Cardiac Sonographer Intern (Echo Tech)

POSITION PURPOSE
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 preliminaryreport to be read by the cardiologist.
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SITE(S)
Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital
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MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIRED
Completion of accredited Echocardiographic school (CAAHEP accredited program)
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MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
No experience required
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1 to 3 years’ experience preferred
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LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED
RDCS or CCI registered
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Current BLS and/or CPR certification from the American Heart Association or American RedCross or the ability to obtain certification within 6 weeks of hire.
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SUPERVISES
N/A
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KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED
Demonstrated proficiency in performing Echocardiograms preferred.
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Knowledge of basic medical terminology and clerical function related to scheduling, order entry,record keeping and interaction with patients.
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Ability to read, write, hear, and speak the English language fluently.
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Must be able to demonstrate competence with all associated equipment used.
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Demonstrate knowledge in the anatomy and physiology of the heart.
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Ability to perform under stress when confronted with emergent, urgent, unusual, or dangeroussituations, or situations in which work speed and sustained attention are necessary.
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PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Explains echocardiogram procedure, including the details of the exam and duration of the test.Answers logistical questions without giving preliminary results and provides ambulatory andcheck-out assistant to patients, always keeping in mind patient safety.
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Positions patients, applies ultrasound gels and electrodes, connects and adjusts equipment andverifies accurate ECG.
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Produces high-quality echocardiographic images in adherence to facility protocol and IACstandards. Accurately positions transducer to get on-axis US images. Optimizes 2D images byadjusting depth, focus, TGCs, gain, frequency, etc. Optimizes color and spectral Doppler byadjusting color gain, PRF, color box, sweep speed, etc.
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Acquires 2-3 beat acquisitions of cardiac structures. Produces measurements of cardiac wallthickness, chamber size, ejection fraction, diastolic parameters and hemodynamics, including,but not limited to direction of flow, velocity and pressure gradients.
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Reviews previous echocardiogram images and results to compare to most recent images andmeasurements for a comparative evaluation.
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Observes and adheres to hospital policies and protocols.
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Maintains patient confidence and protects operations by following established procedures tosafeguard confidential information.
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Participates in IAC meeting and quarterly QA requirements.
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Stays current with CME requirements and yearly license renewal.
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Performs basic maintenance checks on machine and reports if there are any problems, checksinventory of supplies, and replenishes stock as needed.
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Reviews inpatient and outpatient physician orders and medical reasoning for the exam, printsand reviews old echocardiograms of the patient. Reviews daily schedule of patients beingperformed and plans day accordingly.
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Assists cardiologists and anesthesiologists with transesophageal echocardiograms in theoutpatient and inpatient settings.
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Proficient in stress echocardiography, including dobutamine stress and treadmill stressechocardiograms.
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Uses Definity contrast when appropriate, explains the need for its use to the patient.
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Performs bubble study (saline contrast) with the aid of an RN, when appropriate.
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Displays positive communication skills, able to successfully interact with staff, continuallydemonstrates courtesy to patients. Able to work well independently and as part of a team.