Summary:

Responsible for performing sedated and non-sedated echocardiograms, stress echocardiograms, providing TEE support to physicians, and conducting pre- and postoperative TTE on normal and congenital hearts. The patient population ranges from neonate to adult.

Must:

• Be skilled and have the ability to work with pediatric patients with a wide variety of complex medical and psychosocial conditions.
• Have excellent communication skills and work effectively as part of a team in a dynamic and fast-paced care environment.
• Be technology-minded, detail-oriented, and able to follow precise directions.
• Be able to perform high-quality scans on neonatal patients who can weigh less than one pound with many complex medical issues. Depending on department needs may be asked to perform 12 and 15 lead ECG and Holter monitor hookups.
• Must perform equipment cleaning and maintenance, and disinfection processes in accordance with hospital infection control policies and the accrediting body standards.

This job requires participation in the after-hours and weekend call schedule.

Responsibilities:

• Meets expectations of the applicable OneCHRISTUS Competencies: Leader of Self, Leader of Others, or Leader of Leaders.
• Perform inpatient and outpatient diagnostic cardiac ultrasounds that are in accordance with ASE and/or IAC clinical and quality guidelines.
• Assist with intraoperative TEE, TEE in the Cath lab, or at the bedside.
• Responsible for performing, archiving, and calculating all pediatric cardiac ultrasound imaging by using appropriate machine optimization, probe/ transducer selection, and patient positioning.
• Utilize critical thinking skills and a segmental approach while imaging to provide high-quality studies in normal to complex congenital heart defects.
• Must be able to learn and adapt to a variety of ultrasound equipment, software, and protocols.
• Notifies and communicates with physicians throughout the day for exam interpretation.
• Performs QC and QI and daily operational maintenance of echo lab equipment as directed in accordance with lab and hospital policies and procedures.
• Maintain lab supply par levels and ensure rooms and equipment are clean and ready throughout the day.
• Maintain annual CEU credits by seeking out and participating in ongoing educational and skills advancement opportunities.
• Collaborate with peers and caregivers across multiple areas of the organization in adherence to the Core Values of CHRISTUS Health.
• Able to perform independently, high-quality, normal, and complex pediatric echocardiographic exams, enabling pediatric cardiology staff to make accurate diagnoses of various congenital and acquired heart abnormalities.
• Understand the complex requirements for study completion, which include measurements and calculations to assess the anatomy and function of normal hearts and hearts with congenital defects.
• Identifies indications and limitations of the exam and procedures.
• Proficient in the operation and functionality of various ultrasound equipment, such as adjusting the US for proper settings, transducer selection, and other advanced functionality.
• Understands the physics of ultrasound, the physics of blood flow, and the bio-effects of ultrasound.
• Perform independently normal and complex echocardiographic exams, 2D exams with the ability to recognize normal and major complex abnormal structures, and Doppler exams, and recognize normal and abnormal patterns.
• Advanced knowledge in normal and abnormal anatomy and is able to complete advanced calculations such as M-Mode, 2D, and Doppler recording in addition to basic DTI, MPI, and Flow.
• Sets up equipment and is able to assist physicians with TEEs independently and has an advanced understanding of normal and abnormal anatomic views.
• Write preliminary reports in a timely manner.
• Participates in echo lectures, journal clubs, and case conferences pertaining to Cardiology.
• Ability to precept new hires and participate in the training of fellows and residents.
• Cohesively discuss and express opinions regarding studies with staff and physicians.
• Engage in QA/QC of echo studies in accordance with ASE, IAC, and lab and hospital policies and procedures.
• Seeks out additional opportunities for professional development, such as seminars and CEU activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Must pass the pediatric registry exam within two years of hire and before being considered for advancement.
• Ability to learn ultrasound equipment with specialized cardiology software and operate at a basic level the following equipment: blood pressure monitor, pulse oximeter, and desktop computer.

Job Requirements:

Education/Skills

• Graduation from an accredited school of ultrasound technology or a bachelor?s degree in Biological Science is required

Experience

• 3 years of recent experience in performing adult or pediatric cardiac echocardiograms is preferred
• 1-2 years of experience and registry in another ultrasound modality required if no cardiac echocardiogram experience
• Knowledge of congenital anomalies is preferred for all Pedi echo techs, as the associate is required to move from basic to complex knowledge of complex CONGENITAL heart defects

Licenses, Registrations, or Certifications

• BLS is required
• One of the following Certifications is required:
  • Pediatric Echocardiography (PE) RDCS by ARDMS (Highly preferred)
  • Adult Echocardiography (AE) RDCS by ARDMS
  • Pediatric Sonography (PS) RDMS by ARDMS*
  • Fetal Echocardiography (FE) RDMS by ARDMS*
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) RDMS by ARDMS*
  • Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) by CCI
  • Registered Congenital Cardiac Sonographer (RCCS) by CCI
  • Advanced Cardiac Sonographer (ACS) by CCI

*Associates with RDMS(PS), RDMS(FE), or RDMS(OB/GYN) must complete the number of pediatric scans required by the credentialing body within 1 calendar year of hire to sit for the (PE) exam. Associates must pass the (PE) exam within 18 months of hire.

In accordance with the CHRISTUS Health License, Certification and Registration Verification Policy, all Associates are required to obtain the required certifications for their respective positions within the designated time frame.

Work Schedule:

8AM - 5PM Monday-Friday

Work Type:

Full Time

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About CHRISTUS Health

CHRISTUS Health is an international faith-based, not-for-profit health care system based in Irving, Texas, with more than 60 hospitals in Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Chile, Colombia and Mexico. CHRISTUS Health is made up of 50,000 Associates providing compassionate and individualized care at more than 600 centers, including community hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities and health ministries. Sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of Houston, Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of San Antonio and the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, our mission is to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to every individual we serve.

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