Pediatric Cardiac Sonographer Children's Hospital

At Memorial Hermann, we pursue a common goal of delivering high quality, efficient care while creating exceptional experiences for every member of our community. When we say every member of our community, that includes our employees. We know that when our employees feel cared for, heard and valued, they are inspired to create moments that exceed expectations, while prioritizing safety, compassion, personalization and efficiency. If you want to advance your career and contribute to our vision of creating healthier communities, now and for generations to come, we want you to be a part of our team.

Job Summary

Works in a dynamic, collaborative and accredited Congenital Pediatric Echo Lab, using advanced ultrasound equipment. Performs echocardiograms on the pediatrics and congenital heart disease population. Care delivery sites includes inpatient and outpatient. Ensures detailed findings are written on preliminary reports, data is accurately entered and critical findings are reported in a timely manner.Job Description

As a Cardiac Sonographer with the Heart Center, you will collaborate with pediatric critical care medicine physicians and hospitalists, who are faculty at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, providing twenty-four hour, in-house and on call coverage to ensure that patients with intensive care needs receive the best care possible.

By utilizing state-of-the-art techniques and services, the Children's Heart Institute strives to offer patients with the most complex problems the greatest opportunity for a normal life. We offer innovative treatment methods and specialized services with ongoing cardiac training and mentorship for our sonographer team.

As a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center and one of the busiest trauma centers in the country, Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital is specialized and equipped to care for even the most severe cases.

• Named one of the top 50 best children's hospitals nationally in Cardiology & Heart Surgery by U.S. News & World Report.

• Earned three-star rating from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) for its patient care and outcomes in congenital heart surgery. The three-star rating denotes the highest category of quality.

• Four Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgeons supported by a pediatric VAD and ECMO team

• UNOS certification for heart transplants

• Magnet Designated Facility

• Scanning some of the most complex hearts and those fresh from open heart surgery as well using a plethora of machines, i.e. Philips IE 33 and GE

• You will scan not only in-house patients (i.e. NICU, PICU) but also in the CVOR, Pedi Cath Labs and travel to 7 outpatient clinics in the city where you will work closely with the cardiologist in those spaces.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Graduate of an accredited school of Cardiac Sonography Technology, Radiologic Technology, or Sonography Technology preferred

Licenses/Certifications:

• Certified in Basic or Advanced Life Support, required

• One (1) of the following required:

• Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) by the Cardiovascular Credentialing International or

• Registered Congenital Cardiac Sonographer (RCCS) by the Cardiovascular Credentialing International or

• Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers(ARDMS)

• For those with RCS or RDCS AE, must obtain RCCS or RDCS PE within 18 months of employment.

Experience / Knowledge /  Skills:

• No prior experience required

Principal Accountabilities

• Prepares and examines all Pediatric congenital patients, verifying their identity for echocardiogram examinations in accordance with established departmental procedures and techniques, which includes obtaining health status and medical history, patient's cooperation or ability to tolerate the examination.

• Confirms that the ultrasound examination correlates with patient clinical history and presentation. Inform physician in charge of any contraindications to the procedure.   

• Demonstrates proficiency in various echocardiogram modalities.

• Analyze patient's medical record to obtain history of symptoms and necessary information for performance of diagnostic procedures and prepares preliminary reports for review and interpretation by Cardiologist, including comparison of previous studies.

• Perform measurements and calculations according to laboratory and IAC protocols and guidelines and provide an oral summary of preliminary findings to the cardiologist.  

• Acts as a resource and assists Cardiac Sonographers and Cardiology Fellows with pre/post procedures, preliminary review of images obtained and report. 

• Onboards new Sonographers with departmental orientation, in-service and education.

• Performs quality assurance on the equipment, routine cleaning, preventive maintenance, and report any equipment malfunction to echo lab Lead Imaging Tech, Unit Coordinator or manager.

• Attends staff meetings, Echo lab QI and patient care conferences, ensuring continuing education and professional growth.

• Participates in performance improvement activities established by the department.

• Participates in call schedule per departmental standards.

• Promotes individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education and skills competency; supports department-based goals which contribute to the success of the organization.                                          

• Works well with a team of other health care professionals to provide comprehensive care to their patients, i.e. Doctors, Nurses, Cardiologists and other Health Care or Medical Professionals.

• Demonstrates commitment to caring for every member of our community by creating compassionate and personalized experiences. Models Memorial Hermann's service standards by providing safe, caring, personalized and efficient experiences to patients and colleagues.

• Other duties as assigned.

---