Lead Sonographer

Aurora Health Care Central, Inc.; Aurora (CO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Aurora Health Care Central, Inc. seeks an experienced medical sonographer to lead clinical imaging activities, train staff and students, and ensure high-quality ultrasound examinations.

This role supports performance feedback, policy interpretation, and process improvement across the imaging department. Ideal candidate has extensive ultrasound experience, strong anatomy knowledge, and the ability to work independently while coordinating with physicians and staff.

Qualifications

• Advanced training beyond high school through an approved sonography program.
• Proficiency in cross-sectional anatomy and imaging principles.
• Leadership and accountability in a busy imaging setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide training/orientation and day-to-day work direction to staff and students.
• Monitor staffing, productivity, and performance; guide complex issues.
• Assist with interviewing, feedback, and morale; interpret policies and procedures.

Skills

Anatomy knowledge

Multiple procedure proficiency

Aseptic techniques

Leadership & delegation

Communication skills

Independent work

Basic computer skills

Education

Accredited sonography program

Job description

Major Responsibilities

Acts as a resource to employees and students, which includes training/orienting, providing day-to-day work direction, and giving input on performance.

Assigns, monitors, and reviews progress and accuracy of work, monitors productivity, maintains appropriate staffing levels, directs efforts and provides guidance on more complex issues.

Assists with human resource responsibilities, which may include interviewing and selection of new employees, staff development, providing performance feedback, resolution of employee concerns, and employee morale.

Assists in interpreting department policies and procedures, and advises and updates staff on procedural changes.

Identifies performance improvement opportunities within the department and facilitates change.

Monitors inventory levels, labor productivity and assist with managing department resources.

Serves as a technical resource, role model and/or preceptor for students and staff.

Facilitates clinical problem solving and collaborates with other departments across the system to provide education on managing patients after procedures and any other imaging department processes and procedures.

Proficiently operates ultrasound equipment to perform two of the following: general, vascular, and/or cardiac procedures/studies.

Reviews patient's medical record to obtain necessary clinical information including patient history, lab results, and physician orders, obtains necessary clinical information from patients, and compares requisitions to physicians' orders to ensure exam accuracy.

Selects proper transducer and technical factors for accurate ultrasound procedures. Performs scans of various anatomical areas. Identifies cross-sectional human anatomy, distinguishing normal from abnormal, to establish initial evaluation of sonograms.

Post-processes images as directed and accurately identifies and labels images identifying patient name, medical record unit (MRU) number, and location or position of scan on all images.

Oversees the maintenance of records in accordance with various regulatory agencies and enters patient and study information into the radiology information system, and documents billing codes of procedures performed to ensure accurate patient charges.

Identifies equipment performance issues and ensures and/or performs equipment quality assurance tests and calibration procedures. Reports malfunctioning equipment to appropriate staff and evaluates new products and equipment.

Performs various patient positioning and transporting duties, which require lifting and pushing/pulling, while utilizing proper technique.

Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures. Age-specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required

Medical Sonographer (RDMS) registration with Abdomen issued by the American Registry of Diagnostic Med Sonography (ARDMS) needs to be obtained within 0 months unless department leader has determined it is not required, andMedical Sonographer (RDMS) registration with OB/GYN issued by the American Registry of Diagnostic Med Sonography (ARDMS) needs to be obtained within 0 months unless department leader has determined it is not required, andVascular Technologist (RVT) registration issued by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) needs to be obtained within 0 months unless department leader has determined it is not required, orVascular Sonography (VS) registration issued by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) needs to be obtained within 0 months unless department leader has determined it is not required, orVascular Specialist (RVS) registration issued by the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) needs to be obtained within 0 months unless department leader has determined it is not required, andCardiac Sonographer (RDCS-AE) registration with Adult Echo issued by the ARDMS needs to be obtained within 0 months unless department leader has determined it is not required, orCardiac Sonographer (RCS) registration issued by the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) needs to be obtained within 0 months unless department leader has determined it is not required, andBasic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providerscertification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) needs to be obtained within 6 months.

Education Required

Advanced training beyond High School that includes the completion of an accredited or approved program in Sonography.

Experience Required

Typically requires 5 years of experience in a sonographer role.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

Advanced knowledge in anatomy that includes vascular and/or cardiology.

Proficiency in a minimum of two of the following: all abdomen procedures, including urology, pelvic/OB, carotid, superficial structures, portable imaging, and invasive procedures; all vascular procedures; and/or all cardiac procedures, OR proficiency in all general procedures along with two of the following specializations: breast, neurosonology, and/or fetal echocardiography.

Advanced knowledge of aseptic techniques.

Advanced knowledge of accreditation policies and procedures to assist in facilitation of departmental accreditation.

Ability to act as a role model and to hold staff accountable to Aurora's service commitments.

Demonstrated leadership skills such as delegation, team building, managing multiple priorities, problem solving, and decision making.

Excellent communication, interpersonal and patient service skills to work effectively with physicians, patients and other staff members.

Ability to work independently.

Intermediate computer skills.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Must be able to sit, stand, walk, lift, squat, bend, and twist throughout the workday.

Must be able to:

- lift up to 50 lbs. from floor to waist.

- lift up to 20 lbs. over the head.

- carry up to 40 lbs. a reasonable distance.

Must be able to:

- push/pull with 30 lbs. of force.

- perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs. with a second person present.

Must have clear speech, vision and hearing.

May be exposed to mechanical, electrical, chemical, and radiation hazards as well as blood and body fluids; therefore, personal protective equipment must be worn as necessary.

Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.