Cardiac Sonographer Full-Time

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare • DeKalb, IL

12d • $43 - $58

About The Position

The Cardiac Sonographer performs echocardiography procedures at a technical level that does not require constant supervision of technical details. The role may involve caring for patients of the physician in any medical setting for which the physician is responsible. Care must follow ARDMS Ultrasound Practice Standards, the Patient’s Bill of Rights, the ARDMS Code of Ethics, and Kishwaukee Community Hospital policies and procedures. The position requires assigned on-call coverage, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, with coverage every fourth weekend and a response time requiring the employee to report to the hospital within 60 minutes.

The sonographer operates ultrasound equipment, selects appropriate transducers and technical factors, maintains equipment quality and records, recognizes anatomical and pathological structures, and adapts techniques for difficult cases. The role also includes communicating with and assisting patients, monitoring their condition, supporting physicians, performing emergency bedside or Emergency Department examinations, completing related clerical work, maintaining the exam room, and participating in performance-improvement and continuing-education activities. The position may include training new staff and assisting with equipment or procedures after orientation.

Requirements

• Completion of an ARDMS-accredited program specializing in Cardiovascular Ultrasound.
• Experience in adult and pediatric echocardiography, adult stress echocardiograms, and TEE examinations.
• ARDMS (RDCS) registration or eligibility, and/or an appropriate echocardiography credential.
• CCI Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) credential within 9 months of employment.
• Verbal and written communication skills sufficient to understand instructions, medical terminology, and concepts.
• Communication skills to interact with patients, families, and hospital staff.
• Ability to use proper body mechanics when lifting, pushing, and pulling.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment in emergencies and other times of need.
• Commitment to positive and effective working relationships with hospital personnel.
• Knowledge of abuse and neglect.
• Knowledge of normal growth and development characteristics across the lifespan.

Nice To Haves

• One year of experience in a hospital setting.

Responsibilities

• Meet the organization’s Living Our Values—Values & Standards of Behavior Guidelines.
• Operate ultrasound equipment with in-depth knowledge of the machine and select the proper transducer frequency and technical factors for each examination.
• Use technology to document the permanent record and maintain equipment quality control.
• Recognize the significance of visualized structures, distinguish artifacts from anatomical or pathological structures, and account for age-specific differences.
• Handle equipment responsibly and professionally; adapt normal techniques for difficult cases to complete examinations.
• Assist patients in assuming the physical position required for examinations.
• Recognize a diagnostic scan and provide an initial interpretation to the referring physician.
• Maintain a safe, positive, and professional atmosphere for patients of different ages and developmental levels, including those under physical or emotional stress.
• Gather and exchange patient information with nursing personnel and physicians that may affect tolerance or performance of a procedure.
• Explain procedures using age- and developmentally appropriate communication, monitor patients during examinations, and report unusual occurrences, including potential signs of abuse, to a supervisor or ordering physician.
• Assist physicians with related examinations; practice sterile techniques and prevent cross-contamination.
• Perform emergency examinations at the bedside or in the Emergency Department.
• Perform related clerical tasks, including answering telephone calls, checking requisitions for complete information, referring questions to the cardiologist, amending orders when necessary, completing computer-system information, and keeping echocardiogram records for the cardiologist.
• Prepare examination rooms, equipment accessories, and materials; maintain room cleanliness and order, and keep necessary supplies and accessories stocked.
• Adhere to the dress and grooming policy and organize and prioritize daily tasks.
• Report equipment failure to the Technical Director and service representative.
• Keep current with diagnostic echocardiography trends and techniques through technical journals and in-service education programs.
• Understand the hospital’s PI Program of Focus—PDCA and participate in performance-improvement activities, including idea logs and department or hospital-wide activities as appropriate.
• Take assigned on-call coverage, including evenings, weekends, and holidays; provide weekend coverage as scheduled.
• May help train new staff, pursue continuing education, assist with other equipment or procedures after orientation, and further education in ultrasound-related specialties.

Benefits

• The employer describes a wide range of benefits intended to support employees’ physical, emotional, and financial well-being and provide protection for unexpected life events; eligibility depends on employment classification.
• Tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness are mentioned in the company description.
• 401(k) matching is mentioned in the company description.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed