Echocardiographer - PRN

About Us:

For more than 85 years, Stephens County Hospital has been a trusted cornerstone of our community, committed to excellence in healthcare and compassionate patient service. Our dedicated team of approximately 475 employees is driven by a shared passion for improving lives and recognizes the true value of good health.

Stephens County Hospital is a 96-bed acute care facility located in Toccoa, Georgia, nestled in the scenic foothills of Northeast Georgia. Our welcoming, family-oriented community offers a rich blend of cultural, civic, and outdoor opportunities, making it an exceptional place to live and work.

We are proud members of the Georgia Hospital Association, the American Hospital Association, and the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals. Stephens County Hospital is fully accredited by The Joint Commission, the nation’s leading healthcare accrediting organization, reflecting our ongoing commitment to quality and safety.

 

Echocardiographer - PRN - Day Shift - with call required

 

The Echo Ultrasound Technologist is responsible for performing routine and diagnostic echocardiogram procedures on patients to assess heart functions and detect abnormalities of the heart.

 

Education:

Completion of a formal Echo Ultrasound training program

Experience:

Registry/ registry eligible in Cardiac Ultrasound preferred. Certification by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RCS) accepted.

Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer(RDCS) or Registered Cardiovascular Sonographer (CCI) Registry eligible required.

 

Provides care for patients of the following age groups:

 

              Adult (19 to 69 Years)

              Geriatric (70 and Above)

                                                                       

Duties and Responsibilities

 

• Checks two patient identifiers for proper identification prior to exam.
• Explains procedure demonstrating interpersonal skills in order to interact with patients who may be under physical and/or mental stress.
• Transfers and properly positions patients for exams in order to obtain desired results according to the physician’s specifications.
• Provides immobilization and protection in accordance with prescribed safety standard.
• Checks two patient identifiers for proper identification prior to exam.
• Reviews patient record for accuracy and compliance with treatment plan; obtains appropriate consents.
• Chooses correct type of transducer for exam.
• Verifies images to PACS and Cardiostream for dictation of exam.
• Obtains optimum images according to protocol.
• Adjusts gain to obtain those images correctly.
• Recognizes difficulties due to patient versus transducer.

• Performs echocardiograms on patients to assess heart function and detect abnormalities
• Operate and maintain ultrasound equipment ensuring it functions correctly
• Explain procedures to patients and address any concerns they may have
• Review and interpret preliminary results, highlighting any abnormal findings for the cardiologist
• Record and store echocardiogram images and patient information in the medical records system
• Collaborate with cardiologists and other healthcare team members to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment
• Follow safety protocols and infection control procedures to ensure patient and staff safety
• Monitor patient vitals and response during the procedure to ensure their well-being
• Maintain continuing education and stay updated with advances in echocardiography technology and practices
• Provides emotional support to patients and their families during the diagnostic procedure
• Ability to perform bubble, cardiac strain and definity contrasted studies proficiently.
• Ability to inject a patient if needed.
• Obtains consent forms from the patient for contrast if needed.
• Observes “time-out” to verify patient name, procedure, and area of interest.
•  Obtains necessary consent forms prior to procedure.
•  Obtains images needed using ultrasound transducer.
•  Prioritizes scheduling of patients according to medical condition.
•  Determines type of transportation based on patient status.
•  Notifies appropriate individual when supplies are needed to avoid shortages.
•  Understands, supports and applies departmental/hospital policies, procedures and standards at    all times.
•  Promotes quality of care and cost effectiveness within the department through appropriate   utilization of    equipment, supplies and labor.
•  Alerts supervisor/manager to quality improvement opportunities for both patient care and staff    performance.
• Alerts appropriate personnel when equipment maintenance is needed.

 Maintains records needed for accreditation according to regulations of ACR.

 

AGE SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

 

Adult (19 to 69 Years)

 

• Evaluates self-care abilities/limitations and identifies need for additional safety measures.
• Recognizes and reports signs/symptoms of abuse and neglect.
• Involves patient verbally and physically with positioning to ensure adequate exam.
• Evaluates x-rays to ensure what is needed for diagnosis is on film.
• Explains to patient what needs to be done following procedure.
• Provides for privacy.
• Allows patient to refuse exam when requested.

 

Geriatric (70 Years and Older)

 

• Evaluates self-care abilities/limitations and identifies need for additional safety measures.
• Recognizes and reports signs/symptoms of abuse and neglect.
• Involves patient verbally and physically with positioning to ensure adequate exam.
• Explains to patient and/or family member what needs to be done following procedure.
• Evaluates x-rays to ensure what is needed for diagnosis is on film.
• Provides for privacy.
• Evaluates level of anxiety and cooperation of patient.
• Allows patient to refuse exam when requested.

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to compile, code and categorize, or verify information/data
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
• Ability to determine appropriate course of action in more complex situation
• Ability to work independently, exercise creativity, and maintain a positive attitude
• Ability to manage multiple and simultaneous responsibilities and to prioritize scheduling of work
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of all medical, financial, and legal information
• Ability to complete work assignments accurately and in a timely manner
• Ability to communicate effectively, with excellent verbal and written communication skills

 

Other-Essential Functions

 

• Perform other duties as assigned or requested.

 

Professional Requirements

• Adhere to dress code, appearance is neat and clean.
• Complete annual education requirements.
• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
• Report to work on time and as scheduled.
• Wear identification while on duty.
• Maintain regulatory requirements, including all state, federal and local regulations.
• Represent the organization in a positive and professional manner at all times.
• Comply with all organizational policies and standards regarding ethical business practices.
• Participate in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement activities.
• Attend regular staff meetings and in-services as needed.

 

Physical and Mental Requirements

 

• Must have the cognitive ability to perform in this role. Critical and executive level thinking is required
• Must have strong analytical skills with the ability to collect, organize, analyze, and disseminate significant amounts of information with attention to detail and accuracy
• Have near normal hearing – able to hear alarms/telephone/ normal speaking voice/ webinars
• Have near normal vision – clarity of vision (both near and far) either corrected on non-corrected, ability to distinguish colors
• Have good manual dexterity and eye-hand-foot coordination
• Standing – continuously within the shift (67-100%)
• Walking – continuously within the shift (67-100%)
• Climbing – occasionally within the shift (1-33%)
• Bending/stooping – frequently within the shift (34-66%)
• Twist at the waist – occasionally with the shift (1-33%)
• Pushing/pulling – frequently within the shift (34-66%)
• Lift/carry – 20lbs with assistance – occasionally within the shift (1-33%)
• Reaching above the shoulders – frequently within the shift (34-67%)
• Lift/carry – 50lbs with assistance – occasionally within the shift (1-33%)

 

 

Equal Opportunity Employer

Stephens County Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment and provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, pregnancy status, marital status, national origin, citizenship, disability, military status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other legally protected status

marie.culver@stephenscountyhospital.com