Pediatric Cardiac Sonographer I

Advocate Health; Park Ridge (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocate Health is seeking a qualified echocardiography professional to perform pediatric studies in inpatient and outpatient settings. You will use multiple systems, interpret cardiac structures, and coordinate with physicians to answer clinical questions.

The role requires knowledge of cardiac anatomy, artifact differentiation, and the ability to perform emergency exams across units while maintaining accurate records and timely communication with patients and families.

Qualifications

• Advanced training beyond High School in Sonography.
• Two years of adult echocardiography experience preferred.
• Must obtain pediatric registry within 12 months of hire.
• RDCS_AE or RCS certification within 1 year would be favorable.

Responsibilities

• Perform pediatric echocardiograms in inpatient and outpatient settings using multiple systems.
• Differentiate artifacts from true images and recognize equipment limitations.
• Identify various cardiac defects and perform emergency exams when needed.
• Review medical records and physician orders to ensure exam accuracy and proper billing.

Skills

Two years echocardiography experience

Pediatric echocardiography

Knowledge of cardiac anatomy and path

Ultrasound equipment operation

Clinical communication with patients/f

Education

Post-secondary Sonography program (advanced training)

RDCS_AE or RCS eligibility/certification within 1 year

Pediatric registry within 12 months

Job description

Major Responsibilities:

• Echocardiography:



• Perform pediatric 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 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.


• 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



• Two years of experience in adult echocardiography preferred.



• Licenses & Certifications



• Registered in Adult Echocardiography (RDCS_AE) issued by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) within one year or the Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) issued by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) within one year.


• Must Obtain pediatric registry status within 12 months of hire with either American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (RDCS_PE, ARDMS) or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (RCCS, CCI).


• Basic Life Support/CPR.



• Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities



• Ability to perform pediatric echocardiogram.


• 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 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 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.