Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

This paragraph summarizes the general nature, level and purpose of the job.

Under the direction of the echocardiography laboratory leadership, the cardiac sonographer I is responsible for the performance and acquisition of structurally normal cardiac ultrasound studies. Assists with complex congenital cardiac studies; works towards competency of complex congenital anatomy and physiology. Demonstrates knowledge of normal cardiac anatomy, physiology, and hemodynamics. Works towards knowledge of congenital cardiac abnormalities, cardiac pathology, and palliative/corrective congenital heart procedures. Collaborates with laboratory leadership to understand the diagnostic imaging necessary to answer the clinical questions. Performs diagnostic cardiac ultrasound studies on assigned patients of all ages and across all hospital environments. Assists in gathering ultrasound, and other medical data necessary to allow the physician to reach a medical diagnosis. Shows a high capacity for critical thinking, judgement, and skill throughout the role. Engages leadership to ensure that equipment remains functional. Participates in outreach clinics, weekend, holiday coverage, and on-call services as assigned. Maintains records and reports on equipment, procedures performed and billing.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The essential functions listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification. They are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Employees must abide by all Joint Commission Requirements including but not limited to sensitivity to cultural diversity, patient care, patient rights and ethical treatment, safety and security of physical environments, emergency management, teamwork, respect for others, participation in ongoing education and training, communication and adherence to safety and quality programs, sustaining compliance with National Patient Safety Goals, and licensure and health screenings.

Must perform all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the hospitals policies and procedures, including its Service Standards and its Code of Conduct.

Reviews indications for exam and other pertinent medical information in preparation for the echocardiogram.
Responsible for the performance and acquisition of structurally normal cardiac ultrasound studies. Assists with complex congenital cardiac studies.
Performs appropriate infection prevention.
Identifies patient per policy, including an introduction and explanation of the examination process to the patient, creates a warm environment for patients and family, instructs and assists patient throughout the procedure.
Utilizes ultrasound equipment to obtain diagnostic images on patients with anatomy ranging from normal to complex in accordance with imaging protocols.
Presents and reviews echocardiographic studies with physician and obtains additional images as requested.
Performs quantitative assessment of echocardiographic data in accordance with imaging protocols.
Assists in gathering ultrasound, and other medical data necessary to allow the physician to reach a medical diagnosis
Completes studies in an efficient manner.
Utilizing the cardiology PACS, documents observations and quantifications made during the study for final review and interpretation by the reading physician or other qualified medical professional.
Ensures studies are archived on the cardiology PACS network. Engages with leadership when technical issues arise.
Assists leadership to ensure ultrasound equipment accessories maintain functionality.
Attends regular quality improvement meetings.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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.

Education: Successful completion of an accredited cardiac ultrasound program. Bachelors degree preferred.
Experience: None.
License/Credential: Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS), Pediatric Echocardiography (PE) credential with American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS)
- or -

Registered Congenital Cardiovascular Sonographer (RCCS) credential with Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).

KNOWLEDGE

These are the observable and measurable attributes and skills required to perform successfully the essential functions of the job and are generally demonstrated through qualifying experience, education or licensure/certification.

Ability to apply judgement and make informed decisions.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with widely diverse groups, including individuals at all levels both within and outside the organization and gain their cooperation.
Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
Ability to interpret physician instructions and patient medical and clinical records to determine type of ultrasound procedure to be performed.
Ability to perform echocardiography on varied patient population.
Ability to work effectively as a team player.
Knowledge of anatomy, physiology and congenital/acquired cardiac pathology as they relate to the use and interpretation of ultrasound diagnostic procedures.
Knowledge of computer systems and software used in functional area.
Knowledge of principles of the PACS network and/or other electronic image processing and image development systems.
Knowledge of principles of ultrasound physics. Knowledge of safety principles and procedures related to ultrasound procedures and equipment.
Knowledge of ultrasound diagnostic procedures and equipment/instrumentation.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The Physical Requirements and Working Conditions in which the job is typically performed are available from the Occupational Health Department. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Qualifications

License/Certification:

• Registered Congenital Cardiac Sonographer by Cardiovascular Credentialing International
• or
• ARDMS by American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Additional InformationPay Range Compensation is based on the level and requirements of the role. Salary within our ranges may also be determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, location, and abilities, as required by the role, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. Typically, new team members join at the minimum to mid salary range. Minimum to Midpoint Range (Hourly): $78.69 to $89.22Stanford Medicine Children's Health (SMCH) strongly values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination in all of its policies and practices, including the area of employment. Accordingly, SMCH does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, or disability, or the perception of any of the above. People of all genders, members of all racial and ethnic groups, people with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Qualified applicants with criminal convictions will be considered after an individualized assessment of the conviction and the job requirements, and where applicable, in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.