DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

PEOPLE - 30%

• 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)
• Guides and mentors other cardiac echo sonographers to help build confidence in skills, knowledge and abilities.

SERVICE - 30%

• Performs echocardiograms in a timely fashion, ensuring precise and accurate data following departmental/research policies and procedures. Quantitates echocardiographic images, performs pre-reading of studies, and prepares the prelimary physician interpreting report for final attending physician review and approval. (EF)
• Provides care for the physical and emotional needs of patients when conducting the echocardiograms. Proactively identifies issues and initiates actions for resolution in order to achieve optimal outcomes.(EF)
• Provides direct assistance to physicians and other health care team members during echocardiogram studies. Responds appropriately to needs of the Echocardiography and Research Laboratory as requested. (EF)

QUALITY/SAFETY - 20%

• Recognizes and identifies normal and abnormal cardiac anatomy and structures; proactively determines need to utilize different techniques and calculations, applying accurately and appropriately when performing echocardiographic studies. Identifies abnormal findings and communicates to the attending reading cardiologist. (EF)
• Ensures the quality of the study is optimized and pre-read according to the best imaging practices, following departmental policies and procedures and IAC accreditation requirements to provide for the best possible diagnostic interpretation. Ensures adherence to various research protocols. (EF)
• 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. Confirms all orders and verifies patient’s identification per policy and protocols prior to performing the exam. (EF)
• Ensures all patient care equipment has had QC performed by the biomedical engineering team as required and is in safe working condition prior to use. Tags equipment and reports any malfunctions to the hospital’s appropriate departments and management, and makes sure the equipment is not in use until inspection confirms malfunction is fixed. Keeps equipment in clean and safe working condition; calls for service if needed. (EF)

FINANCE - 10%

• Provides accurate and complete documentation of patient procedures. Enters charges at the time service is delivered, when applicable. (EF)
• Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks.
• When appropriate, adjusts personal time card to appropriately document time spent in various research projects.

GROWTH/INNOVATION - 10%

• Participates in departmental/research projects and studies submitted for research purposes.
• Seeks opportunities to expand learning competencies with a focus on constant development as Advanced Cardiac Sonographer.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.