Principal Cardiac Sonographer

Adult Echocardiography

Full Time

78698BR

Job Summary

Under the general supervision of the Medical Director of the Echocardiography Lab and Director of Echocardiography with direct supervision by the Adult Echocardiography 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. Expert skillset in providing all clinical modalities offered in the UCSF Echo Lab including stress exams and contrast. Performs complex exams using established and novel techniques. Contributes to the team dynamic through communication, initiative, and productivity.

The Principal Cardiac Sonographer differentiates themselves as being a technical expert and clinical leader among the Adult echo lab. Additionally provides expertise in managing technical innovation in the lab, providing staff and sonography student/ housestaff training, and assumes accountability for assigned research-led initiatives. Assists in maintaining accreditation certification and participates in quality improvement projects. Promotes and educates fellow sonographers on the latest echocardiography innovations. Acts as charge by assisting with daily operations including assigning tasks, rotating sonographer responsibilities ensuring procedures/studies are covered. Serves as departmental contact for providers with emergent or discharge pending requests and assigns studies as needed.

• 65% Performs ultrasound tests on inpatients, outpatients and research patients including: 2-dimensional, 3-dimentional, M-mode, Doppler, color flow Doppler, spectral Doppler, contrast use, speckle tracking/strain rate analysis and stress echo tests (exercise and pharmacological).
• 10% Performs or, when training staff/students, supervises echocardiograms on all adult patients (with particular attention to congenital patient groups).
• 5% Enters preliminary report and ensures appropriate data and measurements are entered for final interpretation. Is responsible for the quality of each echocardiographic test (i.e. poor image, improper med. record number, etc.)
• 5% Reviews images on screen and checks for clarity and proper positioning. Provides consultation to other sonographers on difficult studies reviews their data and assures completeness of the study as part of the lab’s quality control and peer review process.
• 5% Contributes to the creation of a team approach to foster a positive and service-oriented image for the department. Responds to requests in a timely and friendly manner. Is professional in language and actions at all times. Assists in the development of orientation materials and updates them as needed.
• 5% Assists in the provision of orientation and teaching to new fellows and sonographer students about the operations of the Echo Lab including the safe use of the echo equipment. Provides orientation, training and direction to Cardiac Sonographers and Senior Cardiac Sonographers.
• 5% Assists in clinical research projects and interfaces with clinical researchers in other departments and divisions to ensure adherence to protocol and timely transfer of data. Assumes responsibility of at least two clinical research projects at a time.

The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.

To see the salary range for this position (we recommend that you make a note of the job code and use that to look up): TCS Non-Academic Titles Search (https://tcs.ucop.edu/non-academic-titles)

Please note: An offer will take into consideration the experience of the final candidate AND the current salary level of individuals working at UCSF in a similar role.

For roles covered by a bargaining unit agreement, there will be specific rules about where a new hire would be placed on the range.

To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

Required Qualifications

• Flexibility in scheduling, ability to rotate shifts and coverage for weekends and holiday work at all UCSF Medical Center locations in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
• Completion/graduate of an approved cardiac sonographer training program
• Five years (5) previous experience in a healthcare environment as a cardiac sonographer required,  including experience with: adult congenital patients, minimally invasive valve procedures (TAVR, Melody, etc.), and echo assisted invasive procedures (alcohol septal ablation, pericardiocentesis, etc).
• Current registration from either the ARDMS (RDCS) or CCI (RCS, RCCS, ACS) in echocardiography specialty.
• Current expertise in all stress testing modalities (treadmill, supine bike, pharmalogical)
• Excellent communication skills
• Attention to detail

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate of a formal accredited ultrasound training program from an approved school
• Academic hospital experience as a cardiac sonographer
• Experience with adult congenital heart disease patients and/or HCM patients
• Prefer adult congenital, structural heart, heart and lung transplant, and advanced heart failure experience. Experience with LVAD, ECMO, TAVR, Mitra-Clip, and other advanced therapies.
• Prefer EPIC EMR and Syngo Dynamics system experience.

License/Certification

• RDCS - Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer, or RCS - Registered Cardiac Sonographer or RCCS - Registered Congenital Cardiac Sonographer
• BLS- Basic Life Support

About UCSF

At UCSF Health, our mission of innovative patient care, advanced technology and pioneering research is redefining what’s possible for the patients we serve – a promise we share with the professionals who make up our team.

Consistently ranked among the top 10 hospitals nationwide by U.S. News & World Report – UCSF Health is committed to providing the most rewarding work experience while delivering the best care available anywhere. In an environment that allows for continuous learning and opportunities for professional growth, UCSF Health offers the ideal atmosphere in which to best use your skills and talents.

Pride Values

UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence – also known as our PRIDE values.

In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity – both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available at diversity.ucsf.edu

Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California San Francisco is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/ppsm-20

For the University of California's Anti Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Job Code and Payroll Title

008965 ULTRASOUND TCHNO PRN

Job Category

Allied Health, Radiology, Technical & Technologist

Bargaining Unit

American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees - Patient Care Technical Unit (AFSCME-EX)

Location

Parnassus Heights (SF)

Shift

Days, Rotating, Weekends