Pediatric Echocardiographer

About the role

The Pediatric Echocardiographer is responsible for performing transthoracic echocardiograms on neonates, infants, children, adolescents and adults. Also performs fetal echocardiograms and stress echocardiograms.

Responsibilities

• Performs echocardiograms according to established protocol including 2-D, M-Mode, tissue doppler, strain imaging, color flow and doppler on neonates, infants, children, adolescents and adults being evaluated for suspected or known congenital and acquired heart disease.
• Performs Fetal Echocardiograms.
• Performs Stress Echocardiograms.
• Obtains patient history and performs procedures as ordered.
• Independently performs study and provides timely preliminary report in Syngo Dynamics.
• Obtains image and doppler information required to define complex congenital heart defect in patients referred for evaluation of non-corrected anatomy and function and/or evaluation of surgical reconstruction, repair, or placement of prosthetic devices.
• Performs a variety of cardiac examinations utilizing various types of equipment in order to locate, evaluate, and record pertinent anatomical and pathological data for the diagnosis of the disease.
• Ensures that all studies are transferred and reviewed for quality images in Syngo Dynamics for physician interpretation.
• Notifies pediatric cardiologist in cases of acute or life threatening abnormalities.
• Demonstrates working knowledge of Echo PACS, computer system and hospital information system.
• As requested, makes copy of patient's echocardiogram by transferring study onto a CD.
• Cleans and prepares exam room for next patient.
• Maintains par levels for echo supplies and reports and/or orders supplies as needed.
• Monitors echo supplies to maintain par levels.
• Calibrates, cleans and maintains equipment. Reports breakdown and supply needs to manager and/or Echo Lab Director, and coordinates the repair and routine maintenance of the ultrasound machines.
• Understands and follows departmental policy and procedures.
• Protects patient and family privacy rights and maintains confidentiality of patient records and computer security codes, as well as protects the integrity of privileged information.
• Demonstrates AIDET and service recovery principles.
• Consistently adheres to HUMC code of conduct/standards of behaviors.
• Adheres to ASE standards and those identified in the Medical Center's Organizational Competencies.
• Participates in performance initiatives and monitoring. Prepares studies and patient data for QA and echo conference.
• Identifies the needs of the patient population served and modifies and delivers care that is specific to those needs (i.e., age, culture, language, hearing and/or visually impaired, etc.). This process includes communicating with the patient, parent, and/or primary caregiver(s) at their level (developmental/age, educational, literacy, etc.).
• Follows all safety rules on the job.
• Reports accidents promptly and corrects minor safety hazards.
• Attends 85% of departmental staff meetings.
• Performs other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

• Graduate of a certified cardiovascular technology school and/or graduate of an accredited ultrasonography program with a specialty in cardiac sonography.
• One year clinical echocardiography experience.
• Knowledge of cardiac anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology.
• Knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of congenital heart defects both pre and post-surgery.
• Knowledge of fetal anatomy, physiology and circulation.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
• Must document at least 15 hours of echocardiography related continuing education over a period of three (3) years. All hours must be relevant to echocardiography.

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred

• One year of pediatric and/or fetal echocardiography experience.
• Certified in pediatric echocardiography.
• Experience working with children and families.
• Knowledge of familial diseases, in particular Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

Licenses and Certifications Required

• Registered Cardiac Sonographer Certification or Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer Certification or ARDMS Certification.
• AHA Basic Health Care Life Support HCP Certification.