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?

The Sonographer - Registered Pending reflects the mission, vision, and values of Northwestern Memorial, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Programs, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

The Sonographer Registered-Pending functions under the direction of a Registered Sonographer, a Coordinator, and a Sr. Sonographer of the Ultrasound Departments.  They are supervised by a Registered Sonographer while responsible for performing the full range of clinically acceptable ultrasound procedures, which are of consistently acceptable quality as defined by department QA. Performs diagnostic ultrasound procedures according to industry standards, along with department policies and procedures.

Responsibilities:

• Evaluates the request for diagnostic ultrasound services and assesses the patient to determine the appropriate procedure protocol and methods of application.
• Obtains pertinent medical history on all patients.  Records all patient information required for departmental record keeping in a timely manner.
• Utilizes equipment and accessories, employs techniques and procedures; perform services in accordance with an accepted standard of practice to generate ultrasound images.
• Provides patient education in the form of written material and/or verbal explanation prior to, during and after the procedure in order to reduce the patient’s anxiety and enhance his/her comfort zone with respect to tolerance of the procedure.
• Acts as an agent through observation and communication to obtain pertinent information for the supervising sonographer and physician to aid in the diagnosis and treatment management of the patient.
• Cares for the patient throughout the procedure according to department and hospital standards of patient care, age-specific sensitivities, and “patients first” guidelines.
• Reports patient or procedural problems to the supervising sonographer for assistance with resolution.
• Participates in lifting and transporting patients to and from imaging devices.
• Performs commonly applied ultrasound procedures under the supervision of a Registered Sonographer

Additional Functions

• Documents imaging procedures manually and/or electronically to insure correct charging, and patient file tracking.
• Sends acquired images to PACS system correctly using the appropriate accession numbers for future retrieval by medical staff.
• Monitors stock of supplies in imaging rooms to assure their availability for patient and imaging needs, maintains a clean and orderly environment.
• Reports incidences of equipment failure, irregularities in equipment performance, and equipment in disrepair to supervisor as soon as possible.

Required:

• Currently enrolled in the NM Academy Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program or recently graduated from an accredited sonography program.
• If still enrolled in the program, must have completed at least 14 months from the accredited DMS Program, where competencies in evaluating and caring for geriatric, pediatric and adolescent patients are required.
• Technical competency in General Abdominal/Small Parts scanning and general Gynecological scanning has been demonstrated in the clinical education component of the DMS Program
• CPR Certification (BLS) through American Heart Association
• Must be able to manage the patient safely and effectively during the imaging procedure with the limitation of the patient’s cognitive abilities, psycho-motor skills, emotional stability and sensory capabilities.
  • Neonate: Newborn to 28 days
  • Adolescence: 12- 18 years
  • Early Adult: 18 – 29 years
  • Young Adult: 29 – 40 years
  • Middle Adult: 40- 64 years
  • Geriatrics: 64 years and older
• Must obtain ARDMS certification within 180 days of starting

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.