Echosonographer - Radiology

SSM Health • Saint Louis, MO

14d • Onsite

About The Position

Performs diagnostic ultrasound imaging studies in the echocardiography lab including Stress Echo Sonographers and/or TAVRS/procedures or holds two or more registries. The role involves performing ultrasound procedures and examinations according to established department guidelines, completing patient billing, supporting departmental goals, practicing safety and infection control, providing service excellence, incorporating quality assessment into daily work, and providing age-appropriate and specialized care. The position requires assisting in the day-to-day operations of the assigned department.

Requirements

• Graduate of an Allied Health program in Echocardiography/Cardiac Imaging
• Registered (RDCS and /or RCS)
• BLS, Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) through CCI or Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer through ARDMS
• Compile statistics
• Compile paperwork to send to Medical Records for scanning into EMR
• Computer skills
• Billing studies upon end exam
• Answer phones using proper phone etiquette
• Various ultrasound and Doppler equipment to perform procedures
• Electronic Medical Record System
• Hospital telephone system
• Stress Case System, for Echocardiology departments
• Digital archiving
• Copy machine and other standard office equipment
• May be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases.
• Regularly exposed to the risk of blood borne pathogens.
• Exposed to hazardous anesthetic agents, body fluids and wastes.
• Subject to electrical and radiant energy hazards.
• Occasional exposure to unpleasant patient or unit elements.
• May be exposed to unpleasant elements (accidents, injuries and illness).
• Subject to varying and unpredictable situations.
• May be required to handle emergency or crisis situations.
• Occasionally subjected to irregular hours including rotating call duties
• Exposed to chemicals such as isopropyl alcohol and gel used in diagnostic testing procedures.
• Exposed to chemicals for cleaning/disinfecting of equipment (hospital approved agents).
• Eye shield/goggles
• Gown
• Lab Coat
• Mask
• Non-sterile medical gloves
• Sterile medical gloves
• Lifts, positions, pushes and/or transfers patients (can exceed 350 lbs on occasions)
• Periodic heavy physical effort (lift/carry up to 50 lbs).
• Prolonged, extensive or considerable standing/walking/sitting required.
• Pushes/pulls or moves/lifts heavy equipment/supplies (up to 400 lbs)
• Manual dexterity, mobility and fine motor skills required.
• Intermittent exertion when performing studies.
• Considerable reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling and crouching required in performing job duties.
• Be able to adjust vision for varying degrees or room light.
• Bring objects into focus and see clearly at 20 inches or less.
• Be able to distinguish and identify multiple subtle shades of gray and different colors.
• Be able to distinguish and identify varying tones/pitch of an audible signal.
• Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA)
• Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) - Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) OR Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) with Adult Echocardiography (AE) Specialty - American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) OR Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) with Pediatric Echocardiography (PE) Specialty - American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)

Nice To Haves

• Holds two or more registries.

