Advanced Practitioner in Ultrasound

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical/Technical

To work as part of a team throughout the Trusts ultrasound departments as indicated on the weekly timetable. Performing clinical ultrasound examinations unsupervised and issue reports for examinations performed for a broad range of patients, from all sources of referral.

To carry out all ultrasound examinations unsupervised to the highest possible standard in line with departmental procedures and protocols.

Issue written reports on scan findings in a clear and concise way recommending follow up within agreed timescales, referral and further imaging as appropriate.

Demonstrate skills in a wide range of ultrasound examinations according to qualification, with regard to obstetric and gynaecological and general abdominal examinations, and be able to perform scans on high risk patients, and of a complex nature.

To report faults, defects and breakdown of fixtures and fittings to the section lead or Radiology Manager.

Ensure correct patient and clinical details are entered into radiology system, ultrasound equipment and archive.

To participate in quality control programmes for ultrasound equipment as required.

Managerial

Manages own personal daily departmental schedules ensuring all exams are managed within agreed departmental/Trust timeframes.

Assists with organisation of departmental ultrasound referrals where appropriate, ensuring patient flow is maintained.

To assist with the setup of procedures and protocols when necessary.

To cover for colleagues at short notice ensuring all patient examinations are delivered in a timely manner.

To be part of a team managing adhoc/urgent referrals as required.

Education/Development/Training

To lead in the practical teaching and supervision of trainee sonographers, in all modalities, for approximately six practical sessions per week.

Participate in the clinical/practical training of medical staff.

Maintain an individual CPD folder, illustrating that levels of clinical skills are maintained.

Attend radiology/MDT clinical meetings and contributes to patient care.

Participate in the training of student radiographers/radiographic aides/assistant practitioners.

Ensure knowledge is kept up to date by regular attendance at study days, reading literature and in-house clinical meetings.

Attend all statutory training on a yearly basis.

To participate in appraisals and personal reviews and work to achieve agreed set objectives.

Clinical Governance (Policies, Complaints, H/S)

To work within and adhere to standard and operations policies/protocols relating to the Trust and radiology department.

To participate in clinical audit.

To adhere to all safety regulations with regards to Health and Safety regulations and COSHH Regulations.

To be aware of issues of RSI, and ensure your individual system of work minimises risk to self and others.

Communication

To communicate effectively with patients and their relatives adapting techniques to the needs of the patient.

To communicate scan findings to patients, relatives and clinicians, including findings related to early pregnancy loss and foetal abnormalities, and other information of a sensitive nature.

Liaise with ultrasound booking clerk to maintain an efficient system of patient throughput.

Maintain a computerised and paper based record for patients attending for clinical examinations.

Maintain good working relationships with radiographers, radiologists, departmental support staff and out-patient staff.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Educated to DCR or degree level or equivalent with qualification obtained
• Evidence of CPD during training and thereafter for maintenance of skill level
• Hold a PostGraduate Certificate or Diploma in ultrasound from accredited university
• State Registered

Experience

Essential

• Experience of a range of ultrasound procedures from the group listed: Obstetrics (to include EPAU), Gynaecology, General Medical, Small parts, MSK, Paediatric, Vascular

Skills

Essential

• Independently reports examinations as above
• Responsible for own daily workload but has ability to prioritise section workload if required
• Experience of broad range of equipment and has ability to manipulate equipment and scanning controls safely on a regular basis
• Excellent communicator - verbal & written. Must be able to handle sensitive situations and communicate effectively with patients and relatives
• Supervises non-qualified/qualified staff e.g. students, assistants, registrars
• Acts as a mentor or trainer to ultrasound students

Desirable

• Willing to develop ultrasound skills in other clinical areas

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Team Player - able to contribute on a regular basis to : R+D, Audit, Patient management/ care, Updating of clinical policies and protocols
• Able to work single handed
• Participate in emergency call rota and weekend working
• Work flexible hours dependent on work load/ service needs

Other

Essential

• High energy and resilience - ability to work and remain calm under pressure
• Corporate approach to Trust objectives
• Car driver or ability to work across sites daily
• Able to work shift system introduced, on call , weekends to suit the service needs/workload

Desirable

• Highly motivated and with the ability to motivate others
• Interact with established focus groups within the directorate

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

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

South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Warwick Hospital

Lakin Road

Warwick

CV34 5BW

Employer's website

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