Cath Lab Tech

Beacon Health System; Elkhart (IN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Beacon Health System in Elkhart, Indiana is looking for an experienced echocardiography professional to conduct echocardiograms and assist in patient care. You'll be responsible for ensuring accurate data preparation and maintaining records while adhering to safety protocols.

The ideal candidate should have RDCS or RCS certification, a strong background in cardiac anatomy, and experience in performing various echocardiographic procedures. Join a dedicated team devoted to patient care and excellence in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of general anatomy and physiology, basic ultrasound principles and medical terminology.
• 1 to 2 years of job-related experience preferred.
• Must maintain active registry status for ARDMS or CCI.

Responsibilities

• Conduct echocardiograms and prepare data for interpretation.
• Maintain daily logbook and keep patient records.
• Respond to emergency situations when called.

Skills

Echocardiographic procedures

Cardiac anatomy knowledge

Critical thinking

Interpersonal skills

Education

RDCS or RCS certification

Completion of college or vocational training

Current CPR certification

Job description

Reports to Director. Under general supervision of performing physician, performs cardiac ultrasound, non‑invasive diagnostic studies of the heart and/or other related studies.

Clinical Care

• Conduct echocardiograms and education.
• Proficiently perform all types of echocardiographic procedures including M‑mode, 2‑D, Doppler, Color flow, and Stress Echo on adults and children.
• Prepare data for physician interpretation.

Keep Records

• Maintain daily logbook.
• Ensure Echo report is in Vericis (or other software used) prior to physician read.
• Keep patient records on file in Department so previous findings can be compared with current Echo.

Supply Inventory/Department Maintenance

• Monitor stock supplies and materials and report shortages.
• Keep the rooms and department areas neat and orderly.
• Perform QA checks as directed.

Interact with Physicians

• Select the appropriate data for measurement and analysis and present this data to the physician for interpretation.
• Participate in physician's interpretation or reading sessions.
• Know the significance of abnormal findings and report immediately to interpreting physician if life‑threatening situation occurs.
• Report interpreted findings to ordering physician if the occasion arises.

Emergency Procedures

• Respond immediately to emergency situations when called.

Resource Driven Practice

• Seek education and supervision as necessary.
• Participate in councils, committees, and process improvement activities.
• Have regular and prompt attendance.
• Attend 80% of staff meetings.
• Attend mandatory in‑services and staff meetings.
• Maintain current BLS.
• Complete skills validation and online learning as required.
• Maintain active registry status for ARDMS or CCI.

Contributes to the Overall Effectiveness of the Department

• Complete other job‑related duties and projects as assigned.

Organizational Responsibilities

• Attend and participate in department meetings and account for all information shared.
• Complete mandatory education, annual competencies and department‑specific education within established timeframes.
• Complete annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Maintain license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Direct patient care providers must maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Use appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adhere to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Comply with established organization and department policies.
• Be available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Education and Experience

• Knowledge, skills, and abilities normally acquired through successful completion of some college or vocational training. RDCS or RCS required; if new graduate, must obtain within 2 years of graduation. Must maintain current CPR certification. 1 to 2 years of job‑related experience is preferred. Highly preferred if proficiently performed all types of adult and pediatric echocardiograms in a busy Echo Lab.

Knowledge & Skills

• Knowledge of general anatomy and physiology, basic physical principles of ultrasound, basic mathematics, and medical terminology.
• Know detailed normal and abnormal cardiac anatomy.
• Know cross‑sectional anatomy of all imaging planes, techniques for recording all sector images and distinguish normal from abnormal findings.
• Have thorough understanding of the anatomy and pathophysiology of cardiac disease processes and be able to deviate from standard techniques when necessary to extend the scope of the examinations appropriately to eliminate abnormalities.
• Know the function of equipment controls, techniques used in all types of echocardiograms, and possess sufficient skill in performing these techniques to produce a complete anatomic and functional record for the physician to interpret.
• Be competent in making quantitative calculations from Echo data acquired.
• Be capable of transporting ultrasound equipment to the patient's bedside and arranging the bed and bedside furniture to facilitate placement of the ultrasound machine.
• Be methodical and thorough in examining all possible sector planes.
• Quickly analyze data acquired and responsibly report any life‑threatening situations to the interpreting physician as soon as possible.
• Assist patients to and from examining tables and position patients properly.
• Require good vision and color vision to assess color Doppler, as well as excellent hearing skills to assess individual cardiac Doppler sounds.
• Demonstrate good decision‑making skills to evaluate and solve daily scheduling concerns as they arise.
• Demonstrate good interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with physicians and team members, as well as excellent patient and family relations skills.

Working Conditions

• Must have the ability to concentrate despite distracting surroundings.
• Hours may vary to cover team members' absences or as requested by Manager/Director.

Physical Demands

• Requires the physical ability and stamina to walk/stand for prolonged periods, push carts/wheelchairs up to 50 pounds, position/lift patients at a maximum of 35 pounds unassisted, assist with heavier loads, provide CPR, and perform other essential functions of the position.