Practice Educator

Job description

Job responsibilities

• Supervise and structure practice-based learning, bringing together academic theory, workplace practice and help trainees to develop skills and competencies towards learning outcomes, assessment and qualification.

  Signpost staff to educational and development opportunities and act as advocate to ensure access to these opportunities

  Responsible for allocated trainee sonographers, radiologists and student radiographers, - assist with their education and clinical appraisal (assess training needs and set objectives, review of written work, act as appraiser and carry out assessment giving constructive performance feedback and review of achievements using the agreed passport of learning).

  Liaise with ultrasound leads and designated appraisers to report progress of trainee/ preceptee.

  Work collaboratively with trainees and educational providers to ensure students can access help and support, including raising concerns related to the trainees' wellbeing and/or mental health, in a pastoral care element to the role.

  Work with the local leads to create a simulation program to enhance and develop skills of trainees within the Taunton hub, using current simulation equipment.

  Explore new ways of Technology Enhanced Learning and simulation and feedback to the Local Practice educator lead and SFT Sonography Leadership teams around new and innovate ways of teaching and learning.

  Review and develop the currently in place preceptorship programme and provide guidance on what is expected of sonographers as they develop in their career

  Support them as newly qualified sonographers during their preceptorship period

  Involvement in the Induction for new substantive staff within the Academy hub.

  Take part in training colleagues in new or supplementary techniques

  Work collaboratively to identify, plan and deliver programmes to meet personal and professional development needs of self and others, including acting as an Appraiser for the department.

  Teach and deliver specialist training in ultrasound, undertake lectures and presentations to groups of ultrasound trainees and practitioners within the specialist modality

  Develop and improve quality of training to meet any issues identified by incident reporting.

  To promote the department by receiving visitors by arranging programmes, Open Days and presentations as appropriate.

  To perform a comprehensive range of examinations including, but not limited to General Medical, Gynaecology, DVT and Testicular ultrasound.

  To provide a high-quality service and standards of care, demonstrate expertise in the use of medical ultrasound techniques and to show a thorough understanding of their application for the range of ultrasound examinations, on all sites as allocated.

  To communicate and interpret complex information using skills and developed specialist knowledge of anatomy and pathology underpinned by theory and practice.

  Assess the clinical condition of the patient against contra-indications of procedures.

  To issue reports providing a diagnosis and further management advice on all examinations within the sub-specialty field, adhering to the local trust guidelines and governance.

  To be fully accountable for ultrasound examinations and exercise a high degree of professional autonomy in the decision-making process that will improve overall patient outcomes.

  To formulate an appropriate diagnosis and provide a timely, accurate comprehensive and diagnostic report of examinations, and in relevant cases treatment, according to departmental protocols

  Use judgement skills as to when to discuss unusual or questionable appearances with Consultant Radiologist

  Communicate complex information regarding patient management based on best available evidence and practice, by ensuring requests are appropriate, investigation is guided by clinical presentation and subsequent findings, results are transmitted in a timely manner and appropriate onward referral is undertaken.

  Vet request forms, interpret clinicians' requirements and determine/modify technique when appropriate

  Assess clinical history, interpret images and refer patient for further imaging if required to support ultrasound findings, in accordance with departmental protocols

  Communicate complex information and liaise with patients, clinicians, other healthcare professionals and representatives as part of a multidisciplinary team, in an effective manner to ensure high standards of patient care and an efficient service

  Adhere to principles of informed consent

  Some attendance at appropriate MDT meetings

  Work closely with the SFT based Lead practice educator, SFT Lead and Medical staff to ensure a good throughput of patient examinations is achieved across all sites (daily and weekly) and help make adjustments for unpredictable situations.

  Collaborate with the SWITA Radiography Education Local lead.

  Work closely with the SFT based Lead practice educator & SFT Lead to develop the strategic direction of the Taunton Academy hub

  Work with the SWITA Radiography Education Lead and SFT Sonography Leads to uphold responsibility for ultrasound service delivery and clinical governance

  Assist in clinical evaluation of equipment purchased for the Taunton Academy hub.

  To ensure images are correctly identified, data entry is correct and reports and other documents are stored, transported and handled securely, in accordance with the Trust's confidentiality policy

  Be competent in the range of ultrasound imaging equipment and Picture Archive Communication Solution (PACS) enabling quality image acquisition, efficient review and transmission of images and scanning documents

  Participate in maintaining an ultrasound QA programme to ensure consistency of operator and equipment, report potential malfunctions and liaise with equipment suppliers for maintenance of equipment

  The post holder will be actively involved in any processes required to gain and maintain QSI CQC standards.

  Be familiar with and adhere to Trust / Departmental policies and procedures including Infection control, Manual Handling and Fire regulations, Risk Management strategy including Repetitive Strain Injury, Supporting Attendance, Performance Management etc and take action necessary to reduce risk.

  Work with the SWITA Radiography Education Lead and SFT Sonography Leads with HR processes when required eg investigating complaints and grievances

  Participate in interview process for recruitment and selection within the Taunton Academy hub as necessary.

  Actively search for evidence of new developments and technological advances, critically appraise evidence and identify opportunities to apply new knowledge to own and others' practice.

  Engage in research and development to contribute to the evidence base and share best practice, publish and disseminate findings

  Participate in audit of own practice and wider professional audit/clinical research as required by SWITA, evaluate clinical practice and implement change.

  Promote a culture of continuous improvement.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Pg Dip or Masters Medical Ultrasound

Desirable

• Post grad Teaching qualification
• Leadership skills/qualifications

Experience

Essential

• 4 + yrs clinical experience in NHS setting
• Experience teaching practical ultrasound skills
• Exceptional communication skills with both patients/carer and clinical teams, both verbal and written

Desirable

• Experience mentoring trainee sonographers / radiology Registars

Additional Criteria

Essential

• Driving licence with business use insurance
• Use of a vehicle for work related travel

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Taunton Diagnostic Centre

Blackbrook Park Ave

Taunton

Somerset

TA1 2PX

Employer's website

https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)