Multispecialty Sonographer-Imaging Casual Rotating Shift

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare • Lake Forest, IL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Multispecialty Sonographer performs diagnostic ultrasound examinations across multiple specialties at Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital. This is a casual, as-needed position with no set schedule; the ideal applicant can pick up day, evening, and overnight shifts. The role supports Northwestern Medicine’s patient-first mission and must comply with its Code of Ethics, Corporate Compliance Program, applicable policies, and regulatory and accreditation standards.

The sonographer reviews imaging requests and patient histories, selects appropriate protocols, operates ultrasound equipment, and produces high-quality diagnostic images. The position involves patient education and care throughout procedures, communicating clinical findings to providers, preparing rooms and procedure supplies, documenting and transmitting imaging studies, and supporting vascular examinations. The sonographer also manages worklists and supplies, reports equipment concerns, participates in quality improvement and continuing education, collaborates across departments, and may instruct and supervise ultrasound students as assigned.

Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited diagnostic sonography program or hold current, active ARDMS certification applicable to the clinical area of practice at the time of hire.
• Certification in two ARDMS areas and one additional ARDMS certification obtained within one year of hire.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Responsibilities

• Perform diagnostic ultrasound examinations across abdominal, OB/GYN, vascular, breast, and musculoskeletal specialties according to established standards of practice.
• Review imaging requests and patient history to determine appropriate examination protocols and techniques.
• Operate ultrasound equipment and accessories to produce high-quality diagnostic images while minimizing patient exposure.
• Educate patients before, during, and after procedures to reduce anxiety and improve comfort and cooperation.
• Assess and care for patients throughout procedures in accordance with department, hospital, and age-specific patient care standards.
• Observe, evaluate, and communicate pertinent clinical findings to radiologists and ordering providers.
• Prepare examination rooms and perform setup and sterile-tray preparation, including procedure-specific supplies, medications, guide wires, catheters, and ancillary equipment.
• Assist with patient positioning, lifting, and transport to and from imaging areas as required.
• Document imaging procedures manually and/or electronically to ensure accurate patient records, image tracking, and billing.
• Transmit completed studies to PACS and other imaging systems using correct accession numbers.
• Prepare preliminary findings or reports in designated reporting systems and route them to interpreting physicians as required.
• Perform vascular ultrasound studies, including lower-extremity venous duplex examinations, according to vascular laboratory protocols.
• Promptly communicate acute or critical findings to the ordering provider and document notifications according to policy.
• Manage daily worklists and prioritize examinations according to clinical urgency and accepted practices.
• Maintain imaging-area supply inventory, including availability and proper rotation, and keep the environment clean and organized.
• Promptly report equipment malfunctions or performance concerns to leadership.
• Support departmental quality improvement initiatives through data collection and process improvement efforts.
• Collaborate with internal and external departments and provider offices to facilitate continuity of care.
• Maintain satisfactory productivity, image quality, and customer service standards.
• Participate in continuing education and maintain required professional certifications.
• Provide clinical instruction and supervision to students enrolled in accredited ultrasound programs, as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of departmental and organizational goals.

Benefits

• Northwestern Medicine describes a wide range of benefits supporting employees’ physical, emotional, and financial well-being, with details and eligibility dependent on employment classification.
• Tuition reimbursement
• Loan forgiveness
• 401(k) matching

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: No Education Listed