Lead Pediatric Cardiac Sonographer

Radiology

This position is eligible for a $10k Sign On Bonus

1.0 FTE, 8 Hour Day Shift

At Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, we understand that exceptional care starts with exceptional compassion. Our commitment to merging cutting-edge technology with a family-oriented approach to healthcare is paramount. We are dedicated to fostering an environment where our caregivers receive ongoing education and work in state-of-the-art facilities. We invite you to be part of our mission to heal humanity, one child and family at a time.

This section outlines the fundamental nature, level, and objectives of the role.

Under the guidance of the echocardiography department leadership, the cardiac sonographer II is tasked with independently conducting and acquiring both standard and intricate congenital cardiac ultrasound examinations. This role requires a comprehensive understanding of congenital cardiac conditions, cardiac pathology, and the diagnostic imaging necessary to address clinical inquiries. The sonographer will perform diagnostic cardiac ultrasound studies on patients of all ages across various hospital settings. Additionally, this position involves mentoring a diverse group of echocardiography trainees. The sonographer will utilize prior imaging and medical data to ensure a thorough understanding of each patient's condition, aiding in accurate diagnosis. A strong capacity for critical thinking, judgment, and skill is essential throughout this role. Responsibilities also include ensuring the functionality and maintenance of equipment for immediate use, participating in outreach clinics, and providing weekend, holiday, and on-call coverage as required. Accurate record-keeping and reporting on equipment, procedures performed, and billing are also part of the role.

The responsibilities listed are typical examples of tasks performed in this job classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities.

Employees are expected to adhere to all Joint Commission Requirements, including but not limited to sensitivity to cultural diversity, patient care, patient rights, ethical treatment, safety and security of physical environments, emergency management, teamwork, respect for others, participation in ongoing education and training, communication, and compliance with safety and quality programs.

All duties and responsibilities must be performed in accordance with the hospital's policies and procedures, including its Service Standards and Code of Conduct.

• Review exam indications and relevant medical information in preparation for the echocardiogram.
• Independently perform and acquire both standard and complex congenital cardiac transthoracic ultrasound studies.
• Implement appropriate infection control measures.
• Identify patients per policy, including introducing and explaining the examination process, creating a welcoming environment for patients and families, and guiding them throughout the procedure.
• Utilize ultrasound equipment to obtain diagnostic images on patients with varying anatomical complexities in accordance with imaging protocols.
• Present and discuss echocardiographic studies with physicians and obtain additional images as needed.
• Conduct quantitative assessments of echocardiographic data in line with imaging protocols.
• Utilize previous imaging and medical data to ensure a comprehensive understanding of each patient's condition for accurate diagnosis.
• Complete studies efficiently.
• Document observations and quantifications made during the study using the cardiology PACS for final review and interpretation by the reading physician or other qualified medical professionals.
• Ensure studies are archived on the cardiology PACS network and collaborate with leadership to resolve technical issues.
• Maintain ultrasound equipment and accessories to ensure functionality. Work with leadership to address technical issues.
• Contribute to maintaining records for research cases.
• Assist in training echocardiography learners.
• Engage in regular quality improvement initiatives.

A 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. A bachelor's degree is preferred.

Experience: A minimum of two (2) years of experience in congenital cardiac sonography with progressively responsible direct work experience.

License/Credentials: Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS), Pediatric Echocardiography (PE), and Fetal Echocardiography (FE) credentials from the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS).

OR

Registered Congenital Cardiovascular Sonographer (RCCS) credential from Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) along with Advanced Cardiac Sonographer (ACS) and Fetal Echocardiography (FE) credentials from ARDMS.

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

• Ability to apply judgment and make informed decisions.
• Effective communication skills, both oral and written.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with diverse groups, including individuals at all levels within and outside the organization.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to interpret physician instructions and patient medical records to determine the appropriate ultrasound procedure.
• Ability to perform echocardiography on a varied patient population.
• Ability to work effectively as a team player.
• Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and congenital/acquired cardiac pathology as they relate to ultrasound diagnostic procedures.
• Familiarity with computer systems and software used in the functional area.
• Understanding of PACS network principles and electronic image processing systems.
• Knowledge of ultrasound physics principles and safety procedures related to ultrasound practices and equipment.
• Familiarity with ultrasound diagnostic procedures and equipment/instrumentation.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

The physical requirements and working conditions for this role 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.

Compensation

Compensation is based on the level and requirements of the role. Salary may also be influenced by education, experience, knowledge, skills, location, and abilities, as well as internal equity and market data alignment.

Typically, new team members start at the minimum to mid-salary range.

Minimum to Midpoint Range (1.0 FTE): $155,875.20 to $176,737.60

Equal Opportunity Employer

Lucile Packard Children's Hospital is committed to diversity and equal opportunity in all policies and practices, including employment. We do not discriminate against any individual based on 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. We encourage applications from individuals of all genders, diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, and veterans. Qualified applicants with criminal convictions will be considered after an individualized assessment of the conviction and job requirements, in compliance with applicable ordinances.