Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Carrying out ultrasound techniques within standard operating procedures. Work independently and make judgements according to experience and training. Advice is available when needed for more complex situations but generally works on their own initiative without reference to the line manager. Whilst the base of work is at NGH the clinics are carried out around the county – Corby, Daventry, Kettering, Northampton, and sites in Leicestershire. The day could consist of being in two parts of the county in one day therefore a full valid UK driving license, access to a car and business insurance is essential.
Main duties:
- Responsible for the smooth running of the screening clinics whilst in progress
- Explain the screening procedure in detail to patients and obtain informed verbal consent for screening
- Inform patients of their results at the clinic, giving further information and offering support where needed
- Ensure that data and clinical measurements are entered accurately onto the national screening database Undertake ultrasound scanning on patients in accordance
- Once qualified, carry out ultrasound scans of the abdominal aorta with national protocols and standard operating procedures
- Inform the screening office as soon as possible about any results that are of concern or are of variance with specified criteria.
- Identify the probable presence of an abdominal aortic aneurysm
- Discuss any possible incidental findings with the Clinical Skills Trainer (CST)
- Handle incidents in a professional manner, supporting other screening staff if appropriate
- To be accountable for own professional actions and to act as the representative of the Northamptonshire AAA Screening programme, whilst out in the community
- Deal with medical and patient enquiries as appropriate, taking the initiative to prioritise work and to bring to the attention of medical or administrative staff any patient whose condition warrants it
- Observe the requirements of the Infection Control Policy in ensuring the cleanliness and tidiness of screening rooms and ensure that all infection controls standards are adhered to, and high levels of cleanliness are maintained, including hand washing between patients
- Ensure that all clinic equipment is packed up correctly at the end of a clinic and stored in a safe and secure location
- Ensure the safe use of expensive ultrasound equipment including transporting portable equipment to various screening locations
- Set up and pack up equipment at the beginning and end of a clinic
- Monitor equipment used, ensure it is kept clean and record / report any faults
- Monitor stock levels of supplies and consumables. Informing the screening office well in advance when supplies need to be replenished
- Perform daily and monthly Quality control checks on the Ultrasound machines in accordance with protocols and standard operating procedures, once qualified.
Patient care and communication:
- Observe and care for patients, liaising with administrative staff, nurses, and medical staff as appropriate in the best interest of the patient and any escorts
- Care for anxious patients with tact, patience, and discretion
- Recognises where communication difficulties arise and overcome barriers to understanding
- Carry out other duties in accordance with the current guidelines and protocols including obtaining informed consent, putting patients at ease, explaining the reasons for their invitation, and answering any queries
- Work alongside other screening staff involved with the clinic and support the work of the screening programme
- Keep the CST and Screening Manager informed of any caseload difficulties, seeking advice where necessary.
- Promote a good working relationship with staff externally to the AAA Screening Programme
Education, Training and Development:
As a dependency for a permanent contract, the successful candidate must undertake and pass the level 3 Health Screener Diploma which can take between 18-24 months including completing the AAA clinical training logbook and assessment record.
Until the qualification is obtained the post will start at band 3, after obtaining the NVQ the post will rise to a band 4
Once qualified the technicians are required to undertake a 6mthly clinical assessment, and an annual scanning competency assessment performed by the local CST and complete AAA specific eLearning every 2 years
- Participate in service reviews and actively put forward suggestions for improvement of own work area
- Help promote the programme within the GP surgeries and other locations that could mean working at weekends occasionally
- Attend conferences, meetings, training sessions and tutorials, as required. Maintain clinical skills and knowledge
Person specification
Education & Training
Essential criteria
- Educated to Good standard of General Education (5 GCSEs or equivalent)
- Undertake specialist training NAAASP Level 3 Health Screener Diploma (or working towards)
Desirable criteria
- NAAASP approved Health Screener Diploma completed within the last 12months
Knowledge & Experience
Essential criteria
- Experience of working within a team and to effectively liaising with other professionals
- Confident with using computers, keyboards, different systems, and accurate data entry skills
Desirable criteria
- Some understanding of clinical environment, patient care and confidentiality
- Experience of working within a clinical environment
Skills
Essential criteria
- Valid full UK driving license
- Use of own car with insurance for business purposes
- Ability to work within a team and to effectively liaise with people of all levels
- Excellent communication & organisational skills
- Good hand/eye co-ordination & attention to detail
- Flexible, independent approach to work and ability to work accurately on own initiative
- Travelling independently, transporting screening equipment between units and centres within Northamptonshire and Leicestershire
Desirable criteria
- Familiarity with data transcription
- Interest and enthusiasm in the screening programme and its benefits to the community & patients
Key Competencies/Personal Qualities and Attributes
Essential criteria
- Committed to bring our Dedicated to Excellence values to life, improving the way we work with each other, particularly focusing on empowerment, equality diversity and inclusion of our staff, patients and service users
- Awareness of when to request advice from senior staff
- Politeness, patience and ability to work under pressure
- Able to move/lift heavy ultrasound machine
Desirable criteria
- Ability to take frequent interruptions and change jobs mid-stream
- Adaptability to different working environments off-site
At Northampton General Hospital we provide general acute services and hyper-acute stroke, vascular and renal services to people living in Northamptonshire. As well as this we are an accredited cancer centre and provide cancer services to a wider population of Northamptonshire and parts of Buckinghamshire.
We are proud to be the first hospital in the UK to have obtained Pathway to Excellence® designated accreditation from the American nurses credentialing centre (ANCC).
We celebrate staff achievements and value the importance of working as one big team. That’s why we talk about Team NGH. It’s all about working together to provide the best possible care for our patients and supporting each other to grow and develop our skills. We are driven to helping you to be the best you can be.
We want to recruit the best people to deliver our services across the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire and help to unleash everyone’s full potential. As an organisation, we value how we communicate and promote our vacancies to all communities. The Hospital Group encourages applications from people who identify from all protected groups, especially those from BAME, Disabled and LGBTQ+ backgrounds as these are underrepresented in our hospitals. We understand that we need to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and make sure the environment they work in is inclusive and collaborative. We have active Networks that promote and support colleagues from all backgrounds. This ensures everyone feels supported and has a sense of belonging working for Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals.
Our Excellence Values:
- Compassion
- Respect
- Integrity
- Courageous
- Accountable
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