Echo Sonographer - Radiology

About the Role

Performs diagnostic ultrasound imaging studies in the echocardiography lab, including Stress Echo Sonographers and/or TAVR procedures, or holds two or more registries.

Responsibilities

• Performs ultrasound procedures and examinations according to established department guidelines (60-75% of time):
  • Echocardiography-specific: Performs two-dimensional, three-dimensional, m-mode, color flow, Doppler flow, ejection fraction, dobutamine, and stress echocardiograms according to Echo Lab policy and procedures, and standards set by the Intersocietal Commission for Accreditation of Echocardiography Laboratories.
  • Clearly communicates and explains exam procedures to patients and family members to ensure understanding and consent.
  • Assesses patient’s medical, cardiac, or vascular status by taking a history before the exam.
  • Assembles patient charts and enters information into the PACS System or Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
  • Records all imaging studies (digital archive) for review and interpretation by the Medical Director or designee.
• Completes patient billing to ensure accurate and timely billing procedures (5% of time):
  • Enters charges daily for procedures performed with minimal errors.
  • Prints reports from PACS, Epic, and On Demand, verifying correct account numbers and procedures.
• Supports departmental functions, goals, and new program development (5% of time):
  • Participates in the development of new diagnostic testing procedures and evaluation of new equipment.
  • Educates residents and other medical or technical staff on technical aspects, indications, and limitations.
  • Enhances professional growth through educational programs, in-services, workshops, and maintaining specialty certification.
  • Participates in research studies requiring department services.
• Practices safety and infection control (3-5% of time):
  • Follows universal precautions and disposes of hazardous waste according to guidelines.
  • Maintains a safe, clean, and therapeutic environment, including proper equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.
  • Completes all assigned annual hospital and department-specific mandatory training (e.g., Safety/Fire, Blood Borne Pathogens, Hazardous Communication).
• Provides service excellence (2-5% of time):
  • Demonstrates care and courtesy to patients, family members, and hospital staff.
  • Communicates effectively and maintains confidentiality.
  • Minimizes overtime and uses resources efficiently.
  • Attends hospital and department meetings supporting the mission of St. Louis University Hospital.
• Incorporates Performance Improvement into daily work (2-3% of time):
  • Assists in data collection for the department’s Performance Improvement Program.
  • Recommends changes to increase efficiency and minimize waste.
• Provides age-appropriate care (1% of time):
  • Demonstrates knowledge of normal growth and development for adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients.
  • Assesses and interprets age-specific data to identify patient needs.
  • Involves family or significant others in decision-making related to services provided.
• Provides specialized care to high-risk patients (<1% of time):
  • Initiates and evaluates alternatives to restraints, monitors patient response, and provides care during restraint periods.
  • Follows pain management plans and reports patient complaints of pain.
  • Assesses for signs of abuse/neglect and reports concerns to appropriate personnel.
• Assists in day-to-day department operations (1-3% of time):
  • Utilizes work order systems for maintenance and housekeeping needs.
  • Retrieves archived studies for viewing/printing as requested.
  • Assists with clerical duties, including telephone responsibilities, report processing, and scheduling.
  • Participates in safety and infection control surveys.

Requirements

• Minimum Education: Graduate of an Allied Health program in Echocardiography/Cardiac Imaging.
• Minimum Experience: Registered (RDCS and/or RCS) required.
• Certifications:
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) – American Heart Association (AHA).
  • Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) – Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).
  • Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) with Adult Echocardiography (AE) or Pediatric Echocardiography (PE) Specialty – American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).

Skills

• Administrative/Business:
  • Compile statistics and paperwork for EMR scanning.
  • Computer skills for billing and report processing.
  • Proper phone etiquette.
• Equipment/Machine:
  • Operates various ultrasound and Doppler equipment.
  • Uses Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems, hospital telephone systems, and stress case systems.
  • Operates digital archiving, copy machines, and standard office equipment.

Working Conditions

• May be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases, including bloodborne pathogens and tuberculosis.
• Regularly exposed to hazardous anesthetic agents, body fluids, and wastes.
• Subject to electrical and radiant energy hazards.
• Occasional exposure to unpleasant patient or unit elements (e.g., accidents, injuries, illness).
• May handle emergency or crisis situations and work irregular hours, including rotating call duties.
• Exposed to chemicals such as isopropyl alcohol, gel, and cleaning/disinfecting agents.

Protective Equipment

• Eye shield/goggles.
• Gown and lab coat.
• Mask.
• Non-sterile and sterile medical gloves.

Physical Requirements

• Lifts, positions, pushes, and/or transfers patients (can exceed 350 lbs on occasion).
• Periodic heavy physical effort (lift/carry up to 50 lbs).
• Prolonged standing, walking, or sitting.
• 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.

Vision Requirements

• Ability to adjust vision for varying degrees of room light.
• Bring objects into focus and see clearly at 20 inches or less.
• Distinguish and identify multiple subtle shades of gray and different colors.

Hearing Requirements

• Ability to distinguish and identify varying tones/pitch of audible signals.