Echocardiographer

Requisition Number: 10149

Position Title:

External Description:

Nuvance Health is a family of award-winning nonprofit hospitals and healthcare professionals in the Hudson Valley and western Connecticut. Nuvance Health combines highly skilled physicians, state-of-the-art facilities and technology, and compassionate caregivers dedicated to providing quality care across a variety of clinical areas, including Cardiovascular, Neurosciences, Oncology, Orthopedics, and Primary Care. Nuvance Health has a network of convenient hospital and outpatient locations — Danbury Hospital, New Milford Hospital, Norwalk Hospital and Sharon Hospital in Connecticut, and Northern Dutchess Hospital, Putnam Hospital Center and Vassar Brothers Medical Center in New York — plus multiple primary and specialty care physician practices locations, including The Heart Center, a leading provider of cardiology care, and two urgent care offices. Non-acute care is offered through various affiliates, including the Thompson House for rehabilitation and skilled nursing services, and the Home Care organizations. For more information about Nuvance Health, visit www.nuvancehealth.org.
VASSAR BROTHERS HOSPITAL JOB DESCRIPTION Title: Echocardiographer Department: Cardiology Summary: Performs adult echocardiograms, pediatric echocardiograms, quality control procedures, and other ancillary job duties, with the goal of providing the highest quality of appropriate imaging services possible in the most efficient and cost effective manner. Services are provided to neonate, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients. Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide appropriate care to the age of the patient. RESPONSIBILITIES AND STANDARDS Responsibility I 1.Performs imaging procedures in accordance with department guidelines, as outlined in the department’s procedure manual and/or as modified by the department’s medical director. Ensures that the quality of care is appropriate, efficient, and timely. 1.1 Operates all necessary equipment, so as to be able to perform all routine departmental procedures. 1.2 Performs patient examinations in a timely manner, with additional views as necessary, in accordance with the department’s procedure protocols, as outlined in the Echocardiography Lab Policy and Procedure Manual. Critiques each study for completeness and correct annotation prior to submission, so as to provide the best possible diagnostic study, as judged by the cardiologist and/or echocardiography supervisor. 1.3 Consistently demonstrates a thorough knowledge of anatomy, pathology, and physiology. Uses this knowledge to maximize the diagnostic information obtainable, as well as to individualize an examination, and if needed, to aid in the diagnosis, as observed by the cardiologist and/or supervisor. 1.4 Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the patient’s life span, and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient’s status. 1.5 Interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient’s requirements, relative to his/her age-specific needs. 1.6 Provides the care needed, as described in the department’s policies and procedures. 1.7 Reviews patient’s history relevant to the cardiac imaging procedure requested (i.e. chart, questions to patient, referring physician, prior film file/tape, etc.), to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the examination. Reviews the study with the cardiologist when indicated, prior to releasing the patient, in order to avoid unnecessary revisits and to ensure the best possible examination. 1.8 Solves job-related problems, i.e. cause of artifact, minor equipment malfunctions, technique modification required by a specific patient procedure, etc. Makes necessary adjustments and/or notifies supervisor, so as to ensure the best diagnostic quality study, with no more than two exceptions per quarter. 1.9 Verifies every patient’s identification, and correlates exam requests with the physician’s orders prior to beginning any procedure. Responsibility II 2. Integrates his/herself into the department’s organizational structure, and actively participates in the department’s activities, so as to ensure the timely delivery of appropriate and high quality services. 2.1 Reviews exam requests received during a shift, and coordinates these requests with pre-scheduled procedures, so as to effectively maintain work flow. 2.2 Reviews the status and type of procedure to be performed on arriving patients, to maximize equipment utilization and to minimize patient waiting time. 2.3 Coordinates exams with those scheduled in other Cardiology/Respiratory Department sections, so that procedures are sequenced properly and completed in a timely fashion. 2.4 Assists co-workers and/or accepts additional and/or unusual assignments as requested by the cardiologist and/or supervisor, so as to ensure quality patient care and the timely delivery of services. 2.5 Completes assignments consistently, despite a fluctuating workload, without compromising quality of service. 2.6 Maintains accurately the department logs and documentation, according to departmental policy and procedure. Responsibility III 3.Effectively exchanges information in a professional and courteous manner with supervisors, co-workers, physicians, patients, and all hospital guests, so as to ensure that the highest quality of service is provided. 3.1 Answers telephone calls and pages promptly and in a courteous manner 3.2 Relates all information regarding patients and procedures to co-workers, making sure that all areas are covered prior to leaving the department. 