Lead Cardiac Sonographer at Alameda Health System – Oakland, California

SUMMARY: Under the general direction of a physician and the department supervisor, serves as the technical lead for the cardiac sonographers in reviewing and educating staff to improve imaging quality, reviewing daily assignments with staff and management, performs complex diagnostic ultrasound procedures of the cardiovascular system for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cardiovascular disease in accordance with industry, Federal, State, and The Joint Commission, ICAEL requirements; participates in the implementation of Care Standards and physician orders to achieve the goal of effective utilization of services and improved patient outcomes. When applicable, work with Medical Director on research projects and protocols implementation in the research project. In conjunction with leadership, this position is responsible for recommending the delivery of patient care through proper execution of care standards, physician orders, and advanced imaging skills; leads the activities of at least two other employees; performs related duties as required.

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: NOTE: following are the duties performed by employees in this classification, however, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual in the classification.

1. Acquire the necessary skills to perform new ultrasonic examinations and modalities as they are added to the department product line.

2. Actively participate and cooperate in the accreditation application (ICAEL) and reapplication process.

3. Assists a Cardiologist with Transesophageal studies.

4. Function as a role model, professional resource, and coach for the new department staff and Cardiac Sonography students. Orientate new sonography staff.

5. Greets patients, physicians, peers, and the general public in a manner consistent with the Values and Standards of Conduct of Alameda Health System.

6. Integrate the imaging needs of the patient with other care providers to achieve desired results.

7. Leads the activities of at least two other employees.

8. Operate a variety of sophisticated ultrasonic imaging units and diagnostic reading and reporting systems.

9. Perform ultrasonic exams on the heart, great vessels, and other cardiovascular structures at all campuses and clinics operated or affiliated with Alameda Health System as defined by AHS policy and the appropriate union contract(s). The medical center campus location may include testing studies to be performed at but not limited to; in the department, at the patient’s bedside, in the Emergency Room, and in the Operating Room. Lead may occasionally need to travel to other campuses for educational and training purposes.

10. Performs other duties and assignments as requested by the department supervisor or Cardiologists.

11. Responsible for keeping current on technological advances within cardiovascular imaging and is well versed in appropriate clinical area.

12. Responsible for performance of all types of cardiac ultrasound examinations: Adult Echocardiography, Stress Echo imaging studies, Pharmacologic Stress Echo imaging studies and Contrast Echo studies.

13. Reviews images for identification, technique, and completeness according to the American Society of Echocardiography, Inter-Societal Commission on Accreditation of Echocardiography Laboratories and laboratory policy and procedures.

14. Supervising the technical aspects of the sonography staff, including but not limited to image quality, adherence to protocols, and staff education on new techniques. Assist in developing protocols as technology and improvements in the field occur.

15. Use appropriate techniques and procedures for ultrasound contrast media administration when the use of contrast is required.

16. When applicable, participates in cardiac research projects with medical staff.

17. With Medical Director participates and coordinates quality meetings with cardiac sonography staff. Participates in educational sessions, contributing technical and professional knowledge to students, allied health personnel, and physicians.

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities as well as possession of any required licenses or certifications is qualifying.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Associate Degree in Cardiovascular Technology(Preferred) or Certificate of Completion from a Cardiovascular Ultrasound Program.

Minimum Experience: Three or more years of Cardiac ultrasound testing experience required.

Required Licenses/Certifications: BLS-Basic Life Support Certification - issued by AHA-American Heart Association.

Required Licenses/Certifications: Registered in Adult Echocardiography, from the American Registry for Diagnostic Sonography-Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer(ARDMS/RDCS); OR Cardiovascular Credentialing International-Registered Cardiac Sonographer (CCI/RCS).