The Echo Sonographer I is an entry level sonographer who performs a variety of routine echocardiograms including, but not limited to, Transthorasic Echocardiogram or TTE, with Color, Spectral Doppler and 2-D imaging, Transesophageal Echocardiogram TEE, Plain Stress Echocardiogram or Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram, TTE with bubbles, TTE with contrast and advanced TTE such as TTE with 3D imaging, for both inpatient and outpatient studies. Locates, evaluates and records pertinent anatomical, pathological and functional data while using different systems of ultrasound equipment. Transmits exams to compatible DICOM storage applications, processes preliminary technical data in designated interpreting system, and communicates any significant findings to the attending reading physician. This job requires availability to be on call.

　　PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

　　Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner.SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

　　Performs cardiac echo studies while ensuring precise and accurate data is transmitted for physician completion.

　　Provides care for the physical needs of patients when conducting the cardiac echo studies. As well as, educates patients who require inpatient or outpatient echo exams by providing explanations of purpose and techniques used during the exam. Proactively identifies issues and how to address them for optimum outcomes.

　　QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

　　Identifies and recognizes cardiac structures accurately, including: calculate valve area, pressure gradients and ejection fraction when performing echo studies. Confirms the quality of the study is concise and clear to optimize best images for the patient care team and interpreting physician.

　　Identifies abnormal findings when performing exams or processing data and takes corrective action or communicates immediately, when appropriate, to proper personnel for the best results.

　　Maintains proper sterile techniques for procedures, regularly practices aseptic techniques, and ensures compliance with infection control procedures. Complies with job, departmental and hospital safety standards, practices and policies.

　　Ensures all patient care equipment has had QC performed as required and is in safe working order prior to use. Reports any malfunctions to management and regularly practices preventive maintenance procedures; calls for service if needed.

　　FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

　　Provides accurate and complete documentation of patient procedures. Enters charges at the time service is delivered, when applicable.GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

　　Participates in departmental projects and shared governance activities.

　　Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development as a Sonographer.

　　This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

　　EDUCATION

　　Graduate of education program approved by the credentialing body for the required credential(s) indicated belowWORK EXPERIENCE

　　Successful completion of a clinical rotation in a cardiovascular echosonography program or 6 months of cardiac sonographer experience required to include on the job training in echocardiograms.LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

　　BLS - Basic Life Support (AHA) and

　　RDCS - Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographerr (ARDMS) or

　　RCS - Registered Cardiac Sonographer (CCI) or

　　RCCS - Registered Congenital Cardiac Sonographer (CCI)

　　KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

　　Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills and competency assessments

　　Possesses basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to include, Hospital / Radiology/ Cardiology Information Systems and Office software to maintain patient and exam documents

　　Exhibits strong interpersonal and team player skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers

　　Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities with minimal supervision including, organizing workflow and actively participating in problem solving

　　Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security

　　Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

　　SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

　　WORK ATTIRE

　　Uniform

　　Scrubs

　　Business professional

　　Other (department approved)

　　ON-CALL*

　　*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

　　On Call* YesTRAVEL

　　Travel specifications may vary by department

　　May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area

　　May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area

　　Company Profile:

　　As one of the nation’s leading hospitals and academic medical centers, Houston Methodist has brought together some of the nation’s leading experts in multiple specialties to serve our patients. Houston Methodist Specialty Physician Group employs over 800 physicians at more than 150 locations across Houston. Our specialists are on the forefront of research, developing leading-edge technologies and treatments, and teaching the medical pioneers of tomorrow. The combination of clinical service, research and academics ensure patients have access to the latest treatments and technologies while providing the best comprehensive patient care.

　　Houston Methodist is an equal opportunity employer inclusive of women, minorities, disabled persons and veterans.

　　Equal Employment Opportunity

　　Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

　　Equal employment opportunity is a sound and just concept to which Houston Methodist is firmly bound. Houston Methodist will not engage in discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with Houston Methodist on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law. VEVRAA Federal Contractor – priority referral Protected Veterans requested.

　　Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

　　Equal employment opportunity is a sound and just concept to which Houston Methodist is firmly bound. Houston Methodist will not engage in discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with Houston Methodist on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law. VEVRAA Federal Contractor – priority referral Protected Veterans requested.