Pediatric Cardiac Sonographer II (Park Ridge campus, registry FTE 0.0)

Advocate Health•Park Ridge, NJ

3d•$38 - $57

About The Position

The Pediatric Cardiac Sonographer II performs pediatric or fetal echocardiograms for inpatient and outpatient patients, including transesophageal echocardiography. The role involves complex cardiac ultrasound examinations using appropriate equipment and imaging techniques, recognizing cardiac structures and defects, distinguishing artifacts from diagnostic images, and tailoring examinations to the patient’s condition and clinical question. Exams may be performed in the department and in a variety of clinical settings, including intensive care units, other inpatient units, the emergency department, cardiac catheterization lab, and operating room. The sonographer reviews medical records and orders, gathers relevant patient information, explains procedures to patients and families, communicates findings and changes to physicians and care team members, and maintains accurate test records, reports, and billing. The position also includes maintaining equipment and supplies, keeping examination areas clean and stocked, and maintaining continuing education required for registry or certification. The role requires advanced training through an accredited or approved sonography program, at least three years of progressively responsible echocardiography imaging experience, and pediatric or fetal echocardiography experience. The position is part-time with a registry FTE of 0.0; the schedule is flexible, with details discussed during the interview.

Requirements

Completion of an accredited or approved sonography program involving advanced training beyond high school.
Three years of progressively responsible experience in a lab performing echocardiography imaging.
Pediatric or fetal echocardiography experience.
Registration in Pediatric Echocardiography (RDCS_PE) through ARDMS or Registered Congenital Cardiac Sonographer (RCCS) through CCI, or registration in Fetal Echocardiography (RDCS_FE or RDMS_FE) through ARDMS.
Basic Life Support/CPR certification.
Ability to perform pediatric or fetal echocardiograms and transesophageal echocardiography examinations.
Advanced knowledge of cardiac anatomy, physiology, and disease.
Ability to operate ultrasound equipment using techniques including M-mode, two-dimensional imaging, and pulsed and continuous-wave Doppler flow mapping.
Ability to recognize and record cardiac pathology, make clinical assessments and judgments, and quickly assess and resolve technical or patient-care problems.
Ability to apply clinical research findings to identify intervention techniques or procedures that may need modification.
Ability to educate patients and families about safe and appropriate testing and explain procedures clearly.
Ability to work independently and as a member of a care team, interact professionally, and develop effective relationships.
Ability to maintain composure under stress and use tact and good judgment.
Flexibility to perform tests and scans in varied clinical environments.
Ability to operate all equipment necessary for the job.
Ability to sit for 50% and stand and walk for 20% of the workday.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. from floor to waist, lift up to 20 lbs. overhead, carry up to 40 lbs. a reasonable distance, push or pull with 30 lbs. of force, perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs. with a second person present, and frequently push or pull over 100 lbs.
Ability to use hands and feet to operate equipment; functional speech, vision, and hearing.
Ability to wear protective clothing as needed and work with exposure to mechanical, electrical, and chemical hazards.

Responsibilities

Perform pediatric or fetal echocardiograms for inpatient and outpatient patients using appropriate echocardiography systems and accessories.
Perform transesophageal echocardiography examinations.
Perform complex adult, pediatric, or fetal cardiac ultrasound examinations, selecting appropriate imaging and tailoring exams to the clinical question, cardiac defect, and patient presentation.
Conduct emergency examinations in the department, intensive care units, inpatient units, emergency department, cardiac catheterization lab, and operating room.
Recognize cardiac structures and defects, distinguish artifacts from appropriate images, and account for equipment limitations.
Review medical records, patient history, lab results, physician orders, and requisitions to ensure exam accuracy.
Explain procedures to patients and families, answer questions, address concerns, and support patient understanding and outcomes.
Maintain appropriate records of diagnostic tests performed.
Communicate pertinent patient information, abnormal findings, and changes in test results to physicians and appropriate team members.
Request equipment maintenance work orders, order and replace supplies, and keep examination and procedure areas stocked and clean.
Process data accurately for electronic reporting templates and complete billing accurately.
Maintain required continuing education credits for registry or certification status.