Job responsibilities
MAIN DUTIES
Act independently in the assessment of referrals for imaging examinations, taking full responsibility for the justification of examinations (under guidance of Imaging Protocols) in order to reduce unnecessary ionizing radiation exposure of patients in accordance with IR (ME) R 2017.
Supervise and assist fellow Radiographers in the process above if required.
Maintain a high level of expertise in the safe operation of X-Ray equipment and manage faults effectively and in accordance with guidance.
To comply with and contribute to the implementation of departmental and professional policies and procedures such as
a. Health +Safety including risk assessment and COSHH
b. Radiation Protection Procedures IRR 17
c. Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposures) Regulations 2017 (IR (ME)R 2017).
d. Quality Assurance Program
MANAGEMENT DUTIES
Provide leadership and supervision to Radiographers and more junior grades in difficult situations such as very busy periods and with patients requiring multiple examinations.
Delegate appropriate tasks and supervise Radiographers, Radiographic Helpers and Assistant Practitioners to achieve the desired quality of patient care.
To be responsible for the care and safe handling of equipment and accessories in the area of work
To ensure that equipment faults are recorded appropriately and acted upon according to departmental guidance.
To trouble-shoot equipment faults and make suitable provision for the service in the event of equipment failure. Notifying the relevant senior member of staff in the area.
To ensure that the iCARE values are upheld at all times and that poor behaviour is challenged as appropriate in the workplace or escalated where a one to one conversation is not possible or appropriate.
To manage the general x-ray area encompassing the mobile, x-ray, theatre and porter staff to ensure the workload is appropriately managed and that lunch breaks can be taken.
. To manage the workload in other Imaging modalities according to personal training in those modalities (e.g. Fluoroscopy, CT, MRI, NM)
To escalate to a senior member of the team as soon as possible where there is difficulty in providing the team with their mandatory breaks or managing the workload within resource.
To ensure that checks are done in the area of work to ensure that no images are unsent and no exams left incomplete from the day before or the day at work.
To become familiar with the organisational structure and appraiser with whom career goals and aspirations can be discussed.
To actively contribute to changes in policy/procedure and competency frameworks taking the initiative to do this with support from the management team.
CLINICAL DUTIES
Work as part of a team to ensure effective communication and delivery of care.
To obtain patient consent and co-operation for examinations with implied or written consent as appropriate.
Prioritise workload depending on the severity of a patient condition and the direct impact on their management.
Liaise with fellow healthcare workers and referring clinicians to provide a high quality imaging service to patients.
Provide advice to clinicians on the nature of a diagnostic image either verbally or using the red dot system to identify possible pathology, escalate concerning images immediately to a radiologist or the referrer immediately even if unable to delineate the appearances.
Maintain accurate patient records by input of accurate information to reflect the service provided and meet professional standards, in accordance with the Data Protection Act.
Act in accordance with Information Governance when handling patient data or discussing confidential information in areas shared with other patients.
Work independently when providing an on call and shift service to patients requiring urgent imaging due to acute trauma or illness.
To participate in the shift system using Health Roster to request annual leave and establish shift rotation.
Be able to exercise personal responsibility and make decisions in complex and unpredictable circumstances e.g. Prioritizing patients according to clinical need in a multiple trauma situation.
Maintain moderate physical effort at several points during the shift positioning and manoeuvring patients, equipment and lead shielding.
Utilise highly advanced hand/eye co-ordination and physical manipulation skills to achieve the best possible imaging in challenging conditions.
Concentrate on Imaging procedures without distraction often monitoring several tasks simultaneously to ensure patient safety and optimal Imaging.
Working with challenging patients or in emotionally challenging situations with unwell patients either in trauma or oncology settings.
Have skill in adapting imaging technique for patients with injuries and illness, and utilise developed motivational and persuasive skills to acquire correct position and reduce mobility to produce an acceptable diagnostic image
To undertake portable X-Ray examinations on the wards, A&E and Theatres, ensuring radiation protection of patients, staff and visitors.
Be actively involved in the training and assessment of Student Radiographers on clinical placement, providing direct supervision at all times. Maintain the required knowledge and skills to provide effective training, keeping up to date with current advances in technology and diagnostic techniques.
Using knowledge and skills attained through experience, training and CPD be actively involved in the training and development of more junior members of staff.
Undertake IV cannulation for patients requiring the injection of contrast media following the required training and assessment of competence.
Subject to career progression goals identified in appraisal or according to departmental need train and gain competency in one or more of the following areas:
Fluoroscopy
IV cannulation
CT
MRI
Nuclear Medicine
DEXA
Mammography
Competency expectations will vary according to the modality competency framework however there is an expectation that after competencies are signed off the Band 6 radiographer will be able to operate independently in the areas above and with autonomy although will not be considered to have the clinical knowledge or expertise to deliver in depth training to Band 5 radiographers training in these areas. They may however share protocol and process training or less complex procedure training.
This training may include an expectation of postgraduate education (e.g. in Nuclear Medicine)
To participate in mandatory training and actively pursue Continuous Professional Development keeping an up to date personal record
Maintain knowledge of technological and technical advances in methods of diagnostic Imaging in order to promote a culture of continuous improvement within the department.
Develop knowledge and understanding within evidence-based framework and transfer to situations encountered in practice.
Consult with Senior Radiographers who will be available on a daily basis and provide direct supervision and training when required.
Participate in appraisals undertaken by the Superintendent or Senior Radiographer in order to agree an annual performance development plan and keep up to date with all Mandatory training.
