What are the responsibilities and job description for the Echo Tech position at Merit Health River Oaks?
Job Summary
The Echo Technologist performs a variety of diagnostic cardiac ultrasound procedures, using independent judgment to obtain clear and accurate images for physician evaluation. This role is responsible for ensuring patient safety, comfort, and accurate identification prior to procedures. The Echo Technologist collaborates with healthcare teams to provide high-quality diagnostic imaging and reports to support effective patient care.
Essential Functions
- Performs echocardiographic studies, including 2-D imaging, M-mode tracings, and Doppler recordings, adhering to departmental standards and physician guidelines.
- Assumes responsibility for patient safety and comfort throughout procedures, ensuring proper positioning and monitoring during exams.
- Acquires quality Stress Echo and Dobutamine images, adhering to benchmark standards, with post-exercise image acquisition within 60 seconds or less.
- Assists physicians with transesophageal echocardiograms (TEEs), ensuring optimal imaging and patient safety during the procedure.
- Prepares and maintains equipment, supplies, and work areas, ensuring they are organized and readily available for patient care.
- Accurately documents preliminary reports, procedural results, and patient information in the electronic medical record (EMR), maintaining confidentiality.
- Verifies patient identity, orders, and consents before conducting procedures, adhering to patient safety protocols.
- Collaborates with healthcare teams, providing information about patient conditions or changes during procedures to ensure timely evaluation and interpretation by reading cardiologists.
- Demonstrates competency in age-specific care, adapting imaging techniques to meet the physiological, emotional, and cognitive needs of each patient.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Complies with all policies and standards.
Qualifications
- 1-3 years of experience in echocardiography or cardiac sonography required
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Proficiency in echocardiographic imaging, including 2-D, M-mode, and Doppler techniques.
- Strong understanding of cardiac anatomy, physiology, and disease processes to obtain accurate diagnostic images.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for patient interaction and collaboration with healthcare teams.
- Ability to operate ultrasound equipment safely and effectively, adhering to infection control and patient safety protocols.
- Competence in electronic medical record (EMR) systems for documentation and reporting.
Licenses and Certifications
- RDMS - Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer or graduate of a program accredited by an agency recognized by CHEA, USDOE or CMA that specifically conducts programmatic accreditation for diagnostic medical sonography/diagnostic cardiac sonography/vascular technology required
- BCLS - Basic Life Support within first 7 days of employment required
- RDCS - Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer preferred or
- RCS - Registered Cardiac Sonographer preferred
