Melanie Neihoff
Paducah
Summary
Dynamic Cardiac Sonographer with extensive experience at Mercy Health Hospital, recognized for enhancing diagnostic accuracy through advanced imaging techniques. Committed to continuous learning and quality assurance, I effectively mentor junior staff while adapting to new technologies, ensuring optimal patient care and satisfaction. Proficient in echocardiography and dedicated to fostering a supportive team environment.
Experienced with conducting comprehensive echocardiograms and stress tests. Utilizes advanced sonographic techniques to ensure accurate diagnostic outcomes. Knowledge of patient care protocols and effective communication with medical teams.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Cardiac Sonographer
Mercy Health Hospital
03.2019 - Current
- Assisted in conducting echocardiograms, stress and dobutamine echocardiograms, transesophageal echocardiograms to evaluate cardiac function and structure.
- Learned to operate ultrasound equipment and adhere to safety protocols.
- Supported patient preparation for procedures, ensuring comfort and understanding.
- Maintained accurate records of patient data and test results for review by physicians.
- Developed familiarity with imaging techniques and cardiac anatomy for improved diagnostics.
- Participated in training sessions to refine technical skills and knowledge of cardiology practices.
- Engaged in continuous learning about advancements in echocardiography technology and methods.
- Improved diagnostic accuracy by maintaining up-to-date knowledge on cardiac sonography techniques and best practices.
- Continuously improved skills by participating in ongoing professional development opportunities and staying current with industry advancements.
- Assisted in diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as unstable angina, cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease and cardiac dysrhythmia.
- Mentored junior sonographers through hands-on training sessions, fostering professional growth within the team.
Lead Cardiac Sonographer
Murray Calloway Hospital
04.2013 - 12.2019
- Led echocardiographic procedures, ensuring high-quality imaging and accurate diagnostic results.
- Mentored junior sonographers, enhancing team performance and skill development.
- Implemented workflow improvements, increasing efficiency in patient scheduling and exam processing.
- Collaborated with cardiologists to interpret ultrasound findings and develop patient care plans.
- Trained staff on advanced sonography techniques and new equipment usage for improved outcomes.
- Evaluated ultrasound equipment functionality, coordinating maintenance and repair as needed.
- Established effective communication channels between sonographers, physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals involved in patient care management.
- Coordinated schedules efficiently to accommodate urgent requests while minimizing delays for routine appointments.
- Ensured adherence to protocols and regulations, upholding the highest standards in patient safety and quality assurance.
- Streamlined workflow efficiency for the department by maintaining equipment and troubleshooting issues promptly.
- Stayed current with advancements in cardiac imaging technology to apply cutting-edge methodologies when assessing clinical conditions such as heart disease or valve dysfunction diagnosis.
- Developed strong relationships with referring physicians, enhancing communication regarding patient care needs and expectations.
- Continuously improved technical skills through ongoing education on new technologies and industry best practices in cardiac sonography.
- Assisted physicians in diagnosing complex cases by providing detailed imaging analysis and recommendations for further testing if needed.
- Upheld legal standards, HIPAA requirements and facility guidelines by obtaining written consent and securing patient information.
- Achieved consistent patient satisfaction and trust by providing thorough explanations of procedures, ensuring patients felt well-informed and comfortable throughout their experience.
- Technical director for ICAEL.
Lead Cardiac Sonographer
Wilson Medical Center
03.2003 - 06.2010
- Mentored junior staff and students, fostering a supportive learning environment and promoting professional growth.
- Demonstrated excellent leadership qualities by supervising daily operations within the Cardiac Sonographer team ensuring deadlines were met and maintaining a high standard of work.
- Enhanced diagnostic capabilities by utilizing advanced cardiac sonography techniques.
- Participated actively in quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing the overall performance of the cardiac sonography department.
- Optimized image acquisition using various transducer selections appropriate for the patient''s size, body habitus, or specific condition under evaluation.
- Provided compassionate care during examinations, addressing any concerns or questions from patients or family members effectively.
- Positioned and readjusted patients to obtain optimal scan information.
- Submitted written reports, verbal summaries, photographs and recordings to physicians to support accurate medical decision making.
