Advanced Cardiac Sonographer

At Houston Methodist, the Advanced Echo Sonographer (AES) position is an experienced and fully competent cardiac echo sonographer, well-versed in all echocardiographic techniques, whose role necessitates physician trust as it has responsibility for quantitation of echocardiographic images, pre-reading of echocardiographic exams prior to submittal to the physician, and preparation of preliminary interpreting physician reports for final physician review and approval. This position performs cardiac echo sonography at an advanced level that ensures proper anatomic and physiologic data to establish an accurate diagnosis for clinical decision-making and patient management. The AES position reviews the indication for and quality of an echocardiographic examination and assists with obtaining additional images if needed to result in a complete and fully diagnostic examination. Working under the supervision of a physician trained and certified in echocardiography, this position participates in research studies involving echocardiography, performing studies and assisting the medical and clinical staff in obtaining consent as needed.

FLSA STATUS
Non-exempt

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Graduate of education program approved by the credentialing body for the required credential(s) indicated below
• Advanced medical training which might be acquired through medical school or higher level of medical background experience

EXPERIENCE

• Seven years of experience as cardiac echo sonographer of which three years have been in a hospital based practice; or experience in the capacity of a physician not actively licensed to practice in the United States but in good standing
• Research experience in scanning, data processing and keeping technical logs preferred

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required

• Certification as RDCS-AE, RDCS, RSC, RCCS, RVS or RVT and
• ACS - Advanced Cardiac Sonographer (CCI) - Cardiovascular Credentialing International_PSV and
• BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) - American Heart Association

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing skills and competency assessments; demonstrates ongoing knowledge indicative of current practices and new advanced procedures
• Ability to work independently; capable of handling challenging/difficult diagnostic procedures and patient care situations while juggling multiple priorities; demonstrates sound judgment and creativity in problem solving and executes above-average clinical skills
• Possesses knowledge of multiple Ultrasound systems and ability to learn and master the DigiView reporting system; possesses effective and intermediate computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to include, Hospital/Radiology/Cardiology Information Systems and Office software to maintain patient and exam documents
• Exhibits strong interpersonal and team player skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers
• Demonstrates leadership and motivational skills to help motivate fellow employees and promoting cooperation between various clinical/research areas
• Able to gain and maintain the confidence and trust of applicable physicians
• Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities with minimal supervision including, organizing workflow and actively participating in problem-solving
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team-focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner.
• Guides and mentors other cardiac echo sonographers to help build confidence in skills, knowledge and abilities.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs echocardiograms in a timely fashion, ensuring precise and accurate data following departmental/research policies and procedures. Quantitates echocardiographic images, performs pre-reading of studies, and prepares the preliminary physician interpreting report for final attending physician review and approval.
• Provides care for the physical and emotional needs of patients when conducting the echocardiograms. Proactively identifies issues and initiates actions for resolution in order to achieve optimal outcomes.
• Provides direct assistance to physicians and other health care team members during echocardiogram studies. Responds appropriately to needs of the Echocardiography and Research Laboratory as requested.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Recognizes and identifies normal and abnormal cardiac anatomy and structures; proactively determines need to utilize different techniques and calculations, applying accurately and appropriately when performing echocardiographic studies. Identifies abnormal findings and communicates to the attending reading cardiologist.
• Ensures the quality of the study is optimized and pre-read according to the best imaging practices, following departmental policies and procedures and IAC accreditation requirements to provide for the best possible diagnostic interpretation. Ensures adherence to various research protocols.
• Identifies opportunities for corrective action and process improvement providing recommendations and contributes to meeting departmental and hospital targets for quality and safety. Reports “near misses” and inputs errors promptly into documentation system to improve processes and identify trends. Confirms all orders and verifies patient’s identification per policy and protocols prior to performing the exam.
• Ensures all patient care equipment has had QC performed by the biomedical engineering team as required and is in safe working condition prior to use. Tags equipment and reports any malfunctions to the hospital’s appropriate departments and management, and makes sure the equipment is not in use until inspection confirms malfunction is fixed. Keeps equipment in clean and safe working condition; calls for service if needed.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provides accurate and complete documentation of patient procedures. Enters charges at the time service is delivered, when applicable.
• Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks.
• When appropriate, adjusts personal timecard to appropriately document time spent in various research projects.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Participates in departmental/research projects and studies submitted for research purposes.
• Seeks opportunities to expand learning competencies with a focus on constant development as Advanced Cardiac Sonographer.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform: No
• Scrubs: Yes
• Business professional: No
• Other (department approved): No

ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* Yes

TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Graduate of education program approved by the credentialing body for the required credential(s) indicated below
• Advanced medical training which might be acquired through medical school or higher level of medical background experience

EXPERIENCE

• Seven years of experience as cardiac echo sonographer of which three years have been in a hospital based practice; or experience in the capacity of a physician not actively licensed to practice in the United States but in good standing
• Research experience in scanning, data processing and keeping technical logs preferred

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required

• Certification as RDCS-AE, RDCS, RSC, RCCS, RVS or RVT and
• ACS - Advanced Cardiac Sonographer (CCI) - Cardiovascular Credentialing International_PSV and
• BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) - American Heart Association