Pediatric Cardiac Sonographer (Prn) - Pediatric Cardiology

Position Summary

The Department of Pediatrics - Cardiology Division has an opening for a Pediatric Cardiac Sonographer. The Pediatric Cardiac Sonographer will perform high quality pediatric and adult congenital echocardiograms following outlined pediatric echo protocols. The sonographer will be responsible for the independent operation of sonographic equipment, performing all exams, and discussing a summary of findings to the physician. The sonographer will also perform related cardiology noninvasive diagnostic testing. The sonographer will assist in the mentoring and training of faculty, fellows, staff sonographers, and students as well as participate in continuing medical education programs. The sonographer will assist in Heath Station CQI (continuous quality improvement) process as outlined in the Heart Station Quality Assurance Protocol.

Job Description

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Performs pediatric and adult congenital echocardiograms in accordance with department standards

• Performs and analyzes Pediatric and Adult Congenital Echocardiograms; requiring an extensive knowledge of cardiac anatomy and physiology to ascertain diagnosis of complex congenital heart disease in the pediatric and adult congenital patient population.

• Demonstrates proficiency in the performance of all procedures and competency as outlined in the pediatric sonographer position guidelines.

• Performs these complex diagnostic exams and discusses findings with the pediatric cardiologist.

• Demonstrates the ability to utilize the computer programs and databases in regards to work flow in accordance with department standards.

Performs non-invasive testing

• EKGs

• Holter Monitor and Cardiac Event Monitor testing.

• Cardiovascular Stress Testing

• Stress Test Gas Analysis

• Stress Echo

Works with and assist physicians with special procedures

• Transesophageal Echocardiograms; in-patient, ambulatory procedure center, operating rooms.

• Provides echocardiographic guidance during, Heart Biopsies, Pericardiocentesis, atrial septostomy and trans-catheter device placement.

• Sedated Echocardiograms.

• Dobutamine Stress Echocardiograms.

Participates in continuing education programs

• Attends weekly lectures related to Pediatric and Adult Congenital Echocardiography or Pediatric Cardiology.

• Coordinates and /or assists with presentations of technologic updates or conference summaries.

• Maintains credentials with ARDMS or CCI by fulfilling the required accredited continuing medical education activities.

• Maintains certification and is able to deliver basic cardiac life support (BCLS).

Training and mentoring

• Participates with training, mentoring and orientation duties for new faculty, fellows, staff sonographers and students.

• Training programs will be approved by the Heart Station Medical Director and Heart Diagnostic Services Manager and be in accordance with the American Society of Echocardiography Committee on Education and Training and IAC.

Heart Station CQI; continuous quality improvement process.

• Assists in maintaining equipment, document necessary repairs in the Heart Station Equipment Log, and report to the Heart Diagnostic Services Manager.

• Participates in Quality Assurance process for Intersocietal Accreditation Commission.

Service Excellence Responsibilities

• Treats patients and families with care, respect and professionalism.

• Maintains patient privacy at all times abiding by HIPAA privacy standards.

• Provides patients and families with clear and accurate information while informing them of the testing.

• Takes action to continuously improve services

• Responds consistently to the needs of referring physicians and other health care professionals who are participating in the patient's care.

• Creates a positive work environment by treating all co-workers, students and physicians with dignity and respect.

Working Conditions

• This position will need to move heavy portable equipment.

• Some travel necessary to outreach clinics.

Preferred Qualifications

• Obtain one of the following educations: Associate's degree in an allied health education program that is patient-care related; or Bachelor's degree in sonography or a clinical science/health related program; or Graduation from an accredited sonography program specializing in echocardiography.

• Five years of full-time experience in echocardiography with pediatric emphasis.

• Ability to perform all facets of non-invasive cardiology tests, as outlined above.

• Ability to work and function independently.

• Knowledge of computer systems.

• Displaying the ability to maintain a good rapport with pediatric and adult patients and their families; needs to maintain a professional manner with respect to interaction with physicians, nurses and other involved personnel to provide exceptional patient care.

Required Qualifications

The successful candidate must possess a thorough understanding of (1) normal and abnormal cardiac anatomy, (2) normal and abnormal cardiac function and hemodynamics, (3) qualitative and quantitative aspects of echocardiograms, and (4) anatomy and pathophysiology of disease processes.

Credentialed RDCS (Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer) certificate or RCS (Registered Cardiac Sonographer) certificate in pediatric or adult echocardiography through one of the examinations recognized by ARDMS or CCI must be obtained within one year of hire.

Grade

C13-H

Salary Range

$32.08 - $49.73 / Hourly

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Please visit our website at https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/ to review our benefit eligibility criteria along with any applicable benefits.

EEO/AA Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University's policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement

Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment - fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.