Pediatric ECHO Sonographer, Registered

Job Summary

The Cardiac Sonographer Registered Pediatrics, employed by Children's Hospital at Erlanger Medical Center, is responsible for performing diagnostic echocardiographic procedure as ordered.

• This position is involved in a team-based approach to care.
• Team members are trained to meet the highest level of function for their role as per the State of Tennessee/Georgia guidelines.
• Is trained and assigned (as per their role and responsibilities) to coordinate care for patients and is trained and assigned to support patients/families/caregivers in self-management, self-efficacy and behavior change.
• Is trained and assigned (as per their role and responsibilities) to manage the patient population.
• Participates in the department's quality improvement process and performance evaluation.

Education

Required: Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) certification by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI). Specialty certification in pediatric echocardiography required within one year of hire. .

Preferred

Specialty certification in fetal echocardiography by the ARDMS Associates of Applied Science in Cardiovascular Technology from an Accredited Facility

Experience

Required: Medical and/or hospital clinical experience.

Preferred

Basic computer experience demonstrated by either 1 to 2 years work experience or college level courses. One to two years hospital experience in cardiac ultrasound. One year pediatric experience

Position Requirement(s)

• License/Certification/Registration
• Required: Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) certification by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI). BLS completed prior to going to the unit/ department and maintained going forward

Preferred

PALS Specialty certification in pediatric echocardiography by the ARDMS or CCI Congenital Cardiac (RCCS) Must complete registry within first year of hire.

Department

Position Summary

The incumbent must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to perform comprehensive echocardiographic studies for the age of patients seen in the Echo Lab at TC Thompson Children's Hospital. The incumbent must be proficient in all modalities of pediatric echocardiography including 2-D, M-mode, and CW/PW Doppler. A working knowledge of pediatric heart disease and surgical repair is preferred. The employee must have the ability to perform diagnostic procedures as ordered, and to assess the need for additional information as warranted by patient's condition. The employee is responsible for completing accurate measurements, preparing completed studies for physician interpretation and preparing final reports for physician review. The employee must have the ability to interact effectively and professionally with physicians, who utilize services of the Echo Lab, nursing units and with patients. This includes a teaching component with residents and students on rotations in pediatric cardiology. The employee also takes initiative to continuously increase level of understanding and knowledge of the field, disease processes and new procedures as they evolve, including involvement in clinical research if desired.

The employee will also assist in coordinating the operations of the pediatric echocardiographic laboratory. This would include review and maintenance of echo lab inventory, monitoring the operation and calibration of echo lab equipment, and defining and arranging for repair and maintenance when needed. The employee will also assist in the review and scheduling for procedure in concert with physician staff as needed.

The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his or her age-specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in the unit's policies and procedures. This is done through evaluation of direct supervisor by direct observation, in a skills review lab and/or by self assessment based on objective criteria that is reviewed and validated.