Responsibilities

• Performs ultrasound procedures and examinations according to established department guidelines.
• Performs two dimensional, three-dimensional, m-mode, color flow, Doppler flow, ejection fraction, dobutamine and stress echocardiograms according to the Echo Lab policy and procedures manual and standards set forth by the Intersocietal Commission for Accreditation of Echocardiography Laboratories.
• Clearly communicates & explains the exam procedure to the patient and any family member present to insure understanding and patient’s consent for explained test.
• Assesses patient’s medical, cardiac or vascular status by taking a history before the exam.
• Assembles a chart with the patient’s information and enters information into the current PACS System or Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
• Records all imaging studies (digital archive) for the Medical Director or his/her designee to review and interpret.
• Completes patient billing to insure accurate and timely billing procedures.
• Enters charges daily for procedures performed with no more than 1 error per week.
• Prints reports from PAC, Epic and On Demand.
• Checks each charge to ensure the right account number is used and the correct procedures are charged.
• Supports all functions, goals and objectives of the department as well as development of any new programs.
• Participate in development of new diagnostic testing procedures to be performed in the department.
• Participates in the evaluation of new equipment for potential purchase.
• Educates residents and other medical or technical staff in the technical aspects, indications and limitations.
• Enhances professional growth and development through annual participation in educational programs, in-services, workshops, reading current publications, on line CME through various professional organizations & manufacturers and viewing videotaped education programs.
• Complete required CEUs to maintain specialty certification.
• Participates in research studies that require services of the department.
• Practices according to safety and infection control policies.
• Practices universal precautions and disposes of hazardous wastes per established guidelines.
• Disinfects and cleans equipment according to manufacturers’ guidelines and standards outlined by Infection Control and department policy, including high level disinfection (HLD).
• Maintains a safe, clean, comfortable and therapeutic environment for patients/families/employees in accordance with hospital standards.
• Maintains clutter free environment.
• Keeps conversations and background noise to a minimum Adheres to dress code.
• Properly displays ID badge worn with picture visible and above the waistline at all times.
• Maintains equipment in clean & proper working condition on a daily basis.
• Troubleshoots & corrects technical problems as needed.
• Contacts Clinical Engineering or manufacturer’s service department (if under contract) when malfunctions occur.
• Reports risk management concerns.
• Assumes responsibility for completing all assigned annual hospital and department specific mandatory requirements.
• Works in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.
• Provides service excellence to the customers of Saint Louis University Hospital by delivering timely, high quality care in a courteous and respectful manner.
• Demonstrates Care and Courtesy to all patients, family members, hospital and medical staff.
• Demonstrate ability to relate to coworkers in a professional and respectful manner, in order to assure and promote a culture of safety
• Communicates Effectively and Maintains Confidentiality as outlined in the hospital policy.
• Demonstrates Competence and Collaboration as outlined in the hospital policy.
• Provides Cost Effective Services: Minimizes overtime by scheduling and performing patient procedures in the most efficient manner (flex time).
• Appropriately uses/handles equipment and orders supplies to minimize expenditures on repairs, replacement items and inventory.
• Attends regularly scheduled hospital and department meetings that support and explain the Mission of St. Louis University Hospital and its operation.
• Incorporates Quality Assessment into one’s daily work.
• Assists in the daily collection of data for the department’s Performance Improvement Program (volume indicators monthly & quality indicators are based upon department operation & requested monitoring by the procedure review committee).
• Wisely and responsibly utilize the resources within the facility.
• Take care of equipment and report problems to result in a longer usage life.
• Recommends changes in practices to increase efficiency and minimize waste to manager.
• Provides age-appropriate care to: Adolescent, Adult, Geriatric.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skills of normal growth & development necessary to provide services to the age of the patient served by the department.
• Demonstrates ability to assess and interpret age specific data to identify patient needs.
• Utilizes communication skills necessary to interpret age specific responses to service and interaction.
• Involves family or significant other in decision making related to services provided.
• Demonstrates ability to provide service needed for the age groups routinely served by the department assigned.
• Provides specialized care to patients at high risk for injury.
• Restraint Care: Initiates/evaluates alternatives to restraint prior to application. Applies restraints consistent with the approved procedure. Monitors and assesses patient’s response throughout the restraint period at the appropriate intervals. Provides specified patient care (toileting, skin care, hydration, feeding, etc.) on a timely basis. Provides for trail release and removal of restraint as soon as possible. Adhere to hospital policy Restraints.
• Pain Management: Follows pain management plan of care, e.g.: repositioning, message, immobilization, etc. Reports patient complaints of pain to the nursing staff and/or physician. Evaluates and addresses pain concerns in accordance with Pain Management Policy (see hospital policy on pain management).
• Abuse Assessment: Is aware of abuse recognition criteria and incorporates it into assessments. Reports signs of possible abuse/neglect to the physician and Risk Management, and recommends appropriate consultations (psychiatric, Social Work) for evaluation. Adhere to hospital policy on Abuse and Neglect Clinical Assessment and Reporting.
• Assists in the day-to-day operation of the assigned department.
• Utilizes work order entry system to report functions which need to be performed by housekeeping, maintenance and clinical engineering.
• Retrieves previously archived studies for viewing/printing as requested.
• Assists in clerical duties as required, including telephone responsibilities, processing of reports, posting/mailing of reports, filing, scheduling, etc.
• Participates in preparing and performing regular safety and infection control surveys.
• Reports non-compliant issues to manager/administrator and if necessary, safety or infection control director, and takes steps to correct deficiencies.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.

Benefits

• Eligible team members receive one week of paid parental leave for newborns or newly adopted children (pro-rated based on FTE).
• DailyPay offers eligible hourly team members instant access to their earned, unpaid base pay before payday (fees may apply).
• Upfront tuition coverage through FlexPath Funded for eligible team members.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree