Job Description

Job Summary
The Echo/Vascular Sonographer is an experienced sonographer who regularly, versus occasionally, performs 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, may also perform other job duties typically performed by others such as might be related to transporting patients, admissions and registration, receptionist, physician contact, charting and documentation, patient monitoring, vitals, EKGs, and other as needed. A member of the direct patient care team, is fully competent in all aspects of echo and vascular sonographic procedures. Works independently exercising sound judgment and executing above average clinical skills on challenging procedures and patient care situations, providing direct assistance to physicians. Delivers exceptional patient care, teamwork, and adheres to professional and clinical standards and guidelines to ensure optimal patient safety and customer service.

PATIENT AGE GROUP(S) AND POPULATION(S) SERVED
Refer to departmental Scope of Service and Provision of Care plans, as applicable, for description of primary age groups and populations served by this job for the respective HM entity.

HOUSTON METHODIST EXPERIENCE EXPECTATIONS

I. Provides personalized care and service by consistently demonstrating our I CARE values:

INTEGRITY: We are honest and ethical in all we say and do.
COMPASSION: We embrace the whole person including emotional, ethical, physical, and spiritual needs.
ACCOUNTABILITY: We hold ourselves accountable for all our actions.
RESPECT: We treat every individual as a person of worth, dignity, and value.
EXCELLENCE: We strive to be the best at what we do and a model for others to emulate.

II. Focuses on patient/customer safety
III. Delivers personalized service using HM Service Standards
IV. Provides for exceptional patient/customer experiences by following our Standards of Practice of always using Positive Language (AIDET, Managing Up, Key Words)
V. Intentionally rounds with patients/customers to ensure their needs are being met
VI. Involves patients (customers) in shift/handoff reports by enabling their participation in their plan of care as applicable to the given job

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

PEOPLE - 20%
1. 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. (EF)
2. Provides support to co-workers, physicians, patients and family members demonstrating flexibility in performing the activity required to meet the need of the individual. (EF)

SERVICE - 30%
1. Performs echo and vascular sonographic procedures as required by the department needs. (EF)
2. Provides care for the physical needs of patients by executing various sonographic concepts to maximize performance. This 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. (EF)
3. Provides direct assistance to physicians during procedures, including assisting with sterile technique.
4. 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. (EF)

QUALITY/SAFETY - 30%
1. 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. (EF)
2. 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.
3. 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. (EF)
4. Assists with implementation and education of departmental based safety initiatives and standards of practice.

FINANCE - 10%
1. Provides accurate and complete documentation of patient procedures. Enters charges at the time service is delivered. (EF)
2. Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks.

GROWTH/INNOVATION - 10%
1. Participates in departmental projects and shared governance activities.
2. Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development as a Technologist.

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 REQUIREMENTS
Graduate of education program approved by the credentialing body for the required credential(s) indicated below

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
At least 3 years of combined echo and vascular experience; may consider HM Echo or Vascular Sonographer with at least 2 years experience

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED
American Heart Association BLS
And one of the following credentials:
- Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) from American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)
- Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) or Registered Congenital Cardiac Sonographer (RCCS) from Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI)
And Vascular Registry in one of the following: ARRT (VS), CCI (RVS) or ARDMS (RVT) ; ARDMS (RVT) highly preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
to perform the Essential Functions of the Job
- Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills and competency assessments
- 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 judgment 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 work flow and actively participating in problem-solving.
- 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity
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.

Company Profile
Houston Methodist Specialty Physician Group - As one of the nations leading hospitals and academic medical centers Houston Methodist has brought together some of the nations leading experts in multiple specialties to serve our patients. As part of Houston Methodist Specialty Physician Group (HMSPG), these specialists not only provide excellent clinical care, but are on the forefront of research, developing leading-edge technologies and treatments, and teaching the medical pioneers of tomorrow. This combination of clinical service, research and academics ensures patients have access to the latest in treatments and technologies while providing the best in comprehensive patient care. Established as a non-profit corporation and certified by the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners, HMSPG enables physicians to maintain autonomy with respect to their clinical practice while growing their practice within an academic environment.