Echo Sonographer - Radiology

Job Summary

Performs diagnostic ultrasound imaging studies in the echocardiography lab including Stress Echo Sonographers and/or TAVRS/procedures or holds two or more registries.

• Performs ultrasound procedures and examinations according to established department guidelines (60-75%).
• Performs two dimensional, three-dimensional, m-mode, color flow, Doppler flow, ejection fraction, dobutamine and stress echocardiograms according to the Echo Lab policy and procedures manual.
• Communicates and explains the exam procedure to the patient and any family member to insure understanding and patient’s consent.
• Assesses patient’s medical, cardiac or vascular status by taking a history before the exam.
• Assembles a chart with the patient’s information and enters information into the PACS System or Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
• Records all imaging studies (digital archive) for the Medical Director or his/her designee to review and interpret.
• Completes patient billing to insure accurate and timely billing procedures (5%).
• Supports all functions, goals and objectives of the department and participates in development of new diagnostic testing procedures and evaluation of new equipment (5%).
• Educates residents and other medical or technical staff in the technical aspects, indications and limitations.
• Participates in research studies that require services of the department.
• Practices safety and infection control policies, including universal precautions, proper disposal of hazardous wastes, high level disinfection (HLD), and maintaining a safe environment for patients, families and employees (3-5%).
• Reports risk management concerns and completes all assigned annual hospital and department specific mandatory requirements.
• Provides service excellence to the customers of Saint Louis University Hospital by delivering timely, high quality care in a courteous and respectful manner (2-5%).
• Minimizes overtime and provides cost effective services.
• Participates in performance improvement program and assists in daily data collection for quality indicators.
• Maintains age-appropriate care for patient populations served by the department.
• Provides specialized care to patients at high risk for injury and for restraint care, pain management, abuse assessment, and related duties.
• Assists in the day-to-day operation of the assigned department, including clerical duties, safety surveys, and reporting non-compliance.

• Education:
  
  Graduate of an Allied Health program in Echocardiography/Cardiac Imaging.
• Experience:
  
  Registered (RDCS and/or RCS).
• Certifications:
  
  BLS, Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) through CCI or Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer through ARDMS.
• Skills:
  • Compile statistics and paperwork for Medical Records.
  • Computer skills and use of Electronic Medical Record System.
  • Billing studies upon end exam.
  • Answer phones using proper phone etiquette.
• Equipment:
  Proficiency with various ultrasound and Doppler equipment, Stress Case System, digital archiving, and standard office equipment.

May be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases, blood borne pathogens, hazardous anesthetic agents, body fluids and wastes, electrical and radiant energy hazards, unpleasant patient or unit elements, and occasional irregular hours including rotating call duties. May be required to handle emergency or crisis situations. Exposed to chemicals used in diagnostic testing and cleaning/disinfecting of equipment.

• Lifts, positions, pulls and transfers patients up to 350 lbs on occasions.
• Periodic heavy physical effort (lift/carry up to 50 lbs). Prolonged standing/walking/sitting required.
• Pushes/pulls or moves/lifts heavy equipment/supplies up to 400 lbs.

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