Essential Functions:  

Acquires, records, and assesses clinical, anatomical, and physiological patient data by utilization of Doppler Echocardiography techniques and protocols. Obtains a brief, recent patient history relating to cardiac problems and currently prescribed medication to gain insight into the patient's diagnosis and diagnostic study orientation. Evaluates and assesses results in terms of age-related norms/values and potential for untoward outcomes and/or need for emergent physician interaction. 

Accurately adjusts the equipment for optimal imaging and diagnostic quality. Accurately determines the proper gain, depth gain compensation, and machine settings to maximize the image quality and achieve the expected outcomes of the various echocardiographic protocols, while at the same time, decreasing the degree of ultrasonic energy exposure for potential patient safety. 

Consistently adapts to complex studies due to poor patient compliance, atypical cardiac anatomy, ventilators, or lack of acoustic ultrasound window. Accurately positions the patients to achieve optimum quality and lessen patient discomfort. 

Conducts in-service education programs for staff when requested. Assists with reviewing and evaluating policies and procedures promptly. Conducts quality assurance activities as requested. Assists with day-to-day administrative functions of running the department as requested. Records all pertinent information of diagnostic tests and the aspects of care provided as part of the cardiac lab scope of practice. Notes inpatient testing/date on patient chart in a timely manner per department policy. Reports critical findings and condition of patients to physicians responsible for interpretation of tests. Acquires and maintains quality assurance data and departmental statistical data in a timely and accurate manner as requested by the Director per department procedure. Assists in orienting and training new students and staff in procedures and policies of the department when requested. 

Efficiently assists the physician and lab staff in transesophageal echos, stress echoes, and shunt-flow studies. Quickly obtains images S/P exercise to enhance the accuracy and validity of the stress/pharmacological echocardiography protocols. , Understands the difference in rationale and protocol between the stress and pharmacological echo procedures and transesophageal echo utilization. Aware of the proper charge codes for all procedures and acceptable diagnosis for each. 

Understands and accurately applies diagnostic/assessment echocardiographic protocol considered to be accurate and of widespread acceptance to calculate effective areas of diseased vascular orifices, including the continuity equation, pressure half-time, and Bernoulli equation.  

Logs test data, compiles data information, and provides the interpreting physician with an oral and/or written interpretation and a summary of the technical findings. Accurately enters the patient data into the Meditech system and maintains a correlation to assess data entry accuracy for the day-to-day operation of the diagnostic lab. 

Always obtain and interpret information and make decisions appropriate to the patient's age. Maintains a knowledge of growth and development. Understands the range of treatment required by patients as appropriate to their ages. Serves patients of these age groups: Neonate, Pediatric, Adult, Geriatric. Always follows Infection Control policies and procedures. Maintains awareness of Safety Policies and always follows Safety Policies and Procedures. 

To perform this job, an individual must perform each essential function satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation.   

Core Competencies: