Under the direct supervision of the Department Manager and Supervisor, the principal cardiac sonographer performs complex fetal and pediatric echocardiograms on both inpatient and outpatients with minimal clinic supervision. Proficient in providing all clinical modalities offered in the Pediatric Echocardiography Laboratory including data interpretation for generation of preliminary reports according to departmental procedures and job standards. Additional requirements will be to provide expertise in managing technical innovation in the lab, providing education and teaching opportunities to new fellows, students, senior and staff sonographers and any other requests for sonographers affiliated with UCSF. Assists in maintaining lab accreditation and initiates quality projects. Functions as a technical expert and clinical leader among the Pediatric Echocardiography Laboratory staff. Promotes a safe and positive environment for patients, families, and coworkers in the most cost-effective manner.

This position requires flexibility to orient and work at ALL UCSF Medical Center locations.

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Assists in the development of laboratory procedures and protocols and updates them as needed. Assists with quality assurance and continuing quality improvement programs including periodic review of echocardiograms for quality and proficiency. Ensures adherence to patient safety goals. Maintains laboratory accreditation documentation. Provides updates and assists in preparing responses to renewals and other requirements of the accrediting organization

Performs ultrasound test on inpatients, outpatients and research including: 2 dimensional/ 3 dimensional imaging, M-mode, Doppler (color and spectral), stress echo tests, and fetal echocardiograms. Assists and supervises training fellows, students, and senior staff in all modalities of the Pediatric Echocardiography laboratory. Explains purpose and procedure of each test to the patient in a professional and friendly manner.

Assists in the development of procedures relative to processing echocardiograms, i.e. entering data, editing, etc. Conducts echo guidance for sonographers to outlying clinics and hospitals through our telemedicine for approved sites that are affiliated with UCSF. Conducts preliminary reports with appropriate data and measurements for analysis. Is responsible for the quality of each echocardiographic test (i.e. poor image, improper medical record number,etc.). Reviews recordings on screen and checks for clarity and proper positioning. Provides consultation to other sonographers on difficult studies and reviews their data and assures completeness of the study. Prepares patients for tests and assures proper exam selection via a modality work list. Post echo procedure communication with the attending regarding findings and any additional comments suggested for the preliminary report generated by the sonographer at the conclusion of the study.

Contributes to the creation of a team approach to foster a positive and service-oriented image for the department. Responds to requests in a timely and friendly manner. Is professional in language and actions at all times. Assists in the development of orientation materials and updates them as needed. Assist in the provision of orientation and teaching of new fellows and sonographer students about the operations of the Pediatric Echocardiography Laboratory including the safe use of each ultrasound machine as a multi-vendor laboratory. Provides orientation, training and direction to cardiac sonographer, senior cardiac sonographers, traveling sonographer and house staff visitors.

This individual works closely with the Department Manager and Supervisor to coordinate and optimize the use of the Echocardiography digital image management system (PACS)

Assists in clinical research projects and interfaces with clinical researchers/coordinators in other and divisions to ensure adherence to protocol and timely transfer of data.

Oversees the maintenance of echo machines and equipment by placing tickets to biomed for repair and upkeep for operational needs.

Serves as liaison with patient units and other departments to insure adequate and timely services are provided

Requirements for Senior level classification:

• Current registration as a cardiac sonographer (RDCS) through the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) in Adult echocardiography;

• Registry in fetal echocardiography preferred (Must obtain within one year of hire date if not already obtained).

• Current BLS

• Two to less than four years of work experience in a hospital-based echo lab environment required.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently in an acute-care hospital based echo laboratory with complex congenital anomalies.

• This position requires flexibility to orient and work at all UCSF Medical Center locations

Requirements for Principal level classification:

• Current registration as a cardiac sonographer (RDCS) through the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) in Adult and Pediatric Echocardiography
• Current BLS
• Registration in fetal echocardiography preferred (Must obtain within one year of hire date if not already obtained)
• Four to five (4-5) years or more of work experience in a hospital-based echo lab environment required.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in an acute-care hospital bases echo laboratory with complex congenital anomalies.
• This position requires flexibility to orient and work at all UCSF Medical Center locations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced training in computer-based image management systems
• Familiarity with advanced echocardiographic imaging and intracardiac procedures performed in the invasive lab setting.