Job Abstract

JOB SUMMARY:  

·         Under the supervision of the Medical Director and the Supervisor of Cardiology, the Echocardiography Technologist provides cardiac ultrasound imaging for the Cardiology Department. Imaging the size, motion and internal structures of the heart, the technologist uses Doppler techniques to measure the velocity of flow within the structure and its great vessels. Working proficiently as part of a team or independently, the technologist provides this service to patients of all age groups. 

EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS:

·         Minimum one year experience in an acute setting with adult, pediatric, and neonatal experience

·         Basic computer skills 

EDUCATION:

·         Formal training in a cardiac ultrasound course

·         High school diploma or equivalent

LICENSURES/CERTIFICATION:

·         Must be registered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI)

·         Must successfully complete and maintain BLS certification.

·         Must successfully complete and maintain certification for Mgmt. of Assaultive Behavior (ex. CPI- Non-violent Crisis Intervention) within 30 days of employment.

·         Must successfully complete and maintain LA County Fire Card certification at the time of hire or within the first 30 days of employment.

MUST HAVES:

·         All required licensures, certifications, mandatory education; along with annual occupational health screenings must be completed prior to the expiration date or by the end of the month in which they are due.    Reference the Educational Requirements: Must Haves, Mandatory and Unit Based policy (in electronic policy management system) for the specific requirements for this position.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (These are the essential job functions for this position. The essential functions of this job include but may not be limited to those listed in this job description. Employees hired for this position must be able to perform the essential function of this job without imposing significant risk of substantial harm to the health or safety of themselves or others):

·         Performs echocardiograms (2D, M-Mode and Stress) in accordance with departmental policy and procedures.

·         Performs Doppler studies (Pulse Wave, Continuous Wave, Color Flow) in accordance with departmental policy and procedures.

·         Performs transesophageal echocardiograms in accordance with departmental policy and procedures.

·         The technologist must meet the general requirement for all Cardiology employees.

·         The technologist must be able to explain procedures to the patient and obtain a brief patient history of habits or ailments that could affect test results.

·         The technologist must also perform all related clerical duties; chart documentation, generate/cancel orders, procedure billing, report, and digital file maintenance.

·         Must be able to participate in rotating schedules including Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

·         Must be able to participate in “Stand-By/On-call” rotation after regular department hours, weekends, and holidays.

·         Must assist Cardiology Technologist as needed. Must be able to perform EKGs as assigned.

·         Assumes responsibility for maintaining equipment, reporting damaged equipment, and requesting repairs. Notifies the Supervisor of such needs.

·         Must be able to transport all equipment for ‘Portable” studies.

·         Assists with department Process Improvement initiatives.

·         Assists with the front office duties when needed and as assigned.

·         Adheres to the hospital policy on the attendance of scheduled shifts.

·         Notifies supervisor if unable to clock-out for meal break within the first five hours of the shift to assess resources for meal coverage.

The following job accountabilities are not unique to this particular job but are common to all jobs at VPH:

• Complies with VPH policies and procedures on customer satisfaction and service excellence.  Demonstrates professionalism and cultural sensitivity in coordinating activities and communicating with all customers, peers, and the community at large.  Conducts self in a professional, respectful, and courteous manner during all interactions.  Works effectively and collaboratively with others toward common goals.
• Communicates accurately, honestly, supportively and in a timely manner with department and interdepartmental team members.  Demonstrates effective business writing and oral communication skills, handwriting is clear and legible.
• Participates in operational aspects of the department and maintains/participates in performance improvement activities within the department.
• Participates in all departmental specific training, Environment of Care (injury/illness prevention, fire/life safety, hazardous materials, emergency preparedness, utilities management, medical equipment management, safety, and security management), infection control (standard precautions, TB Exposure Control Plan, Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan).
• Demonstrates knowledge of and follows safety practices.  Understands the importance of safety, including patient safety in the workplace.  Maintains a safe environment for self and others.
• Actively participates in the Patient Safety Program, including event reporting.  Identifies sentinel events/near misses and responds per defined organization processes.  Participates in education activities and process implementation.  Demonstrates advocacy for the patient/customer and appropriately acknowledges patients, customers, and visitors.
• The above statements reflect the essential functions considered necessary to describe the principal content of the job. They are not intended to be a complete statement of all work requirements or duties that may be inherent in the job.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

·         Primarily an inside building/office environment, well lighted and ventilated, which may consist of multiple treatment and/or work sites.

·         Fast and continuous work pace with variable workload.

·         Frequent contact with staff and public under a variety of circumstances.  Requires ability to communicate clearly (in English) verbally and in writing for effective communication with other staff members, physicians, vendors, community members, patients and patient families, employees, and applicants of all socio-economic levels from a diverse cultural and ethnic population.

·         Subject to many interruptions from multiple calls and inquiries and potentially emotional situations involving accidents, injuries, illness and/or death.

·         Handles emergency/crisis situations in accordance with Hospital policy.

·         Answers phones or pages; may carry a beeper/pager, and/or use a two-way radio.

·         Occasional travel may be required.

·         Potential risk of exposure to hazards from chemicals (toxic and non-toxic), flammable materials, gas or electrical or radiant energy or equipment with/without moving parts.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

   Patient Care

*         Continuous standing/walking and occasional/intermittent sitting.

*         Continuous use of bilateral upper extremities in fine motor activities requiring fingering, grasping, and forward reaching between waist and shoulder level to handle/operate medical equipment/devices.

*         Frequent reaching above shoulder level and overhead.

*         Frequent forward bending, twisting, squatting, and kneeling; occasional climbing.

*         Occasional repositioning and transferring patients weighing up to 200 pounds between bed, chair, and gurney.

*         Occasional lifting and carrying equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.

*         Occasional/intermittent pushing of gurneys, wheelchairs, beds, and other medical equipment over tiled and carpeted surfaces.

*         Continuous use of near vision to read medical equipment such as monitoring devices and reading documents and computer screens; hearing and verbal communication to interact with patients, co-workers, and other customers.