Cardiac Sonographer As-Needed

Company 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

Performs Echocardiography procedures at a technical level not requiring constant supervision of technical detail. The technologist may be involved with patients of the physician in any medical setting for which the physician is responsible.  It is a requirement of the position that call be taken as assigned, including evening, weekends and holiday call.  This position may include rotation of weekend coverage.

The Cardiac Sonographer provides care that is consistent with the following:

• The ARDMS Ultrasound Practice Standards
• The Patient’s bill of Rights
• The ARDMS Code of Ethics
• The Policies and Procedures set forth by Kishwaukee Community Hospital

RESPONSIBILITIES

Organizational Standards of Performance:  Employee is responsible for meeting the Living Our Values—Values & Standards of Behavior Guidelines.

Job Standards:

Technical Duties – 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.

Patient Duties – Maintains a safe, positive, and professional atmosphere for patient demonstrating interpersonal skills necessary in order to interact effectively with patients of various age and developmental levels who may be under physical or emotional stress

• 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

Clerical Duties – Performs a variety of related clerical tasks as necessary

• 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

General/Personal Duties – Prepares exam room, equipment accessories, and materials as needed for various procedures

• 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.

Performance Improvement

• Understands the hospital PI Program of Focus—PDCA 
• Participates in PI activities through use of idea log and participation in department and/or house-wide PI activities as appropriate

Marginal Functions/Responsibilities:

• 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

Qualifications

REQUIRED

• 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

PREFERRED

• 1 YEAR EXPERIENCE IN HOSPITAL SETTING

Additional Information

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.