Technician, Echocardiogram

Technician, Echocardiogram

Performs transthoracic and transesophageal (TEE) echocardiograms on patients. Assist physicians and support staff with technical acquisition of Stress Echocardiograms. Perform all duties in a manner that promotes team concept and reflects the Kaiser Permanente mission and philosophy.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Performs transthoracic echocardiograms and transesophageal (TEE) on patients (includes 2D, m-mode, PW, CW and color Doppler) and obtain the highest quality of images possible.
• Performs both pharmacological stress echocardiograms and obtains the highest quality of images possible.
• Provide preliminary findings from exams and accurately completes exam worksheets including measurements and calculations; responds appropriately to clinical query in designated section of the patient chart.
• Individualize interaction with and treatment of patients during exams, with special attention to privacy needs. Patient positioning is done with consideration of patients ability to comply.
• Establish a professional rapport with patient and family members (if present) and explain procedure as appropriate; request for professional interpretation of the exam are deferred to the patients physician.
• Maintain Echo Lab Manual and Log book.
• Organize videotapes, computer discs, optical discs, Echo reports, etc. according to department practices.
• Comply with department quality assurance policies and procedures.
• Assists in optimal operation of the echo imaging units and instruments by using in a safe manner, reporting and documenting abnormalities when indicated, and obtaining technical service when necessary.
• Use downtime to assist in completing any tasks beneficial to the department or coworkers, i.e. professional education, equipment cleaning and preventive maintenance, etc.
• Assist in training and orientation of new staff.
• Perform other duties and related activities or special projects as requested by Lead Echo technologist and Supervisor. Establish and maintain working relationships that foster teamwork and effective communication. Use proper communication for voicing concerns. Demonstrate support for others in accomplishing work. Demonstrate flexibility in adapting to changing needs.
• Concerned with work of others. Consistently consider effect of actions on others and team goals. Anticipate and work to prevent problems. Demonstrate empathy, concern and respect for the needs of others. Maintain eye contact and pleasant expressions; is alert and actively listens. Promote positive interpersonal relationships with customers by discussing situations in a non-threatening way, display sensitivity, compromising as appropriate. Interact with others in a courteous and professional manner.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Follow company guidelines regarding attendance, paid time off or leaves of absence.
• Minimize waste of time and materials. Use safe work practices. Initiate ideas, interventions or procedures that reduce costs and streamline operations while improving quality.
• Maintain neat and clean work area.
• Initiate innovations and improvements. Lead efforts in applying new methods.
• An active participant and contributor to innovations and improvements.
• Open to change. Contribute readily to improvements and respond positively to suggestions. Support final decisions.
• Seek additional duties when work has been completed.

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum three (3) - five (5) years of experience in performing stress echoes.
• Minimum three (3) - five (5) years of experience performing and interpreting 2D, M-Mode, and Doppler Echocardiograms.
• Completion of an accredited Sonography program in Echocardiography.

Education:

• High School Diploma.

License, Certification, Registration:

• Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer Certificate OR Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Certificate OR Registered Cardiac Sonographer Certificate
• Basic Life Support

Additional Requirements:

• Knowledge of current accepted Echocardiography principles, practices, and techniques, including cardiac anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology required.
• Ability to analyze severity/importance of findings and respond to or report findings accurately and appropriately.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A.S. degree in cardiovascular technology or diagnostic medical sonography preferred.