for echosonography procedures, using immoblization devices appropriately when needed to obtain optimum imaging

Follows approved protocols and echosonography parameters while delivering quality patient care and ensuring safety

Consistently informs the Cardiologist of all pertinent information before and after the procedure when needed and promptly notifies the Cardiologist of any critical finding

Possesses a solid understanding of anatomy and demonstrates the ability to position patients as needed to complete adequate echosonography imaging, EKG, and holter monitor procedures

Protects the patient's privacy at all time and ensures all patient documents are kept private including information on computer screens

Complies with HIPAA guidelines

Follows patient safety guidelines with every encounter, ensures the patient is attended to at all times

Demonstrates a solid understanding of echosonography physics and possesses a solid understanding of the functions and operations of echosonography equipment and attached components within the facility including but not limited to probes and printers

Demonstrates a solid understanding of echosonography and cardiology equipment operation and attached components

Possesses the knowledge and ability to safely operate all echosonography, EKG, and holter monitor units in the facility

Follows proper steps to report equipment malfunctions and promptly notifies the Director or Chief Technologist with any equipment issues

Performs equipment QC and calibration when applicable

Demonstrates competency with all invasive modality specific procedures

Effectively communicates any changes in the patient's condition during or after the procedure with the Cardiologist, ordering provider, and/or RN

Demonstrates the ability to consistently meet or exceed the departmental standards for echosonography and possesses a solid understanding of modality specific skills checklists

Demonstrates competency with all invasive modality specific procedures

Follows proper protocol, practices sterile technique, prepares the room with required supplies/instruments to be readily available when applicable

Verifies the department RN is available for invasive procedures with appropriate patient forms/documentation completed

Participates in and ensures a "Time Out" is completed with the team prior to beginning invasive procedures

Demonstrates competency in proper infection control

Washes and/or sanitizes hands before and after each patient encounter

Thoroughly cleans/sanitizes equipment after each patient encounter following manufacturer's guidelines

Follows the Cleaning and High-Level Disifection of Ultrasound Probes policy and procedure if applicable

Properly cleans and disinfects all probes and gel warmers

Evaluates technical quality of images to obtain representative images of normal and pathological conditions

Ensures correct labeling and patient identification prior to submitting for Cardiologist's interpretation

Completes all required patient forms appropriately and routes the forms correctly for distribution to medical records

Demonstrates competency with computer programs; Paragon Radiology Management, Order Management, Resource Scheduling, PACS, Cardioserver and any additional programs as requested

Performs clerical duties including but not limited to answering phones, scheduling outpatient imaging/cardiology exams, documenting patient information within computer programs, and properly releasing imaging studies for continuing care according to hospital and departmental policies

Demonstrates competency with imaging retrieval for archiving, CD exporting/importing, and film printing

Ensures work environment is free from patient/visitor/employee safety hazards

Appropriately reports any safety issues immediately

Consistently ensures life support carts, oxygen hook-ups, suction devices are maintained properly and are in excellent working condition at all times

Ensures work area is kept clean and organized

Reports cleaning and linen needs to Environmental Services in a timely manner

Maintains supply inventory, ensuring proper quantity of supplies are stocked

Consistently rotates supply inventory to prevent out-dating and verifies supply room and cabinets are secure at all times

Completes all work prior to shift end and informs incoming staff of any pending exams/patient information

Provides a positive image to customers by creating a friendly atmosphere and places a high priority on meeting customer requirements in a timely and courteous manner

Responds to "on-call" in the required time frame

Participates in orientation and training of new employees and student technologists

Contributes to a team atmosphere by demonstrating excellent communication skills, taking initative to perform needed tasks, and being flexible to go beyond normal expectations to meet the needs of others

Willingly accepts various work assignments, is accountable and responsible for actions/decisions

Demonstrates an openness to change through suggestions and constructive feedback

Demonstrates proper use of time, equipment, and supplies in efforts to control costs

Maintains current certifications and continuing education requirements

Seeks opportunities to improve knowledge base by attending deparmental meetings, in services and completing education assignments

Maintains a good rapport and professional working relationship with JSH providers, staff, patients, families, and visitors, as well as outside providers and offices

Required Licenses:

Demonstrates the ability to provide care according to licensure and registration requirements
Current registration with the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (ARDMS) or Cardiovascular Credentialing International or board eligible in cardiac sonography

Basic Life Support certification

Minimum Work Experience:

Experience required