Lead Cardiac Sonographer

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Practice Manager, the Lead Cardiac Sonographer has the primary responsibility to perform all forms of Echocardiographic studies.  The technician has the responsibility to understand and execute the documentation to acquire and maintain IAC accreditation for the echocardiography lab.  Assists in the creation and maintenance of policy, procedures, and protocols in accordance with Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) guidelines. Responsible for assisting in the coordination of performance improvement activities and collaborative committee participation as per the IAC guidelines. Provides services to 18 years of age and older. Acts as a resource and clinical preceptor for all levels of cardiac sonographers. 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education:

1. Graduation from an accredited school of ultrasound, with specialization in echocardiography.

Experience:

1. Three years of experience in echocardiography, preferably in an ambulatory care clinic.
2. Preference may also be given to candidates who have documented previous experience in similar duties.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

1. Skill in basic keyboarding and Microsoft office.
2. Possesses a strong ability to collaborate with physicians and administration in order to improve quality and outcomes.
3. Demonstrates a willingness to accept the responsibility for independent study to advance skills and knowledge in job responsibilities.
4. Demonstrates good interpersonal skills.
5. Demonstrates mature professional judgment.

License/Certification/Registration:

1. Meets the American Heart Association’s standards for Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) and renews BLS every two years.
2. Must be registered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer) or by the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (Registered Cardiac Sonographer).

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Receives minimal supervision under the direction of the Practice Manager and in accordance with established policies and procedures.

SUPERVISION GIVEN

None

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Demonstrates extensive knowledge of guidelines, procedures and submissions to IAC with ongoing surveillance of changes in submission practices.
2. Assumes the duties and responsibilities of the Cardiac Sonographer in a lead role.
   1. Performs Echocardiographic examinations, including 2-dimensional, M-mode, Doppler and color flow interrogation.  Performs exercise and pharmacologic stress echocardiographic procedures, including patient preparation and imaging.
   2. Delineates abnormalities and expands the scope of the examination appropriately.
   3. Correlates invasive and noninvasive diagnostic tests with cardiac anatomy and function.
   4. Completes all appropriate measurements and calculations (2-D and Doppler) to provide available anatomic and hemodynamic information.
   5. Assists in training/mentoring co-workers in cardiac diagnostic procedures.
3. Collects and maintains data and records.
   1. Completes in a timely manner all requisite documentation of study performance.
   2. Completes in a timely manner all charge procedures associated with study.
   3. Generates and provides information necessary for physicians’ charge for interpretation /performance of studies.
   4. Processes reports of diagnostic procedures and forwards to the appropriate destinations.
4. Performs the test with sensitivity to the needs of the patient.
   1. Introduces self and explains the process of the test.
   2. Maintains privacy and patient comfort.
   3. Uses sound judgment to terminate the test within the realm of the job description as appropriate.
   4. Seeks help to perform the test as needed.
5. Maintains the integrity of equipment and adequate supplies.
   1. Ensures completion of daily cleaning, maintenance of equipment, and equipment logs.
   2. Ensures that appropriate supplies are available for future testing.
   3. Notifies the appropriate services (Bio-med or vendor) of identified problems and promptly relates this to the manager.
6. Maintains safety.
   1. Reviews technical procedure manuals for content and relevance.
   2. Assists with the development of procedures/policies/protocols when requested.
   3. Participates in the evaluation and implementation of new methodologies, instrumentation, and workflow when requested.
   4. Assist with development and monitoring of quality improvement m