Lead Cardiac Sonographer - Noninvasive Cardiac Testing

Lead Cardiac Sonographer - Noninvasive Cardiac Testing, Full-Time, Days - Sign On Bonus Offered

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.

This role is eligible for a $15,000 Sign‑On Bonus.

The Lead Cardiac Sonographer reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines, and other regulatory and accreditation standards.

The Lead Cardiac Sonographer functions as an echocardiography technologist under the administrative direction of the Resource Coordinator of the echocardiography department. The sonographer is responsible for learning all the commonly performed echocardiography procedures in the department and developing consistent proficiency in performing these procedures. These include M‑mode, two‑dimensional, planar Doppler blood flow studies, exercise and dobutamine stress tests, 3‑D echocardiography, and techniques required to calculate measurements of chamber size and wall area.

The sonographer also provides leadership, clinical oversight, and accountability for education associated with their specialty area.

• Ensures procedures are performed within designated time frames to maintain the daily schedule.
• Learns and applies echocardiograph techniques to competently perform common procedures in the Cardiac Graphics Laboratory, developing proficiency.
• Coordinates communications between referring physicians, departmental physicians and staff, nursing units, and hospital staff to facilitate smooth patient and staff flow, transportation, scheduling, supply replenishment, equipment repair, and problem‑solving.
• Becomes knowledgeable in laboratory protocol and preliminary interpretation of M‑mode, 2‑D, planar Doppler, 3‑D echo, and stress echoes.
• Works as a mentor for Echo Tech I to ensure proper training with lab protocol.

• Collects and analyzes data for quality measurement and tracking.
• Participates in process improvement and problem‑solving to enhance service quality.
• Proactively identifies and reports quality issues to Manager, Resource Coordinator and Medical Director.
• Ensures continuity of care through effective interactions with other departments.
• Mentors and participates in staff orientation; serves as a role model.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships; promotes a positive work environment.
• Maintains competencies and complies with continuing education requirements of credentialing agencies.

• Demonstrates commitment to learning color flow mapping and newer procedures and masters them within acceptable time frames.
• Fulfills reading requirements associated with procedures to better understand purpose and conduct preliminary interpretations.
• Provides clinical expertise and assists in education of department staff and physician trainees; participates in staff evaluations.
• Assumes a lead role in daily operations, assists Manager and Resource Coordinator in problem‑solving.
• Reports equipment incidents promptly.
• Acts as a role model in promoting NMH “Patients First” Mission and Best People initiative.
• Carries out safety and regulatory requirements necessary at NMH.
• Some out‑of‑area and overnight travel may be expected.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Required:
  • RDCS or RCS
  • 3‑5 years of experience performing echocardiography exams
• Preferred:
  • Experience with medical terminology and biomedical devices
  • 5‑7 years of experience performing echocardiography exams
  • Bachelor’s degree in a health science field
  • ACLS and BLS CPR certification

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex,…