3.3 Assists, as necessary, in the orientation and training of new employees and students, as requested by his/her supervisor. 3.4 Acts as a liaison, when necessary, between the cardiologists, medical staff, nursing units, physician’s office staff, and other personnel, so as to expedite the transfer of information and to ensure the quality and appropriateness of services. 3.5 Communicates with nursing units regarding the patient’s status, need for preparation, and potential delays in responding to exam requests, so as to ensure efficient department function and the expeditious completion of procedures. 3.6 Communicates with registrars, nursing units, and radiology clerical staff, etc., to ensure that exam requests are properly coded and accurately reflect procedure(s) done, so that patient changes are appropriate. 3.7 Explains the nature of each exam to every patient, in an attempt to alleviate patient fears and anxieties. Gives proper instructions prior to, during, and following studies. 3.8 Notifies waiting patients, on a consistent basis, of unanticipated delays of greater than 30 minutes, and periodically informs them of waiting time status. 3.9 Contributes to and actively participates in the department’s performance improvement program, tracking relevant patient-care indicators and other indices used to audit the department’s operations, by making appropriate notations in the department’s logs. 3.10 Accepts constructive criticism and strives to improve performance as observed by supervisor. Responsibility IV 4.Recognizes potential safety hazards, promotes a safe and efficient working environment by adherence to hospital policy and procedure, and responds appropriately and professionally to situations requiring immediate action and judgement.. 4.1.Demonstrates knowledge of fire and other safety procedures, as documented by attendance at mandatory in-service programs. 4.2 Protects self and co-workers, by demonstrating knowledge of and adhering to universal precaution procedures, as outlined in the hospital safety and infection control manuals, and by attendance at mandatory in-service programs. 4.3 Exercises care when assisting and/or lifting and moving patients, so as to ensure the safety of patients as well as that of other employees. 4.4 Obtains appropriate help, and institutes necessary measures, when confronted with emergencies, difficult patients, etc., and does this in a professional manner. 4.5 Exercises caution when utilizing and transporting mobile equipment throughout the hospital, as observed by other hospital personnel. Promptly reports problems to his/her supervisor. 4.6 Accepts responsibility for neatness, cleanliness, and sanitation of all department work areas and equipment. Tracks the use of supplies, restocks as needed, and promptly notifies his/her supervisor of impending shortages which may affect department operations. 4.7 Protects the assets and properties of the hospital to reduce unnecessary maintenance and potential downtime. Promptly notifies his/her supervisor or designate when safety hazards exist and/or when equipment malfunctions require service. 4.8 Reports all incidents, irregularities, adverse reactions, complaints, and/or any other unusual occurrences promptly to his/her supervisor or designate. 4.9 Performs routine quality control procedures as outlined in the department procedure manual and/or as required by outside regulatory agencies. Maintains necessary records as noted in the department logs, with only one exception per quarter. Responsibility V 5.Enhances educational growth and displays professional interest by attending in-service programs, reading current professional literature, and attending off-site educational seminars, to ensure the practice of state-of-the-art diagnostic cardiac imaging services. 5.1.Demonstrates a willingness to learn and practice new procedures and techniques by attending training session and familiarizing his or herself with new procedure revisions as they occur, as observed by his/her supervisor. 5.2 Develops and maintains proficiency in pediatric, infant, and neonatal echocardiography through in-house training, clinical rotations to Westchester Children’s Hospital, continuing education, seminars, conferences, and professional journal articles and publications. 5.3 Accumulates continuing-education credits during the appropriate timeframes to ensure active licensing/certification at all times. 5.4 Displays professional interest by attending job-related seminars not required by the department, and participates in local, state, and/or national professional societies. 5.5 Attends and actively participates in departmental staff meetings and in-service programs as required,as noted in the sign-in logs. Responsibility VI 6.Attendance – Maintains proper attendance and punctuality to ensure that the department is operated in an efficient and cost effective manner. 6.1 Maintains proper attendance in accordance with Hospital policy. 6.2 Reports to work on time in accordance with Hospital policy. 6.3 Provides adequate notice to supervisor prior to absence or lateness in accordance with departmental policy. Responsibility VII 7.Demonstrates regard for the dignity and respect of all patients, family members, visitors, and hospital personnel, as defined in the philosophy of Vassar Brothers Medical Center. 7.1.Displays a caring and courteous attitude, and represents the hospital in a positive manner to all persons noted above. 