General Sonographer, Full-Time, Days

Northwestern Medicine; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition reimbursement

Loan forgiveness

401(k) matching

Lifecycle benefits

Job summary

Northwestern Medicine is seeking a General Sonographer to support diagnostic ultrasound services within our imaging teams. The role emphasizes patient care, technical proficiency, and adherence to quality standards in a busy hospital setting.

You will operate ultrasound equipment, collaborate with physicians, educate patients, and participate in ongoing quality improvement. ARDMS certification and BLS are required, and graduates of accredited programs are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited Ultrasound Sonography Program.
• American Registry for Diagnostic Sonographer (ARDMS).
• Basic Life Support (BLS).

Responsibilities

• Review patient history and orders; evaluate requests and determine ultrasound protocols.
• Assess patients and provide care during the procedure following standards.
• Operate ultrasound equipment and produce high-quality images with minimal exposure.
• Position and transport patients safely to imaging devices.
• Educate patients before, during, and after procedures to reduce anxiety.
• Enter and report scan results accurately to PACS with correct documentation.
• Follow infection control and safety standards; maintain equipment quality control.
• Provide supervision to students in approved ultrasound programs.

Education

ARDMS certification

BLS certification

Job description

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

Job Description

The General Sonographer reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization's Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

Responsibilities

• Review patient history and physician orders; evaluate requests for diagnostic ultrasound services and determine appropriate procedure protocols and methods of application.
• Assess patients and provide care throughout the procedure in accordance with department, hospital, and age-specific patient care standards.
• Manage daily worklists and prioritize examinations according to clinical urgency and accepted practices.
• Prepare patients, equipment, supplies, and sterile trays, including procedure-specific accessories, medications, guide wires, catheters, and ancillary equipment as required.
• Perform diagnostic ultrasound examinations using accepted standards of practice; select appropriate imaging parameters to produce high-quality images while minimizing patient exposure.
• Position, assist, lift, and transport patients safely to and from imaging devices as needed.
• Educate patients using verbal and/or written materials before, during, and after procedures to reduce anxiety and promote comfort and cooperation.
• Exercise professional judgment, care, and discretion in all patient interactions.
• Monitor patient condition continuously during procedures and report changes or pertinent findings to the physician.
• Act as a clinical resource through observation and communication to obtain information supporting physician diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Analyze imaging results, identify quality issues, and take corrective action, including repositioning patients or repeating procedures when necessary.
• Enter, document, transmit, and report scan results accurately; ensure correct charging, patient record documentation, and image transmission to PACS using appropriate accession numbers.
• Follow infection control policies and sterile technique guidelines in accordance with hospital standards.
• Implement safety standards and perform required quality control procedures on ultrasound equipment.
• Perform basic equipment troubleshooting and preventative maintenance; promptly report malfunctions or deficiencies to management.
• Monitor supply inventory in imaging areas; reorder supplies as needed, rotate dated items, and maintain a clean, organized work environment.
• Support departmental quality improvement initiatives through data collection and process improvement efforts.
• Provide clinical instruction and supervision to students enrolled in approved ultrasound programs, as assigned.
• Ensure continuity of care through effective communication with physicians and interdisciplinary teams.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of departmental and organizational goals.

Qualifications

Required

• Graduate of an accredited Ultrasound Sonography Program
• American Registry for Diagnostic Sonographer (ARDMS)
• Basic Life Support (BLS)

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position)

Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.