Echo Technologist

Overview
In 2020 united in a fierce commitment to deliver the highest quality care and exceptional patient experience Virginia Mason and CHI Franciscan Health came together as natural partners to build a new health system centered around the patient: Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. Our combined system builds upon the scale and expertise of our nearly 300 sites of care including 11 hospitals and nearly 5000 physicians and providers. Together we are empowered to make an even greater impact on the health and well-being of our communities.
Responsibilities

Prepares patients and performs ultrasound tests based on physicians’ orders and in adherence to department protocols to obtain the correct cross sectional anatomy and detail of a requested scan area. 

• Explains procedures to patients and responds to questions; Queries each patient or reviews each chart/ or on line medical record for pertinent history.
• Utilizes equipment/accessories and employs techniques/procedures to comfort and protect the patient and ensure that results are consistent.
• Per manufacturer’s guidelines/instructions performs equipment maintenance calibration and cleaning. 

Delivers patient care for all age groups while performing ultrasound exams/procedures and/or special procedures.

• Acts as a liaison between the patient and the physician.
• Regularly performs basic functions in regard to patient care.
• Responds to emergency situations consistent with scope of authority.
• Maintains accurate patient records by documenting the patient chart with pertinent information.
• Advises nursing staff of any significant change in patient’s condition during the procedure.

Reviews and compiles clinical data in accordance with departmental deadlines for physician interpretation of echo records.

• Ensures quality of diagnostic procedures and provides the interpreting physician with the test information necessary to allow an effective diagnostic evaluation by the referring and/or interpreting physician.

Performs incidental general office duties to include; answering phone; scheduling; filing; maintaining patient records; ordering supplies.

• Participates in the ordering and inventorying of equipment and supplies.

Cultural Sensitivity and Competence:  Demonstrates proper use of communication tools/materials for effective communication and understands how the culture(s) of patient populations can affect communication collaboration and the provision of care treatment and services.  Patient Population Served:  Demonstrates knowledge and proper skills associated with the department’s defined specific populations served.

Performs related duties as required.

Qualifications

Education/Work Experience Requirements

Graduation from an accredited diagnostic ultrasound/echo sonography program that demonstrates attainment of the requisite job knowledge skills/abilities.  One year of post-graduate experience in cardiac ultrasound and/or demonstrated high degree of proficiency knowledge and acuity in the field of diagnostics or ultrasound is preferred.

Job Knowledge/Abilities

• Knowledge of the current principles procedures and techniques relating to diagnostic sonographic examination and related procedures.
• Knowledge of the functionality operation and application of sonographic equipment.
• Knowledge of the standards and regulatory requirements applicable to sonographic examination.
• Knowledge of the content and application of department protocols applicable to diagnostic examinations.
• Knowledge of medical terminology anatomical positioning physiology and cross-sectional anatomy.
• Ability to perform sonographic procedures in the area of cardiac examination.
• Ability to perform procedures in strict compliance with applicable standards and provide assistance to physicians in executing some techniques (ultrasonic needle guidance).
• Ability to demonstrate support and service-oriented behavior.
• Ability to demonstrate organization time management and prioritization skills to balance a variety of duties.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to convey information effectively in verbal and in written communication.
• Ability to utilize independent judgment to assemble facts and meet objectives.
• Ability to read understand and communicate in English sufficient to perform the duties of the position.
• Ability to use office equipment and automated systems/applications/software at an acceptable level.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as required by the duties of the position.

Licensure/Certification

• Current registration by ARDMS or current certification by Cardiovascular Credentialing International as a Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS).
• Current healthcare provider BLS Certification.
• Echo Tech Non-Registered:  Employees who do not have ARDMS registration (but who otherwise meet the qualifications for the “core” job) must be assigned to this level and they have a period of one year from the date of hire to obtain it.