Non Invasive Imaging Pediatric Echo Sonographer

Description

Summary:

Responsible for performing sedated and non-sedated echocardiograms, stress echocardiograms, providing TEE support to physicians, and conducting pre and postoperative TTE on normal and congenital hearts. The patient population ranges from neonates to adults.

Must:

Be skilled and have the ability to work with pediatric patients with a wide variety of complex medical and psychosocial conditions.
Have excellent communication skills and work effectively as part of a team in a dynamic and fast-paced care environment.
Be technology-minded, detail-oriented, and be able to follow precise directions.
Be able to perform high-quality scans on neonatal patients who can weigh less than one pound with many complex medical issues. Depending on department needs may be asked to perform 12 and 15 lead ECG and Holter monitor hookups.

This job requires participation in the after-hours and weekend call schedule.

Responsibilities:

Meets expectations of the applicable OneCHRISTUS Competencies: Leader of Self, Leader of Others, or Leader of Leaders.
Gain the skills to perform independently, high-quality normal and complex echocardiographic exams enabling pediatric cardiology staff to make accurate diagnoses of various congenital and acquired heart abnormalities.
Understand the basic requirements for study completion which include measurements and calculations to assess anatomy and function of normal hearts and hearts with congenital defects.
Identifies indications and limitations of exams and procedures.
Gain increasing proficiency in the functionality of various ultrasound equipment such as adjusting the US for proper settings, transducer selection, and other advanced functionality.
Understand the physics of ultrasound, the physics of blood flow, and bio-effects of ultrasound.
Gain proficiency to perform 2D exams independently, complete the protocol in a timely manner, and recognize normal and common abnormal structures.
Gain proficiency to perform independently, Doppler exams and recognize normal and abnormal patterns.
Set up equipment for TEEs.
Write preliminary reports in a timely manner.
Attends echo lectures, journal clubs, and case conferences pertaining to Cardiology.
Prepare for the Echo exam either through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or Cardiovascular Credentialing International CCI.
Must pass the exam within one year of hire and before being considered for advancement.
Perform inpatient and outpatient diagnostic cardiac ultrasounds that are in accordance with ASE and/ or IAC clinical and quality guidelines.
Assist with intraoperative TEE, TEE in the Cath lab or at the bedside.
Responsible for performing, archiving, and calculations of all pediatric cardiac ultrasound imaging by using appropriate machine optimization, probe/ transducer section, and patient positioning.
Utilize critical thinking skills and a segmental approach while imaging to provide high-quality studies in normal to complex congenital heart defects.
Must be able to learn and adapt to a variety of ultrasound equipment, software, and protocols.
Notifies and communicates with physicians throughout the day for exam interpretation.
Performs QC and QI and daily operational maintenance of echo lab equipment as directed in accordance with lab and hospital policies and procedures.
Maintain lab supply par levels and ensure rooms and equipment are clean and ready throughout the day.
Maintain annual CEU credits by seeking out and participating in ongoing educational and skills advancement opportunities.
Collaborate with peers and caregivers across multiple areas of the organization in adherence to the Core Values of CHRISTUS Health.
Ability to learn ultrasound equipment with specialized cardiology software and operate at a basic level the following equipment: blood pressure monitor, pulse oximeter, and desktop computer.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Education/Skills

Graduation from an accredited school of ultrasound technology or a bachelor's degree in Biological Science preferred

Experience

0-3 years of recent experience in performing adult or pediatric cardiac echocardiograms is required
Knowledge of congenital anomalies (not required for adult echo tech) is required of all Pedi echo techs, as the associate is required to move from basic to complex knowledge of complex CONGENITAL heart defects

Licenses, Registrations, or Certifications

BLS is required
Eligible to take Registry exam upon hire date
New grads who have completed their clinical and didactics at an accredited program or have their BA and are eligible to sit for their registry
Must pass within a year of hiring and must be registered in pediatrics, in order to proceed to the next career level

Work Type:

Full Time