Sr. Cardiac Sonographer

Under the general supervision of the Medical Director of the Echocardiography Lab and Director of Echocardiography with direct supervision by the Adult Echo Lab Supervisor, performs and records routine echocardiographic ultrasound studies in accordance with departmental guidelines and protocols. Operates various types of ultrasound equipment, transducers, and adjunct devices on varied patient groups. Recognizes normal and pathological conditions and modifies the exam accordingly to ensure complete and accurate information is obtained. Prepares and positions patient for procedure by using established standards to achieve the highest quality image. Interprets acquired data and creates preliminary reports according to departmental procedures and job standards. Completes job duties with minimal clinical supervision. Works alongside other sonographer staff in a collegial manner to facilitate the completion of scheduled or ordered echocardiographic exams. Proficient skillset in providing all clinical modalities offered in the UCSF Echo Lab. Contributes to the team dynamic through communication, initiative, and productivity.

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

                                                                                                                                                

%  

of time

Essential Function (Yes/No)

  

Key Responsibilities

(To be completed by Supervisor)

40

Yes

Performs transthoracic echocardiograms on adult and geriatric patient populations. 

15

Yes

Performs echocardiographic stress testing (treadmill, bike, dobutamine),

5

Yes

Performs cardiac ultrasound enhancement agent studies (saline, Optison, Definity, etc).

15

Yes

Performs pre-reading of acquired echocardiographic exams. 

5

Yes

Participates in huddles, all-staff meetings, noon conferences, etc. 

5

Yes

Contributes to IAC required data collection and IAP goal initiatives. 

5

Yes

Participates in research studies, including being assigned specific research protocols

5

Yes

Assists with the onboarding of new staff sonographers and housestaff

5

Yes

Other duties as assigned, including limited fundamental/POCUS instruction to housestaff/students

0

 

 

0

 

 

0

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

100%

 

(To update total %, enter the amount of time in whole numbers (without the % symbol - e.g., 15, 20) then highlight the total sum (e.g., 1%) at the bottom of the column and press F9. The total sum should add up to 100%.)

 

• Demonstrated ability to work independently in an outpatient clinic environment or an acute care hospital-based echo laboratory.
• Supports the inpatient services and outpatient ambulatory clinics with echocardiography studies for UCSF Health.
• Demonstrates a thorough understanding of ultrasound principles and theory, anatomy and pathology processes utilizing the most appropriate techniques 
• Performs ultrasound tests on inpatients, outpatients, research patients utilizing 2-dimensional, 3-dimensional, M-mode, spectral Doppler, color flow Doppler, tissue Doppler, strain imaging, speckle tracking, and other post-processing functionality at a proficient level. 
• Performs stress echo exams (treadmill, supine bicycle, and dobutamine) at proficient level. 
• Places peripheral intravenous catheters and administers ultrasound enhancement agents.
• Communicates effectively with patient to obtain history, explains purpose and procedure of each test to the patient answering questions about the process in a professional and friendly man