Cardiac Sonographer - As-Needed, Flexible Shifts

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare; DeKalb Township (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

Northwestern Medicine is seeking a Cardiac Sonographer to perform echocardiography studies with supervision as needed, including adult and pediatric cases, stress echos, and TEEs. The role requires ARDMS RDCS certification or eligibility and willingness to rotate weekend/holiday on-call coverage.

Strong communication and patient-care skills are essential. Options include facility-based work within the Northwestern Medicine system; the position emphasizes accuracy, safety, and adherence to

Qualifications

• Completion of ARDMS accredited program specializing in Cardiovascular Ultrasound
• Experience is necessary in the following areas: Adult and Pediatric Echocardiography; Adult Stress Echos; TEE’s
• ARDMS (RDCS) Registration or eligible and/or an appropriate credential in echocardiography
• CCI (RCS) – Registered Cardiac Sonographer) within 9 months of employment.
• Verbal and written communication skills necessary to understand instructions, medical terminology, and concepts
• Communication skills in order to talk with a patient, family, or hospital staff
• Ability to use proper body mechanics in lifting, pushing, and pulling
• Ability to exercise independent judgment in time of need and emergency situations
• Commitment to the maintenance of positive and effective working relationships with all hospital personnel
• Knowledge of abuse/neglect
• Knowledge of normal characteristics of growth and development through the life span

Responsibilities

• Operates the ultrasound equipment with an in-depth knowledge of the machine and a capability of selecting the proper transducer frequency for performance of the examination
• Understands the use of technology in the documentation of the permanent record.
• Maintains quality control of the equipment.
• Possesses a high degree of knowledge of anatomy and physiology, evidenced by recognizing the significance of all structures that are visualized and differentiates artifacts from anatomic/pathologic structures, including age specific differences.
• Handles equipment in a responsible, professional manner
• Selects appropriate equipment and proper technical factors on an individual patient basis according to specific orders, and age specific criteria.
• Assists patient on an individualized basis in assuming physical position for required examination
• Capable of recognizing a diagnostic scan and rendering an initial interpretation to the referring physician.
• Able to deviate from normal techniques on difficult cases in order to complete exam.
• Gathers and exchanges patient information with nursing personnel and physicians that may affect tolerance or performance of procedure
• Explains test procedure to patient to elicit cooperation and allay apprehension utilizing age/developmentally appropriate communication
• Monitors patient’s condition during exam and reports unusual occurrences, including potential signs of abuse, to supervisor, or ordering physician
• Assists physicians in performance of other related examinations.
• Practices sterile techniques and prevents cross contamination
• Performs emergency examinations at the bedside or in the Emergency Department
• Answers telephone promptly and courteously
• Checks the requisition for complete information on the procedure requested; refers any questions to the cardiologist before performing procedure
• Amends order, if necessary, and completes information needed in the computer system
• Keeps records on Echocardiograms for cardiologist
• Maintains orderliness and cleanliness of exam room; keeps room stocked with necessary supplies and accessories
• Maintains professional appearance by adhering to dress and grooming policy
• Consistently organizes and executes daily tasks in proper priority
• Reports equipment failure directly to the Technical Director and the service representative
• Keeps current regarding development in trends and techniques of diagnostic echocardiography by reading technical journals and participating in in-service education programs.
• Participates in PI activities through use of idea log and participation in department and/or house-wide PI activities as appropriate
• May be asked to help train new staff.
• Takes advantage of opportunities for continuing education as provided by health system
• May assist in the use of a variety of equipment or procedure not routinely performed following orientation to that equipment or procedure
• Desire for furthering one’s education in the various specialties directly related to ultrasound

Skills

Cardiac ultrasound

Communication skills

Independent judgment

Patient care

Education

ARDMS accredited Cardiovascular Ultrasound program

Job description

Northwestern Medicine is seeking a Cardiac Sonographer to perform echocardiography studies with supervision as needed, including adult and pediatric cases, stress echos, and TEEs. The role requires ARDMS RDCS certification or eligibility and willingness to rotate weekend/holiday on-call coverage.

Strong communication and patient-care skills are essential. Options include facility-based work within the Northwestern Medicine system; the position emphasizes accuracy, safety, and adherence to