Cardiac Sonographer - Lead (Up to 25,000 Sign on Bonus)

Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters in Norfolk, VA is seeking a Lead Cardiac Sonographer to oversee the Echo Lab’s quality improvement program and perform pediatric echocardiograms. This role encompasses coordination of quality assurance efforts, participation in training and education initiatives, and technical support within the lab.

The ideal candidate should have extensive knowledge and experience in pediatric echocardiography. This position offers an essential opportunity to contribute significantly to the Heart Center's mission.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years’ experience in pediatric echocardiography in various settings.
• Completion of accredited Cardiac Ultrasound program, or high school diploma with experience.
• Registry in echocardiography (ARDMS or CCI).

Responsibilities

• Oversees Echo Lab quality improvement program.
• Coordinating training plans for new staff and trainees.
• Maintains IAC Accreditation and handles audit requests.

Skills

Echocardiography imaging techniques

Positive attitude

Advanced echocardiographic imaging

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Completion of an accredited Cardiac Ultrasound program

Registry in echocardiography

Registry in Pediatric Echocardiography

Job description

Overview

The Cardiac Sonographer - Lead oversees the Echo Lab quality improvement program in collaboration with departmental leadership. This role is responsible for planning overall program coordination, quality, compliance, and operational support to align with the Heart Center’s mission and strategic goals. The position also functions as a clinical lab expert and will perform pediatric echocardiograms. Reports to Heart Center departmental leadership.

Responsibilities

• Leads processes to ensure maintenance of IAC Accreditation and other regulatory and quality standards.
• Serves as lead for Quality Assurance in the echo lab for IAC as well as maintaining appropriate documentation and handling audit requests by IAC.
• Actively participates in at least one quality improvement project annually.
• Participates in shared decision making and problem solving with the interdisciplinary team to promote effective collaboration.
• Acts as primary contact for technical troubleshooting (Cardiology PACS, ultrasound equipment) within the echo lab.
• Maintains and updates equipment log, including transducers, machines, and software.
• Implements mapping of laptop echocardiogram machines.
• Coordinates transfer of studies to and from external facilities.
• Manages and maintains inventory of echo lab supplies.
• Performs charge reconciliation and daily worklist audits.
• Develops and implements structured training plans for new staff and trainees.
• Maintains efficient operation of the echo lab to include timely completion of studies, timely and appropriate inpatient and outpatient patient flow.
• Plans and implements regular meetings and programs that provide educational and professional development opportunities for staff.
• Collaborates with the Echo Lab Medical Director and Practice Manager on emerging echocardiography technologies and implementing staff education initiatives, including 3D Echocardiography and Strain.
• Operates all equipment to perform diagnostic echocardiograms in accordance with lab standards while meeting daily volume expectations.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Licenses and Certifications

• Registry in echocardiography, either American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).
• Registry in Pediatric Echocardiography (PE).
• CPR Training required upon hire.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

• Three to five years’ experience in pediatric echocardiography with knowledge of inpatient settings (including CVOR, PICU, NICU) and outpatient facilities.
• Completion of an accredited Cardiac Ultrasound program (Bachelors or Associates Degree). In lieu of degree, will consider high school diploma or equivalent with applicable experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of echocardiography imaging techniques and protocols, including transthoracic and transesophageal imaging.
• Must be able to display positive attitude and the willingness to assist when communicating with the leadership, providers and staff.
• Demonstrate proficiency in advanced form of echocardiographic imaging in the pediatric and adult population. This may include but is not limited to:
• 3D imaging with manipulation of 3D images.
• Strain imaging and acquisition.
• Proficiency or commitment to fetal ultrasound.
• Of the three forms outlined above, collaborate with leadership to chart plan towards fetal echocardiography competency, 3D imaging, and Strain.
• Analytical skills necessary to effectively detect pathologies based on knowledge of physiological cause and effect of diseases and clinical procedures.
• Interpersonal skills necessary in order to communicate effectively with patients/families, administrative/clinical personnel and physicians.

Working Conditions

Clinical patient care environment with minimal exposure to hazards such as excess noise, dust, or extremes in temperature. Frequent exposure to communicable diseases, toxic substances, medicinal preparations, body fluids and other conditions common to the healthcare environment. Moderate adverse working conditions due to the need to perform certain patient care activities.

Physical Requirements

Physical requirements as per hospital policy.