7.2 Promotes and contributes positively to intra-departmental and inter-departmental relationships, with no more than two complaints in a six- month period. 7.3 Maintains the confidentiality of employees and departmental information, with no infractions. 7.4 Adheres to departmental and hospital dress codes, as observed by his/her supervisor, and wears a VBMC picture identification badge, 100% of the time. JOB QUALIFICATIONS Education: High School Diploma. Minimum of two years of college credits highly desirable. Graduate of an accredited Cardiovascular Ultrasound program. Experience: A minimum of two years of adult echocardiography experience required, with three to five years of echocardiography experience preferred. Pediatric, infant, and neonatal echocardiography experience preferred and a significant plus. If the candidate has no experience with the pediatric, infant, and neonatal population, he or she will be required to undergo training to become proficient in the specific areas. If the candidate fails to become disciplined in the specific area, he or she will be subject to review and possible dismissal from the position of Echocardiographer. License:Must be certified by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers as a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) or the Cardiovascular Credentialing International as a Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS), and maintain up to date CME’s as required by the credentialing body. If not certified, the candidate must be registry-eligible by the ARDMS or CCI and obtain the credentials of either RDCS or RCS within the first 12 months of employment. If the candidate fails to become credentialed, he or she will be subject to review and possible dismissal from the position of Echocardiographer. PHYSICAL AND MENTAL FACTORS Physical:Requires moderate physical effort on a regular basis, as in frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, reaching, and occasional lifting of light items. (i.e. up to 20 lbs.). Occasionally required to assist in moving patients from wheelchair/stretcher to exam table. Must be able to push ultrasound system (wheeled) to and from patient rooms (up to 400 lbs). Periodic eye or ear strain is included in this level (less than 50% of the time). Mental:Occasional compensated overtime may impose home and social life inconvenience, even though it is predictable on most occasions. The regular volume of work and deadlines impose strain on a routine basis. ENVIRONMENTAL AND WORKING CONDITIONS Environment:Occasional exposure to minor injury or other occupational hazards requiring precautions.
2 years prefered. RDCS, RCS
Summary: Performs adult echocardiograms, pediatric echocardiograms, quality control procedures, and other ancillary job duties, with the goal of providing the highest quality of appropriate imaging services possible in the most efficient and cost effective manner. Services are provided to neonate, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients. Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide appropriate care to the age of the patient.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS Education: High School Diploma. Minimum of two years of college credits highly desirable. Graduate of an accredited Cardiovascular Ultrasound program. Experience: A minimum of two years of adult echocardiography experience required, with three to five years of echocardiography experience preferred. Pediatric, infant, and neonatal echocardiography experience preferred and a significant plus. If the candidate has no experience with the pediatric, infant, and neonatal population, he or she will be required to undergo training to become proficient in the specific areas. If the candidate fails to become disciplined in the specific area, he or she will be subject to review and possible dismissal from the position of Echocardiographer. License:Must be certified by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers as a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) or the Cardiovascular Credentialing International as a Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS), and maintain up to date CME’s as required by the credentialing body. If not certified, the candidate must be registry-eligible by the ARDMS or CCI and obtain the credentials of either RDCS or RCS within the first 12 months of employment. If the candidate fails to become credentialed, he or she will be subject to review and possible dismissal from the position of Echocardiographer.

 

 

 

Location: Vassar Brothers Medical Center

Work Schedule: Day 8

Work Shift: All sites inpatient and outpt on call,weekend, call, holiday

Org Unit: 961

Department: Echo DHMAC

 

Original Posting: 3/26/21

Exempt: No

 

 

 

 

 

 

EOE, including disability/vets.

 

We will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or to participate in an interview, please contact Human Resources at 203-739-7330 (for reasonable accommodation requests only). Please provide all information requested to assure that you are considered for current or future opportunities.

City: Poughkeepsie

State: New York

Community / Marketing Title: Echocardiographer

Company Profile:

Health Quest and Western Connecticut Health Network have combined to form a new nonprofit health system. The name for the new health system will be Nuvance Health. The new health system was created to provide communities across New York’s Hudson Valley and western Connecticut with more convenient, accessible and affordable care.

EEO Employer Verbiage:

Location_formattedLocationLong: Poughkeepsie, New York US

Job Number: 32841