Description:
JOB PURPOSE: Ensures that Piedmont Healthcare hospital echocardiography laboratories remain in compliance with all regulations and that all activities are being performed in accordance with approved procedures and regulatory requirements. Oversees all activities related to obtaining and maintaining the technical requirements of Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) accreditation including maintenance of appropriate documentation. Standardizes and updates procedures, quality of images, competency and training of staff, quality control and quality assurance for Piedmont Healthcare hospital echocardiography laboratories. Assesses the educational needs and competencies of cardiac sonographer staff and develops, schedules, coordinates, and conducts educational programming for new and existing staff. Provides clinical supervision and evaluation of patient care related to echocardiography. Available to perform inpatient and/or outpatient cardiac ultrasound testing to include 2D echo / Doppler, stress exams, and transesophageal echocardiograms as well as other duties assigned by manager or director. Provides complex technical care with the use of ultrasound technology for adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients and provides all necessary documentation and preliminary exam findings.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Accreditation and Process Improvement
a. Perform and/or oversee all activities related to echocardiography laboratory accreditation for Piedmont Healthcare hospitals to ensure compliance to IAC standards.
b. Monitor and report on quality metrics identified by Piedmont Healthcare and associated with IAC standards.
c. Compile physician and sonographer competency / registry and CME attendance records.
d. Serve as the echocardiography IAC technical director for one or more Piedmont Healthcare hospital locations as needed.
e. Routinely review cardiac sonographer exams as part of a formal quality assurance program.
2. Training and Education
a. Assess the educational needs and competencies of cardiac sonographer staff and interns and develop, schedule, coordinate, and conduct educational programming for new and existing staff to improve quality of care and reduce variation in workflow.
b. Maintain an up to date knowledge of echocardiography trends and best practice and conduct, participate in, facilitate, and utilize research to foster evidence-based practice.
c. Provide clinical supervision and evaluation of patient care related to echocardiography.
d. Attend and participate in echocardiography leadership activities.
e. Quality/Innovation on echo protocols, policies and procedures
3. Clinical Support
a. Perform patient evaluations including verifying patient identity, reviewing the medical record for orders and prior studies, and addressing patient questions and concerns.
b. Perform echocardiograms including 2D / Doppler with and without contrast, dobutamine stress and exercise stress echo exams, and transesophogeal echocardiograms according to protocol.
c. Complete appropriate documentation, post processing, and preliminary findings in the medical record and cardiovascular PACS system.
d. Acquire and maintain training and competency in electronic health record system as required to perform duties.
e. Maintain personal competency file if applicable.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES
Skill and competency in performing detailed cardiac ultrasound studies.
Skill and ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Proficient in Microsoft windows-based computer software.
Experience with electronic health records and cardiovascular PACS systems.
Ability to work as a member of a team.
Demonstrated clinical expertise and interest and ability in providing education.
Self-starter with outstanding organizational, analytical, and project management skills.
Qualifications:
MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIRED:
Graduate of registry approved ultrasound course or equivalent experience according to IAC.
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
Three (3) years clinical experience as a registered cardiac sonographer.
MINIMUM LICENSURE / CERTIFICATION REQUIRED BY LAW:
Registered as a Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) through the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or as a Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) through the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
ADDITIONAL PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience with the IAC accreditation process.
Experience developing and administering educational material.
Knowledge of data collection, analysis, and presentation.
Bachelors degree in Biology or a healthcare related field.
