Echocardiographer - ECHO - Hospital

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. 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 Policies and Procedures set forth by Kishwaukee Community Hospital
Organizational Standards of Performance: 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.
Capable of recognizing a diagnostic scan and rendering an initial interpretation to the referring physician.
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
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.
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
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
keeps room stocked with necessary supplies and accessories
Maintains professional appearance by adhering to dress and grooming policy
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
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
Completion of ARDMS accredited program specializing in Cardiovascular Ultrasound
Adult and Pediatric Echocardiography; Adult Stress Echos; 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 exercise independent judgment in time of need and emergency situations
Commitment to the maintenance of positive and effective working relationships with all hospital personnel

1 YEAR EXPERIENCE IN HOSPITAL SETTING

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.
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.
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. 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.

Job Shift: Rotating
Compensation: USD 43.22 - USD 58.35 - hourly