Pediatric Echo Sonographer

At Houston Methodist, the Pediatric Echo Sonographer position is responsible for performing a range of routine to complex echocardiograms including but not limited to Transthoracic Echocardiogram or TTE, with Color, Spectral Doppler and 2-D imaging, Transesophageal Echocardiogram TEE, Plain Stress Echocardiogram or Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram, TTE with bubbles, TTE with contrast and advanced TTE/TTE with 4D imaging, for both inpatient and outpatient studies. This position independently performs and evaluates patients for known or unknown complex congenital or structural heart defects which could require surgical reconstruction, repair or replacement. The Pediatric Echo Sonographer position requires proficiency to locate, evaluate and record pertinent anatomical, pathological and functional data while using different systems of ultrasound equipment and transmits exams to compatible DICOM storage applications, processes preliminary technical data in designated interpreting system, and communicates any significant findings to the attending reading physician. This position requires availability to be on call.

PRN - As needed

FLSA STATUS
Non-exempt

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Graduate of education program approved by the credentialing body for the required credential(s) indicated below in the Certifications, Licenses and Registrations section.

EXPERIENCE

• One year experience in pediatric echocardiography

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required

• BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) - American Heart Association and
• Must have one of the following certifications: RDCS - Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (ARDMS); RDCS-AE - Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer - Adult Echocardiography (ARDMS); RVT - Registered Vascular Technologist (ARDMS); RDCS-PE - Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer - Pediatric Echocardiography (ARDMS); RCS - Registered Cardiac Sonographer (CCI); RVS - Registered Vascular Specialist (CCI)

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• 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
• Possesses basic 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
• Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities with minimal supervision including, organizing workflow and actively participating in problem solving

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 using progressive skills in therapeutic communication and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner, which includes active listening and teaching.
• Serves as a patient advocate in preventing/resolving ethical issues. Facilitates interventions to relieve the patient’s/family spiritual distress
• Contributes towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs cardiac echo studies, while ensuring precise and accurate data is transmitted for physician completion.
• Provides care for the physical needs of patients when conducting the cardiac echo studies. Educates patients who require inpatient or outpatient echo exams by providing explanations of purpose and techniques used during the exam. Proactively identifies issues and how to address them for optimum outcomes.
• Provides direct assistance to physicians and other health care team members during cardiac echo studies including, patient preparation before procedures and performs proper sterile techniques as indicated in support of the procedure.
• Uses peer-to-peer accountability to contribute towards improving department score for patient satisfaction.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Identifies and recognizes cardiac structures accurately, including: calculate valve area, pressure gradients and ejection fraction when performing echo studies. Confirms the quality of the study is concise and clear to optimize best images for the patient care team and interpreting physician.
• Identifies abnormal findings when performing exams or processing data and takes corrective action or communicates immediately, when appropriate, to proper personnel for the best quality outcomes.
• Maintains proper sterile techniques for procedures, regularly practices aseptic techniques, and ensures compliance with infection control procedures. Complies with job, department and hospital safety standards, practices and policies.
• Ensures all patient care equipment has had QC performed as required and is in safe working order prior to use. Reports any malfunctions to management and regularly practices preventive maintenance procedures; calls for service if needed. Contributes to identification of corrective action and improvement activities and to meet department and hospital targets for quality and safety.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provides accurate and complete documentation of patient procedures. Enters charges at the time service is delivered, when applicable.
• Utilizes resources with cost effectiveness and value creation in mind. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively, minimizing incidental overtime, and prioritize daily tasks, assisting coworkers as needed.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Participates in departmental projects and shared governance activities focused on innovation, efficiency or improvement in patient care and activities.
• Seeks opportunities to identify self-development needs and takes appropriate action. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management. Completes and updates the My Development Plan on an on-going basis.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
WORK ATTIRE

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

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 No
• 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 in the Certifications, Licenses and Registrations section.

EXPERIENCE

• One year experience in pediatric echocardiography

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required

• BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) - American Heart Association and
• Must have one of the following certifications: RDCS - Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (ARDMS); RDCS-AE - Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer - Adult Echocardiography (ARDMS); RVT - Registered Vascular Technologist (ARDMS); RDCS-PE - Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer - Pediatric Echocardiography (ARDMS); RCS - Registered Cardiac Sonographer (CCI); RVS - Registered Vascular Specialist (CCI)