Cardiac Sonographer

The Job

Houston Methodist Hospital is looking for an Echo Sonographer I in Houston, TX. This is an entry level role. You'll be performing a variety of routine echocardiograms.

That includes Transthoracic Echocardiograms (TTE) with Color, Spectral Doppler, and 2 D imaging. It also covers Transesophageal Echocardiograms (TEE), Plain Stress Echocardiograms, Dobutamine Stress Echocardiograms, TTE with bubbles, TTE with contrast, and advanced TTE with 3D imaging. Both inpatient and outpatient studies.

You'll locate, evaluate, and record anatomical, pathological, and functional data using different ultrasound systems. You'll transmit exams to compatible DICOM storage applications and process preliminary technical data in the designated interpreting system. You'll communicate any significant findings to the attending reading physician. And you'll need to be available for on call shifts.

What You'll Be Doing

• Performing cardiac echo studies and making sure precise, accurate data gets transmitted for the physician to read.
• Caring for patients' physical needs during those studies.
• Explaining the purpose and techniques of the exam to patients who need inpatient or outpatient echo studies.
• Proactively identifying issues and figuring out how to address them for the best outcomes.
• Assisting physicians and other health care team members during echo studies, including preparing patients before procedures and using proper sterile techniques.

What You Need to Know

• You'll accurately identify and recognize cardiac structures, including calculating valve area, pressure gradients, and ejection fraction.
• You'll confirm each study is concise and clear so the patient care team and interpreting physician get the best images.
• If you spot abnormal findings during exams or while processing data, you'll take corrective action or communicate immediately to the right people.
• You'll maintain proper sterile techniques, practice aseptic techniques regularly, and follow infection control procedures.
• You'll comply with job, department, and hospital safety standards, practices, and policies.
• You'll make sure patient care equipment has had quality control performed and is in safe working order before use. Report any malfunctions to management. Perform preventive maintenance. Call for service if needed.
• You'll provide accurate and complete documentation of patient procedures. You'll enter charges at the time of service.
• You'll promote a positive work environment and contribute to a team focused unit where people help each other.
• You'll collaborate with the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient information.

Qualifications

Education: You need to be a graduate of an education program approved by the credentialing body for the required credential(s) listed below.

Experience: You either completed a clinical rotation in a cardiovascular echo sonography program or have six months of cardiac sonographer experience that included on the job training in echocardiograms.

Licenses and Certifications: You need a BLS (Basic Life Support) certification from the American Heart Association (either the provider or instructor level). You also need at least one of these: RDCS (Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer) from ARDMS, RDCS AE (Adult Echocardiography) from ARDMS, RVT (Registered Vascular Technologist) from ARDMS, RCS (Registered Cardiac Sonographer) from CCI, or RVS (Registered Vascular Specialist) from CCI.

Skills That Matter

• Basic computer knowledge. You'll operate multiple systems including hospital, radiology, and cardiology information systems, plus office software for patient and exam documents.
• Good interpersonal skills. You'll work with all levels of the healthcare team and deliver excellent customer service to patients, visitors, physicians, and co workers.
• You can adapt to multiple priorities with minimal supervision. That means organizing your workflow and jumping in to solve problems.
• You're proficient enough in speaking, reading, and writing English to perform the essential functions of this job, especially regarding patient or employee safety.
• You can communicate with patients, physicians, family members, and co workers in a customer focused way using positive language.

FLSA Status

This role is non exempt.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and any relevant certifications. Make sure your application clearly shows how you meet the education and experience requirements listed above.