Echo Tech

St. Josephs Medical Center•Houston, TX

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Director of Cardiovascular Services, the Echo sonographer performs routine echocardiograms for inpatient and outpatient patients. Studies include transthoracic echocardiograms (TTE) with color and spectral Doppler and 2-D imaging; transesophageal echocardiograms (TEE); plain or dobutamine stress echocardiograms; TTE with bubbles or contrast; and advanced TTE studies such as 3-D imaging. The sonographer locates, evaluates, and records pertinent anatomical, pathological, and functional data using different ultrasound equipment systems; transmits exams to compatible DICOM storage applications; processes preliminary technical data in the designated interpreting system; and communicates significant findings to the attending reading physician. The role requires the ability to be on call and to carry out duties consistent with St. Joseph Medical Center’s mission and values, working as a team member and promoting customer satisfaction. The Echo Tech performs cardiac echo studies and supports physicians and other members of the health care team during procedures. Responsibilities include preparing patients, attending to their physical needs, explaining exam purposes and techniques, using sterile and aseptic techniques as indicated, identifying cardiac structures and abnormal findings, ensuring image and data quality, and maintaining patient and equipment safety. The role also includes accurate documentation and charge entry when applicable, efficient use of resources, competency maintenance, participation in departmental improvement and shared governance activities, and other reasonably related duties as assigned. The position is PRN day shift. Required qualifications include graduation from an ARDMS- or CCI-approved education program; an applicable cardiac sonography credential; and Basic Life Support certification. Pediatric experience is listed among the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. One year of cardiovascular Echo sonographer experience and bilingual or multilingual ability are preferred.

Requirements

Graduate of an education program approved by the American Registry of Diagnostic Sonography (ARDMS) or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).
Hold one of the following credentials: Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) from ARDMS; Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) from CCI; or Registered Congenital Cardiac Sonographer (RCCS) from CCI.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification; American Heart Association and American Red Cross certifications are accepted.
Pediatric experience.
Demonstrate the skills and competencies necessary to perform the assigned job safely, as determined through ongoing skills and competency assessments.
Basic computer knowledge and ability to use multiple computer systems, including hospital, radiology, and cardiology information systems and office software.
Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills with all levels of the health care team, and ability to deliver excellent customer service to patients, visitors, physicians, and coworkers.
Ability to adapt to multiple ongoing 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 coworkers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and positive language principles.
Ability to be on call.

Nice To Haves

Bi- or multilingual ability.
At least one year of experience as a cardiovascular Echo sonographer.

Responsibilities

Perform routine and advanced cardiac echocardiograms for inpatient and outpatient patients, including TTE, TEE, stress echocardiograms, bubble and contrast studies, and 3-D imaging.
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 the designated interpreting system.
Communicate significant or abnormal findings to the attending reading physician or other appropriate personnel.
Provide care for patients’ physical needs during exams and explain the purpose and techniques of examinations.
Prepare patients and provide direct assistance to physicians and health care team members during cardiac echo studies and procedures.
Use sterile and aseptic techniques as indicated and follow infection-control procedures.
Recognize cardiac structures accurately and calculate valve area, pressure gradients, and ejection fraction when performing echo studies.
Ensure studies are clear and concise, optimize images, and take corrective action when image quality or findings require it.
Follow patient care, facility, departmental, hospital safety, and corporate compliance guidelines and procedures.
Identify risks and hazards, help reduce unsafe practices, and take actions to mitigate patient harm.
Ensure patient care equipment has required quality-control checks and is safe to use; report malfunctions, perform preventive maintenance, and request service when needed.
Maintain required education, competencies, and knowledge of current standards and developments in practice.
Communicate and collaborate with patients, physicians, families, coworkers, and other members of the patient care team.
Promote a positive, team-focused work environment and contribute to departmental projects and shared governance activities.
Document patient procedures accurately and completely and enter charges when applicable.
Manage time and prioritize daily tasks independently; use resources efficiently and avoid wasting supplies.
Promote positive patient relationships and contribute to patient satisfaction.
Perform other reasonably related business or job duties as assigned.