CV
Staffing Challenges
2 full time Echo techs, we are currently interviewing for a
registry EKG tech.
It has become more difficult to find EKG candidates in our
area, because so many schools and programs have closed.
In addition, most of the candidates we’ve interviewed for
Echo positions over the last few years are right out of school
and have no experience.
We were fortunate last time we hired for an Echo position
to find a technician with 25 years experience, and we are extremely fortunate to have a lead technician who is qualified
and also willing to teach.
Echo accreditation
“Finding the right
team is as important
for a small cardiology
department like ours as
it is for a professional
sports team.
We are going through the Echo accreditation process now,
and our lead echo technician has embraced the project and
is doing a lot of work to make sure this happens in the next
6 months.
Despite these challenges, staff are more qualified than in
the past. It used to be that most EKG techs and Echo techs
were trained on the job—they didn’t have to take tests or get
certified or registered.
Now you have to have registered Echo technicians in order
to get your Echo lab accredited, and every hospital wants
an accredited lab. I know both Rush Oak Park and Rush
University Medical Center are working toward that goal.
Teamwork meets department needs
I have a director of cardiology that who is always supportive
of my staffing needs. We discuss what I feel the department
needs, but I am usually able to get what I need.
“...we are extremely
fortunate to have a
lead technician who
is qualified and also
willing to teach.
I try to use my staff wisely, and I fill in when needed on a
weekend or holiday. I am lucky to have staff that are flexible
and adjust t heir schedules to meet department needs.
CV DIRECTIONS VOL. 2, NO. 2
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