Cardiac Sonographer, Senior Echo Tech,

Cardiac Sonographer/ Senior Echo Tech/ FULL TIME/ 40 HOURS BWH Non-Invasive Cardiology

SIGN ON BONUS AVAILABLE- $10,000! (for eligible non-MGB employees)

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

Under the direction of the Chief Tech and Medical Director this position is responsible for the assistance in the Administration of the Echo Division. This position is responsible assisting the Chief Tech with the technical and administrative performance of the Echo Division.

This position is responsible for assisting in establishing a work plan that most efficiently and precisely accomplishes the performances of two-dimensional, color doppler and Doppler of heart and other procedures related to echocardiography. Assists in the teaching and orientation of Cardiac fellows and new employees assigned to the Department. Must have the knowledge to read and interpret test results, especially those which are abnormal or atypical. In the absence of the Chief Tech, acts as supervisor.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assists Chief Tech in the technical and administrative management of the Echo Division.

• Assists Chief Tech in the on-going quality assurance program in the Echo Laboratory, which is consistent with JCAHO requirements. Prepares reports and ensures action is taken to correct problems noted.

• Performs two-dimensional, color Doppler and Doppler of the heart echocardiograms and other procedures, which requires a level of knowledge to interpret or analyze test performance and results.

• Assists in the daily supervision of the echo technicians in the implementation of testing for patient care. Evaluates quality of tests being performed and provides guidance and constructive criticism and demonstrates appropriate methods as necessary to correct deviations from established procedures.

• Assists in the evaluation of the hiring and terminating of employees in the Echo lab, following the established Laboratory and Hospital guidelines.

• Reviews the patient's chart to obtain pertinent clinical history in order to perform test, to accurately interpret and perform cardiac examination.

• Explains procedure to the patient and positions patient for the cardiac ultrasound exam.

• Records and reviews test results for accuracy and prepares test reports. Utilizes ancillary devices (video recorder, transducer) to obtain a permanent record of the cardiac exam.

• Records, calculates and plots known control values on technical instruments to ensure their reliability and accuracy in reporting out test results. Regularly cleans, performs routine maintenance on, and calibrates instruments in assigned area.

• Performs several portable studies a day requiring mobilization of the equipment by the technician.

• Establishes appropriate priorities that essential to the efficient and accurate operations of the laboratory.

• Assists in the performing of adjustments to computer and peripheral equipment to resolve minor operating problems. Difficult or complex problems should be referred to the Technical Director.

• Assists in the orientation, teaching techniques and application of cardiac ultrasound to echo technicians and fellows on rotation in the echo lab.

• Maintains testing room in clean and orderly condition which includes disposing of soiled linen, stocking necessary supplies and so forth. Cleans equipment such as patient cable transducer and ultrasound machine.

• Participates in research development and implementation of laboratory testing procedures as required.

• Keeps current regarding development in technical instrumentation and trends and techniques in cardiac ultrasound testing through appropriate technical journals, attends annual conventions, seminars and other meetings.

• Takes on-call responsibility as designed by the department.

• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor of Science degree is preferred, but must possess Associate degree or equivalent program with a Cardiovascular Technologist Certificate.
• ARDCS or CCI certification required.
• A thorough understanding of cardiac anatomy, physiology and hemodynamics is required.
• A minimum of 2 years in a major teaching institution required, or 2-4 years in a smaller, private facilities, as an echocardiography technician.

Skills and Abilities Required:

• Must possess a high level of administrative expertise to independently run the Echo Laboratory.

• Must possess a high degree of technical expertise, with the knowledge of cardiac anatomy, physiology and hemodynamics

• Must have a high level of analytical ability to perform complex color flow doppler testing, which requires a professional level of knowledge to interpret and analyze test results.

• Must possess a high level of knowledge of technical ultrasound equipment to resolve equipment problems and to relate information to service technician.

• Must have the ability to distinguish normal test results, which can be altered if the equipment is faulty, due to artifact.

• Must have the experience and knowledge necessary to provide an initial interpretation to the referring physician.

• Must have the ability to exercise independent judgment, flexibility and the initiative to motivate junior technicians.

• Must have the ability to interact well with patients and staff for smooth lab flow and genuine cooperation.

• Must have the ability to mobilize the heavy (300-1000 lbs) ultrasound equipment for portable studies as well as occasionally lift patients from stretches (with aid) or wheelchair. Also expected to assist incontinent patients. Must lift boxes of supplies.

• Must have the ability to distinguish the exact spectrum of color necessary to perform color flow dopplers.

• Must have the ability to spend prolonged time standing and working (over 85% of the work time).

• Must have mastered all the duties and responsibilities of the Echo Technician II.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Works in department testing rooms where there are some physical discomforts and cold temperatures.

• On occasion, works in patient care environment, where there is some exposure to communicable disease (30% of the work time) therefore has to exercise precaution techniques.

• Must be careful when manipulating heavy equipment in crowded patient areas.

• Exposure to video screen where high visual acuity is necessary.

• Standing and walking most of the day.

• Work requires regular visual strain (up to 75% of the work time) due to close examination of the heart's structure to recognize subtle abnormalities or characteristics.

WORK LOCATIONS

Work locations will include Boston Main Campus, Foxboro, Westwood and Chestnut Hill.