Chief Sonographer

The Chief Sonographer leads and manages a team of diagnostic ultrasound sonographers who provide care for perinatal patients.  The Chief Sonographer works with other members of the healthcare team to provide comprehensive care. They work closely with perinatologists, providing preliminary reports and assisting with procedures. This individual will assume responsibility for the preventative maintenance program for ultrasound equipment and also perform quality control procedures to ensure that the ultrasound equipment operates at optimal levels and according to standard configuration guidelines.  The Chief Sonographer is also responsible for PACS oversight and will ensure applicable certifications and accreditations are maintained.

• Escorts patients and accompanying family members to and from the examination room in a courteous and professional manner.
• Prepares patients for ultrasound examinations by verifying identity, reviewing relevant history, and ensuring comfort and privacy.
• Explains complex procedures and examinations to patients and family.
• Provides reassurance and clear communication throughout the exam to support patient safety, comfort, and satisfaction.  Ensures the appropriate consent and/or declinations are obtained.
• Conducts ultrasonic diagnostic procedures and records anatomical, pathological and/or physiological data for interpretation by a physician.
• Maintains patient confidentiality.
• Accurately documents exam findings, measurements, images, and procedural details in the ultrasound reporting and image archiving systems.
• Records patient history, indications, and pertinent observations in accordance with departmental protocols and regulatory standards.
• Generates clear, comprehensive preliminary reports for interpreting physician review and final signature.
• Reviews completed studies with interpreting physicians to communicate findings, address questions, and support diagnostic accuracy.
• Ensures documentation is complete, timely, and compliant with organizational policies, accreditation requirements, and patient safety standards. Selects and assigns appropriate exam types, procedures, and indication (diagnosis) codes based on services performed, clinical documentation, and provider orders to support accurate reporting, interpretation, and billing.
• Notify Patient Service Associate of additional services performed which require authorization.
• Maintains proper operation of the ultrasound equipment. Recognizes equipment malfunctions and takes appropriate corrective action. Coordinates the required maintenance as necessary.
• Keeps work area clean.
• Responsible for maintaining adequate inventory of ultrasound supplies.
• Maintain archives/records scans.
• Oversees and coordinates the ultrasound schedule.
• Ensures compliance with AIUM ultrasound guidelines.
• Responsible for orienting new sonographers to practice.
• Covers other sonographers during absences.
• Participate in interview process of new employees.
• Participates in the annual reviews for sonographers at site.
• Maintains effective working relationships with patients, medical staff and the public.
• Acts in a non-directive, non-judgmental manner, recognizing an individual’s religious, ethical, and moral opinions/beliefs.
• Recognizes ethical, legal and professional issues inherent in providing care to pregnant women.
• Participates in staff development, in-service workshops and educational activities.
• Responsible for maintaining records for ICAEL Certification and assuming the responsibilities of Technical Director as stated in the ICAEL Standards.
• Performs other assigned duties as directed.

Education:

• Satisfactory completion of one of the following; graduate of an accredited sonography program with a degree in ultrasonography or equivalent, at least two (2) years in Allied Health Educational Program and one (1) year on-the-job- training in ultrasonography, or graduate from an accredited sonography program with a degree in ultrasonography or equivalent

• Maintain or be eligible for certification as an American Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (ARDMS).

• ARDMS OB/GYN or Fetal Echo (FE) certified or eligible to obtain within 12 months of hire.

• Must provide evidence of continuing education credits to fulfill accreditation requirements.

• NT experience or certification preferred.

• CPR certification preferred

Experience:

• At least 2 years supervisory experience. 
• Minimum of 3 years' experience as a sonographer working in OB/GYN and/or MFM setting preferred
• Fetal Echo experience preferred 

Experience Industry: Maternal Fetal Medicine Healthcare

Skills/Abilities:                                                  

• Strong written, verbal and interpersonal skills.
• Skilled in operating ultrasound equipment.
• Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
• Ability to effectively communicate.
• Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions to establish a safe work environment.