Cardiac Sonographer Lead

• JOB TITLE: Cardiac Sonographer - Lead
• STATUS: Full Time
• LOCATION: Rochester General Hospital - 1425 Portland Avenue Rochester, NY 14621
• DEPARTMENT: Cardiology
• SCHEDULE: Days, M-F, 8 hrs, weekend rotation requirement

• SUMMARY
• Performs medically prescribed diagnostic echocardiographic procedures to assess cardiac structures and hemodynamics, utilizing various modes and techniques, including but not limited to 2-dimensional, M-Mode, color flow, pulse wave, and continuous wave Doppler, in accordance with accepted protocols.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Ability to perform all transthoracic echocardiograms independently, as applicable in work setting

Ability to perform stress echocardiograms, including dobutamine echocardiograms and bike stress tests independently, as applicable in work setting

Ability to perform Transesophageal Echocardiograms (TEEs) independently, as applicable in work setting

Ability to perform LVAD echocardiograms (and ramp studies) independently, as applicable in work setting

Ability to perform Pericardiocentesis echocardiograms independently, as applicable in work setting

Ability to perform RV Biopsies echocardiograms independently, as applicable in work setting

Ability to perform Pediatric Transthoracic Echocardiograms independently, as applicable in work setting

Ability and willingness to travel to greater than 2 sites, with more than 25% of time working at a site other than the home office site

Ability to perform Transthoracic Echocardiograms (TTEs) and Transecophageal Echocardiograms (TEEs) in structural heart procedures (3D imaging for complex valve cases, such as VSD, PFO, V-Wave) independently, as applicable in work setting

Leadership Responsibilities

Oversees all SCHI Cardiac Sonographers for all inpatient and outpatient sites, including hospitals and ambulatory offices

Leads quality assurance activities

Participates in and leads special projects, such as Lean projects, process improvement projects, quality improvement projects

Participates in the process to attain and maintain IAC accreditation for the echo lab, including IAC related QA processes and meetings.

Assures compliance by Cardiac Sonographers of IAC objectives and quality assurance initiatives

Under direction of the department director, provides supervision of sonographers including hiring process, orientation, annual performance appraisals, and coaching opportunities as needed.

At the direction of the Department Director, assigns work to other Cardiac Sonographers, providing oversight and support as necessary

Serves as a resource to staff in resolving complex issues and by providing technical skills

Assists Department Director and Medical Director with development of new clinical protocols

Able to appropriately determine clinical question being addressed:

Refers to indication noted on requisition

Reviews patient chart and history

Refers to physician, as needed

Utilizes imaging protocols established by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) Echocardiography Accreditation.

Utilizes proper patient positioning techniques to obtain optimal image quality, and to avoid injury to patient and self.

Selects appropriate transducer and imaging mode.

Manipulates imaging control settings (i.e. Gain, Focus, Focus Range, and attenuation) to obtain optimal imaging quality.

Performs / obtains all measurements required for study.

Ends and transfers study to cardiology PACS.

​

Accesses patient study in Cardiology PACS system:

Verifies patient demographics, edits as needed.

Manages orders to study, if needed.

Verifies all images and measurements are transferred as expected.

Accesses preliminary diagnostic report attached to procedure to formulate a preliminary interpretation for the reading cardiologist, also provides preliminary comments for each structure examined.

Enters additional measurements as needed, and edits digital images as applicable, for reading cardiologist’s review.

Obtains and provides previous echocardiographic studies for comparison with current study, if available.

Discusses findings with reading cardiologist as needed.

Patient Interaction:

Follows HIPPA regulations, respecting and providing patient’s confidentiality and privacy.

Introduces self to patient, and role in care.

Explains procedure with instructions, to ensure patient cooperation, patient safety, and obtaining optimal results.

Assists patient during transfer from wheelchair, stretcher or bed to exam table.

Personnel Interaction:

Participates with other team members, evaluating and managing daily procedure schedule.

Participates with QA/QI process within the department, provides accurate documentation and comparisons.

Maintains a positive attitude and cooperative working relationship with peers and supervisory staff.

Participates in annual performance appraisal process.

Accepts feedback and coaching in a positive manner.

Teaching and Education:

Attends and participates in echocardiography conferences.

Completes all required annual competencies, health screening and mandatory education.

Maintains active registry status in adult cardiac sonography (RDCS/RCS) through continuing professional educational credits.

Participates with training and orientation of new team members.

Participates in teaching and shadowing experience of student sonographers and/or nursing students, during clinical rotations through cardiology.

Assists Medical Director and/or supervisory staff in the preparation of echocardiography conferences

Ability to serve as preceptor for new graduate sonographers, sonography students and cardiology fellows

Ability and willingness to travel to greater than 2 sites, with more than 25% of time working at a site other than the home office site

Annually, deliver an educational presentation to cardiac sonographer colleagues or students

​

Equipment Maintenance:

Cleans equipment after each procedure with approved cleaning products

Reports equipment failures to supervisory staff

Keeps all inventory and supplies current and stocked

​

On-Call:

Participates in On-Call coverage as dictated by care setting and department requirements

Provides a dependable contact number, or carries a pager to provide coverage, outside of normal working hours.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum of 5 (five) years’ experience as a cardiac sonographer.

Appropriate credential in echocardiography from: Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) from American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS).

EDUCATION:

LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS:

BLS - Basic Life Support - American Heart Association (AHA), RN - Registered Nurse - NYS Office of Professions

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Moderate - Clinical - Moderate clinical roles are patient facing roles that require continual movement, including standing, walking, and lifting 20–50 lbs., along with pushing and pulling medical equipment and assisting with patient positioning. Employees perform frequent bending, twisting, and reaching while completing fine motor tasks in busy or confined clinical environments. High sensory acuity is essential for monitoring patient status and responding to alarms or safety concerns. Emotional and cognitive demands are substantial, involving decision-making under pressure, responding to emergencies, and maintaining sustained focus. Environmental exposures include infectious agents, bodily fluids, chemicals, and radiation. TB testing, mask-fit testing, and physical exams are common requirements.

For disease specific care programs refer to the program specific requirements of the department for further specifications on experience and educational expectations, including continuing education requirements.

Any physical requirements reported by a prospective employee and/or employee’s physician or delegate will be considered for