Echo/Vascular Sonographer

At Houston Methodist, the Echo/Vascular Sonographer position is responsible for regularly, versus occasionally, performing a variety of routine and specialized echo and vascular sonography procedures of moderate to high complexity, in inpatient, outpatient, hospital or clinic environments. Given the nature of the work environment necessitating great flexibility and teamwork, this position may also perform other job duties typically performed by others as related to transporting patients, admissions and registration, receptionist, physician contact, charting and documentation, patient monitoring, vitals, EKGs, and other duties as needed. A member of the direct patient care team, the Echo/Vascular Sonographer position is fully competent in all aspects of echo and vascular sonographic procedures, working independently, exercising sound judgement, and executing above average clinical skills on challenging procedures and patient care situations, providing direct assistance to physicians. This position delivers exceptional patient care, teamwork, and adheres to professional and clinical standards and guidelines to ensure optimal patient safety and customer service

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.

• Provides support to co-workers, physicians, patients and family members demonstrating flexibility in performing the activity required to meet the need of the individual.

• Conducts self in a manner that is congruent with cultural diversity, equity, and inclusion principles. Contributes towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs echo and vascular sonographic procedures as required by the department needs. Provides direct assistance to physicians during procedures, including assisting with sterile technique.

• Provides care for the physical needs of patients by executing various sonographic concepts to maximize performance which includes positioning, physiology, procedure preparation, and technical factors. Modifies technical factors to achieve desired imaging results and recognizes complications/limitations associated with certain procedures. Proactively identifies how to address these for optimum outcomes.

• Performs what is required to meet the needs of patient care which may be one or more of the following: transporting, registration, admissions, answering phones, contacting physicians, taking/monitoring vital signs, EKGs, documenting, etc.

• Contributes towards improvement of department score for patient satisfaction, through peer-to-peer accountability to service standards.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• 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 imaging 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.

• Assists with implementation and education of department-based safety initiatives and standards of practice.

• Identifies opportunities for corrective action and process improvement providing recommendations and contributes to meeting departmental and hospital targets for quality and safety. Reports ¿near misses¿ and inputs errors promptly into PSN to improve processes and identify trends.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provides accurate and complete documentation of patient procedures. Enters charges at the time service is delivered.

• Utilizes resources with cost effectiveness and value creation in mind. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively, minimizing incidental overtime, and prioritize daily tasks, assisting coworkers as needed.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Participates in departmental projects and shared governance activities.

• Seeks opportunities to identify self-development needs and takes appropriate action. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management. Completes and updates the My Development Plan on an on-going basis.

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 below in the Certifications, Licenses and Registrations section

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Three years of combined echo and vascular experience; may consider HM Echo or Vascular Sonographer with two years experience

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• RDCS - Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographerr (ARDMS) OR
• RCS - Registered Cardiac Sonographer (CCI) OR
• RCCS - Registered Congenital Cardiac Sonographer (CCI) AND
• ARRT-VS - Radiologic Technologist - Vascular Sonography (ARRT) OR
• RVS - Registered Vascular Specialist (CCI) OR
• RVT - Registered Vascular Technologist (ARDMS) AND
• BLS - Basic Life Support (AHA)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

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

• 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

• Exhibits flexibility, willingness, and skills to transition from Technologist-specific job duties to handling administrative (registration, admissions, other office/clerical) duties necessary for the overall functioning of the operation; able to successfully function with limited support

• Ability to work independently; capable of handling challenging/difficult diagnostic procedures and patient care situations.

• Demonstrates sound judgement and executes above average clinical skills

• Possesses basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to include, Hospital/Radiology 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

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform No
• Scrubs Yes
• Business professional No
• Other (department approved) Yes

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* Yes

TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

Company Profile:

Houston Methodist Specialty Physician Group is an integral part of Houston Methodist’s overall strategy to become one of the nation’s leading academic medical centers. Established as a nonprofit corporation certified by the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners, the Specialty Physician Group enables physicians to maintain autonomy with respect to clinical practice while growing their practice within an academic environment.

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.

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