South West Imaging Academy Sonography Lead Practice Educator

Job description

Job responsibilities

• • • • To develop links with internal and external education providers, and other external parties.
      • 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.
      • Identify funding opportunities for sonographers, working with the SWITA Radiography Education Lead and NHSE.
      • 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).
      • 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.
      • Create a simulation program to enhance and develop skills of trainees within the Peninsula hub, using current simulation equipment. Explore new ways of Technology Enhanced Learning and simulation and feedback to the SWITA and UHP Sonography Leadership teams around new and innovate ways of teaching and learning.
      • Formulate a 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
      • Lead the Induction for new substantive staff and locums within the Academy hub.
      • Take a lead role 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.
      • To be the lead for the clinical u/s education programme of student radiographers within the Academy hub.
      • Teach and deliver specialist training in ultrasound, undertake lectures and presentations to groups of ultrasound trainees and practitioners within the specialist modality
      • Contribute to the strategic planning around education and training of the ultrasound workforce for SWITA
      • Familiar with the AHPPracticePlacement Sustainability Framework and self-evaluation tool.
      • 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.

      CLINICAL

      • To perform a comprehensive range of examinations including, but not limited to General Medical and Gynaecology and Obstetrics.
      • 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
      • Attend appropriate MDT meetings

      OPERATIONAL & MANAGEMENT

      • Collaborate with other u/s leads 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.
      • With the SWITA Radiography Education Lead and Co-Clinical Director for Radiography, work to financial controls to ensure any pay and non -pay budget is monitored and not exceeded
      • To contribute to the service business planning round, especially with regard to workforce and training within the Academy hub.
      • Contribute to the strategic direction of the Academy hub and the organisation, ensuring an effective and responsive radiology service..
      • Work with the SWITA Radiography Education Lead and local trust Sonography Leads to take responsibility for ultrasound service delivery and clinical governance
      • Assist in clinical evaluation of equipment purchased for the 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 Trusts 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 local trust Sonography Leads with HR processes when required eg investigating complaints and grievances
      • Participate in interview process for recruitment and selection within the Academy hub.

      RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

      • 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 SITA, evaluate clinical practice and implement change.
      • Promote a culture of continuous improvement.

      PROFESSIONAL

      • Maintain professional standards as defined by College of Radiographers policies and Code of Conduct and the Local Trust Values
      • Maintain professional registration at all times where applicable.
      • Take professional responsibility for his/her own actions.
      • Recognise limits of professional competence and be responsible for limiting actions to within an agreed range of competencies and identify areas where further training is required.
      • Maintain a CPD portfolio and participate in the appraisal process.
      • Maintain knowledge of technological and clinical advances to remain conversant with current practice.
      • Maintain an awareness of developments in the NHS and their impact on imaging.
      • Commit to developing self and others.
      • Maintain a good public image both verbally and visually.
      • Maintain and extend good working relationships with all departments and personnel in University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, GPs etc

      WORKING CONDITIONS/ PHYSICAL AND MENTAL EFFORT REQUIRED

      • Expertly operate equipment, manipulate the settings to obtain optimum images requiring manual dexterity and develop hand/eye co-ordination skills to perform interventions.
      • Convey sensitive information and bad news to patients and their carers when necessary, in a professional and sympathetic manner.
      • Be able to deal with the ensuing patients questions and emotional distress.
      • Post may at times require sustained awkward stretching which could lead to MSK strain. Wherever possible, equipment must be adjusted to minimise the risks. The post holder has responsibility to adhere to advice and report concerns or symptoms to the SWITA Radiography Education Lead and Co-Clinical Director for Radiography.
      • Mental effort work in dim lighting and able to cope with unpredictable interruptions and patient demands and frequently maintain high level of concentration required.
      • Frequent exposure to human bodily fluids and blood on a daily basis with particular reference to interventional procedures and TV scanning.
      • Deal with difficult and potentially aggressive patients and their relatives

    For further details please see attached JD&PS.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• oPG study and qualification in General Medical, gynaecological and obstetric ultrasound specialist fields studied at Masters level.
• oRegistration - HCPC or Register of Clinical Technologists (RCT).

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• oComprehensive and extensive proven knowledge and demonstrable experience in the general, gynaecological and obstetric ultrasound modalities
• oProven knowledge and demonstrable experience across the range of ultrasound examinations
• oHas undertaken educationally focussed and accredited modules to support and enhance delivery of clinical education.
• oSignificant demonstrable experience at Enhanced practice level, minimum of three years post qualification experience
• oAct independently and manage own workload on a day to day basis.
• oAble to instruct and supervise others.

Desirable

• oSmall parts and MSK demonstrable experience are desirable

Experience

Essential

• oCalm, confident, non-judgemental and patient.
• oExcellent organisational and time management, planning and prioritisation skills.
• oExcellent communication and counselling skills
• oEnhanced clinical reasoning skills

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

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Address

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

South West Imaging Training Academy

Plymouth

PL6 5WR

Employer's website

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