Lead Ultrasound Technologist

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

· Oversee that self and staff technicians perform accurate and quality diagnostic studies according to lab protocol.

· Oversee that self and staff technicians perform appropriate number of tests per day

· Oversee that STAT/Critical exams are performed within a timely manner

· Ensure that excellent patient care is given during echo procedures

· Create and adjust monthly schedules for technicians and maintain coverage for lab and off sites

· Teach and assist in training of students, fellows and new technicians

· Act as a liaison between administration and technical staff. Provide support in the absence of Technical Supervisor

· Act as an effective role model to staff technicians

· Oversee that Echo workflow is implemented and adhered to by technical staff

· Maintain appearance of lab and work areas

· Maintain that ultrasound systems are in proper working condition

· Oversee inventory and supply management for TTE lab

· Maintain lab participation of CME activities

· Participate in research studies

· Undergo training by the Echocardiography investigators for acquisition of all echo measurements required for the study, both standard echocardiography and myocardial deformation imaging (strain)

· Knowledge of the echo imaging protocol for the WIHS study, undergoing certification for performance of echocardiograms, and contributing to the performance of scans planned at the Bronx during the study period.

· Participate in the in-person training session during which they will perform live scanning demonstrations of image acquisition for the protocol.

· Generate preliminary reports for echocardiograms as part of the WIHS Echo study, both standard and strain imaging echocardiograms, and grade studies for quality.

· Identify critical echo findings for generation of alerts, and bring these to the attention of the Echo cardiographers.

· Participate in weekly calls/meetings with the echocardiography team to review study progress and troubleshoot difficulties. They will also participate in monthly calls involving research coordinators at all the centers.

· Participate in feedback to sonographers at field centers (e-mail based), and schedule telephone calls to instruct site sonographers on correction of deficiencies when study quality falls below expected standards.

· In cases where echocardiogram quality does not improve based on virtual sessions, sonographer-readers will be expected to travel to sites for hands-on training. This is anticipated to be required on up to 3 occasions per year during the study period.

· Correctly operate all ultrasound equipment including A-Mode, B-Mode laminographic B- Scanning and Doppler Ultrasound equipment and obtain precise examinations in all modes.

· Correctly position each patient for examination, as appropriate examination positioning may vary based on patient and type of examination

· Insure quality control of all examination

· Maintain necessary clerical and statistical data relative to ultrasound examination performed

· Schedule use of ultrasound equipment under priority guidelines established by the study radiologist in charge of ultrasound operations

· To be trained in the operation of ultrasound equipment by manufacturers’ representatives, by physician in charge of ultrasound and through scheduled training at other institutions at the discretion of the radiologist in charge of ultrasound operations.

· To be responsible for all attachments, parts and auxiliary units to the ultrasound equipment to insure that they are not lost, broken or misused.

· Report to the Clinic Manager on upkeep, performance and maintenance of all equipment.

· Attend clinical –ultrasound conferences at the discretion of the Radiologist/Clinical Manager in charge.

· Insure patient comfort and care at all times.

· Maintain stock control of expendables such as coupling, gel, linens etc.

· Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• B.A. in Biology plus minimum of 2 years’ experience in Ultrasound or equivalent skills and experience
• Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS OR RDCS) with at least 2 years of clinical echocardiography experience.
• Completion of CAAHEP certified cardiovascular sonography program required.
• Must be BLS certified

Skills 

• Extensive knowledge of the principles of ultrasound physics and instrumentation of ultrasound systems
• Extensive knowledge of cardiac anatomy, physiology and pathology
• Knowledge of exercise stress echo and pharmacological stress echo
• Knowledge of transesophageal echo
• Knowledge of echo guided invasive procedures and sterile techniques and procedures.
• Proficiency in operation of PC and use of Xcelera and Apollo

• As needed, suggest an perform additional views based on findings of initial examination or patient presentations
• Contacts physician upon recognition of critical findings
• Delegation of STAT exams and scheduling of technicians for coverage to offsite locations
• Independently performs echocardiograms in off-site locations and during weekends and holidays

Hiring Rate

Post Probationary Rate

Job Rate

Minimum Salary Range

Maximum Salary Range

Salary : $46 - $48