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

Major Responsibilities

Echocardiography

• Perform either pediatric or fetal echocardiogram on patients in the inpatient and outpatient setting, using multiple echocardiography systems and accessories appropriate to the patient’s specific diagnosis, age, height, and weight.
• Perform transesophageal echo.
• Perform examinations, recognizing the significance of all structures that are visualized, differentiating artifacts from appropriate images, recognizing the limitations of the equipment and utilizing knowledge of anatomy and physiology.
• Perform examinations, recognizing a variety of different types of cardiac defects and demonstrate the ability to tailor the exam based on the type of defect and clinical signs and symptoms present.
• Perform complex and difficult adult, pediatric, or fetal cardiac ultrasound examinations and use the most appropriate imaging for the situation.
• Perform emergency examinations in the department, intensive care units, other inpatient units, emergency department, cardiac cath lab, and operating room.
• Perform tests according to standard protocols; tailor the exam to answer the clinical question as appropriate.

General Clinical Activities

• Review patient’s medical record to obtain necessary clinical information including patient history, lab results, and physician orders. Obtains necessary clinical information from patients and compares requisitions to physicians' orders to ensure exam accuracy.
• Communicate to patient and family members in a timely and thorough manner that enhances the patient experience and promotes learning to understand procedures, symptoms, and to support health care outcomes.
• Keep appropriate records of the diagnostic tests performed.
• Communicate pertinent patient information to physicians and appropriate team members including abnormal findings and changes in test results from previous examinations.
• Request work orders for maintenance of equipment to provide optimal working condition. Order and replace supplies used. Keep exam area and procedure room stocked and clean.
• Accurately process data needed to complete the report template in the electronic reporting tool.
• Accurately complete billing for the procedures being completed.

Job Requirements

Education

• Advanced training beyond High School that includes the completion of an accredited or approved program in Sonography.

Work Experience

• Three years of progressively responsible experience in a lab performing echocardiography imaging. Pediatric or fetal echocardiography experience.

Licenses & Certifications

• Registered in Pediatric Echocardiography (RDCS_PE) issued by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) or the Registered Congenital Cardiac Sonographer (RCCS) issued by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI). Or
• Fetal Echocardiography (RDCS_FE or RDMS_FE) issued by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS).
• Basic Life Support/CPR.

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Ability to perform either pediatric or fetal echocardiogram.
• Ability to perform transesophageal echocardiography examinations.
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of cardiac anatomy, physiology, and disease.
• Ability to operate ultrasound equipment utilizing a variety of possible techniques, including M-mode, two-dimensional, pulsed and continuous wave Doppler flow mapping.
• Ability to perform examinations, recognizing the significance of all structures that are visualized, differentiating artifacts from appropriate images, while recognizing the limitations of equipment and utilizing knowledge of anatomy and physiology.
• Ability to recognize and record cardiac pathology in order for the physician to render a diagnosis.
• Ability to make knowledgeable clinical assessments and judgments.
• Ability to use and apply clinical research findings to identify various intervention techniques or procedures that may need modification.
• Ability to educate patients and families of safe and appropriate testing; thoroughly explaining procedures, answering questions and calming concerns.
• Ability to work both independently and as a care team member.
• Ability to interact professionally and develop effective relationships.
• Ability to maintain composure under stress, using tact and good judgment.
• Demonstrate analytical decision-making skills; ability to quickly assess and resolve technical and patient care problems.
• Demonstrate flexibility performing tests/scans in a variety of clinical environments.
• Maintains the required amount of continuing education credits required to maintain registry and/or certification status.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.
• Must be able to sit 50% and stand and walk 20% of the workday.
• Must be able to: lift up to 50 lbs. from floor to waist; lift up to 20 lbs. over the head; carry up to 40 lbs. a reasonable distance.
• Must be able to: push/pull with 30 lbs. of force; perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs. with a second person present.
• Must be able to frequently push or pull over 100 lbs.
• Able to use hands and feet to operate equipment.
• Functional speech, vision and hearing.
• Will be required to wear protective clothing (i.e., lead aprons, isolation gowns, protective eyewear, etc.) as needed.
• Will be exposed to mechanical, electrical and chemical hazards.
• *Any exceptions to the above requirements must be documented through Employee Health.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.