- Used skills to help clinicians and surgeons complete routine and invasive procedures.
- Assisted in diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as unstable angina, cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease and cardiac dysrhythmia.
- Led echocardiographic procedures, ensuring high-quality imaging and accurate diagnostic results.
- Mentored junior sonographers, enhancing team performance and skill development.
- Trained staff on advanced sonography techniques and new equipment usage for improved outcomes.
- Stayed current with advancements in cardiac imaging technology to apply cutting-edge methodologies when assessing clinical conditions such as heart disease or valve dysfunction diagnosis.
- Continuously improved technical skills through ongoing education on new technologies and industry best practices in cardiac sonography.
- Technical director for ICAEL
- Member of patient safety team.
- Member of patient satisfaction team.
Registered Respiratory Therapist/Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer
Pitt County Memorial Hospital
06.1997 - 11.2003
- Administered respiratory therapy treatments to improve patient outcomes and comfort.
- Monitored patients' vital signs and respiratory status during therapies.
- Educated patients and families on respiratory care techniques and equipment usage.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to develop personalized treatment plans.
- Trained junior staff on best practices in respiratory therapy protocols.
- Adjusted ventilator settings based on continuous assessment of blood gas analysis results improving overall ventilation efficacy for critically ill patients.
- Managed and operated mechanical ventilators to deliver airway management.
- Mentored new employees, providing guidance on best practices in respiratory therapy treatments and techniques.
- Provided emergency response during cardiac arrests or other life-threatening situations utilizing advanced life support measures when required.
- Contributed to successful weaning from mechanical ventilation by optimizing oxygenation strategies tailored to each individual''s needs.
- Worked with patients to administer aerosolized respiratory medications and chest percussion treatments to improve breathing.
- Documented therapies and diagnostic tests in patient electronic records for use by care team.
- Evaluated patient response to respiratory treatments and revised care plans accordingly.
- Aided physicians with various procedures such as bronchoscopies, ventilator management, and intubations.
- Verified proper set-up of ventilators for both adult and pediatric patients.
- Coordinated with physicians and other care team members on care and treatments.
- Performed airway clearance therapies effectively reducing complications related to mucus buildup within the lungs.
- Maintained proper oxygen titration levels of patients receiving ventilator support.
- Enhanced patient safety with thorough ventilator management and monitoring.
- Managed complex cases involving multiple comorbidities while maintaining high-quality patient care.
- Administered oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy and inhalation therapy to improve patients' breathing and lung function.
- Completed continued education units annually to stay current with respiratory therapy advancements and maintain compliance with administrative regulations.
- Maintained accurate patient records to track patients' medical history and treatment plans.
- Performed arterial blood gas analysis and assisted in bronchoscopies.
- Maintained patient charts and information, strictly adhering to HIPAA laws and privacy guidelines.
- Performed comprehensive echocardiographic examinations to assess cardiac function and structure.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory standards and accreditation requirements in cardiac imaging procedures.
- Evaluated and interpreted echocardiogram results, providing detailed reports to physicians for diagnosis.
- Implemented quality improvement initiatives to enhance diagnostic accuracy and patient safety protocols.
- Increased patient satisfaction through effective communication and compassionate bedside manner.
- Contributed to a patient-centered care approach by consistently exhibiting empathy and understanding during diagnostic testing procedures.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Echocardiography
Pitt Community College
Winterville, NC05-2002
Associate of Science - Respiratory Therapy
Pitt Community College
Winterville, NC05-1997
Skills
- Continuous learning mindset
- Quality assurance adherence
- Adaptable to new technology
- Body positioning and placement
Timeline
Cardiac Sonographer
Mercy Health Hospital
03.2019 - Current
Lead Cardiac Sonographer
Murray Calloway Hospital
04.2013 - 12.2019
Lead Cardiac Sonographer
Wilson Medical Center
03.2003 - 06.2010
Registered Respiratory Therapist/Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer
Pitt County Memorial Hospital
06.1997 - 11.2003
Associate of Applied Science - Echocardiography
Pitt Community College
Associate of Science - Respiratory Therapy
Pitt Community College