Echo Sonographer II

Houston Methodist•Sweetwater, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Echo Sonographer II is an experienced, fully competent sonographer who performs routine to complex echocardiograms for inpatient and outpatient studies. Exams include transthoracic echocardiograms (TTE) with color, spectral Doppler, and 2-D imaging; transesophageal echocardiograms (TEE); plain or dobutamine stress echocardiograms; TTE with bubbles or contrast; and advanced TTE such as 3-D imaging. The role also provides support for pharmacologic and exercise stress procedures, Holter testing, EKG and/or cardiac event monitoring, and advanced procedures such as TAVR when needed. The sonographer locates, evaluates, and records pertinent anatomical, pathological, and functional data using ultrasound systems. The position transmits exams to compatible DICOM storage applications, processes preliminary technical data in designated interpreting systems, and communicates significant findings to the attending reading physician. The role participates in unit-based and system quality and compliance initiatives and requires on-call availability. The position is full time on a day schedule, Tuesday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (four 10-hour shifts). Scrubs are required. The role may require travel within the Houston metropolitan area, but not outside it. Employees may also be required to be on call during emergencies regardless of the listed on-call selection. Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital serves Fort Bend County and surrounding areas, offering a range of medical services including cancer care, neuroscience and spine care, orthopedics and sports medicine, heart and vascular care, women’s services, childbirth services with a Level III NICU, bariatric and digestive care, and advanced imaging. Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Requirements

Graduate of an education program approved by the credentialing body for the required credential(s).
Three years of experience as a Cardiac/Echo Sonographer; Houston Methodist Echo Sonographers may be considered with two years of experience, including one year as an Echo Sonographer with Houston Methodist.
Current BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor certification from the American Heart Association.
Must hold at least one of the following: RDCS, RDCS-AE, or RVT from ARDMS; or RCS or RVS from CCI.
Demonstrated skills and competencies necessary to safely perform assigned work, assessed on an ongoing basis.
Basic computer knowledge and ability to operate hospital, radiology, and cardiology information systems and office software to maintain patient and exam documents.
Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills and ability to provide excellent customer service to patients, visitors, physicians, and co-workers.
Ability to adapt to multiple priorities with minimal supervision, organize workflow, and participate in problem solving.
Sufficient English speaking, reading, and writing proficiency to perform essential job functions, particularly those affecting patient or employee safety or security.
Ability to communicate effectively with patients, physicians, family members, and co-workers in a customer-service-focused manner.
Availability to be on call.

Responsibilities

Perform routine to complex inpatient and outpatient cardiac echocardiograms, including TTE, TEE, stress echocardiograms, TTE with bubbles or contrast, and advanced TTE with 3-D imaging.
Provide support for pharmacologic and exercise stress procedures, Holter testing, EKG and/or cardiac event monitoring, and advanced procedures such as TAVR when needed.
Locate, evaluate, and record pertinent anatomical, pathological, and functional data using ultrasound equipment.
Transmit exams to compatible DICOM storage applications and process preliminary technical data in designated interpreting systems.
Communicate significant findings to the attending reading physician and collaborate with the patient care team.
Assist physicians and other healthcare team members during cardiac echo studies, including patient preparation and sterile techniques as indicated.
Provide care for patients’ physical needs during cardiac echo studies and explain exam purpose and techniques to inpatient and outpatient patients.
Recognize cardiac structures and calculate valve area, pressure gradients, and ejection fraction during echo studies.
Confirm study quality and clarity to support optimal imaging and interpretation; identify abnormal findings and take corrective action or promptly communicate them to appropriate personnel.
Maintain aseptic and sterile techniques and comply with infection-control, job, departmental, and hospital safety standards and policies.
Check that patient-care equipment has required quality control and is safe to use; report malfunctions, perform preventive maintenance, and request service when needed.
Assist with departmental safety initiatives and standards of practice.
Document patient procedures accurately and completely, enter charges when applicable, and use supplies and other resources efficiently.
Organize workflow, manage time, and prioritize daily tasks with minimal supervision.
Promote a positive, collaborative team environment and communicate relevant patient-care information to the care team.
Assist in training new staff and mentoring clinical students.
Participate in departmental projects and shared governance activities and pursue continued learning and professional development.
Foster a constructive teaching environment for students and co-workers.