Specialist Radionuclide Technologist (XR06)

Job responsibilities

To provide a highly specialised clinical service in conjunction with Clinical Scientists, appropriate clinicians and supporting staff, which aims to provide an effective and robust service for all users, whilst delivering optimum patient care and ensuring the efficient scheduling of patients.

To utilise a range of therapeutic techniques together with clinical skills, to maintain appropriate and agreed standards of work in the Radionuclide Therapy Section.

Radionuclide therapy patients are treated as both inpatients and outpatients with some patients remaining in near isolation during their time as inpatients due to the high level of radioactivity administered. Individual pre-treatment planning and patient assessment is essential together with tailored radiation protection advice. Treatments can also require diagnostic imaging in the form of post-treatment scanning to observe radioiodine distribution and occasional follow-up imaging at 9 to 12 months to assess treatment effectiveness. Sequential imaging may be required for dosimetry calculations to assess further treatment options.

Treatments currently delivered include radioiodine-131 treatment for thyroid cancer / thyrotoxicosis and Radium-223 administration for pain control in the palliative treatment of bone metastases from prostate cancer. The member of staff will be expected to deliver (with appropriate training) these treatments, along with additional treatments as and when they are initiated and support appropriate clinical trials. Patients presenting for treatment have diverse backgrounds and may have complex physical and/or psychological conditions.

Where time permits, support will be provided to the diagnostic work, which currently includes but is not limited to, Glomerular Filtration Rate tests which Radiographers/Medical Technical Officers analyse & report.

To work as a clinical specialist as part of a multi-disciplinary team providing high standards of patient care.

To provide an effective and efficient diagnostic and therapy service in conjunction with the Radionuclide Therapy Team Leader to carry out policies and procedures as specified by the Trust and maintain standards and working practices for the safe handling and use of radioactive materials.

To assist with the creation of policies and procedures where appropriate.

To undertake all unsealed-source therapeutic procedures, as well as some non-imaging procedures and specialist imaging procedures carried out in the department and take part in the day to day running of the service in conjunction with the Radionuclide Therapy Team Leader.

To supervise and teach other members of staff, including student radiographers / scientists, qualified radiographers / scientists, imaging technicians, domestic and clinical and other post-graduate trainees and encourage team working.

To support the Therapy Lead Technologist in delivering and developing the service, according to the strategic aims of the department, the Trust and the NHS and to take responsibility for defined tasks as appropriate.

To liaise closely with other departments to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the service.

Maintain high level of technical and theoretical skills though personal Continual Professional Development (CPD), in accordance with departmental requirements.

Experience

Essential

• A sound knowledge and understanding of the underlying principles of Nuclear Medicine and relevant extensive practical experience in the specialised clinical work carried out within the department spec
• Knowledge of potential dangers, contraindications and complications that may be associated with side-effects of radionuclide therapy and measures that should be in place to aid clinical staff deal wit
• A good knowledge and understanding of all relevant safety principles, standards and legislation related to the clinical use of radiopharmaceuticals applied to Radionuclide Therapies.

Desirable

• Relevant Nuclear Medicine modality specialist experience
• Knowledge of most up-to-date clinical practice and developments in Nuclear Medicine.
• Knowledge of radiation protection measures for staff, patients and related establishments.

Skills & behaviours

Essential

• Demonstrate ability to train others and to influence, encourage and persuade patients/staff in training as required
• Skills and experience necessary for dealing with seriously ill and/or distressed patients and their relatives including the ability to explain complex treatment and test details to patients in simple
• Effective interpersonal skills & communication skills, with both staff and patients. This is of great importance when expanding the patients' history with the use of focused questioning through discus
• High standards in hygiene, professionalism, attendance and competence at all times
• Maintenance of a safe working environment, following trust and national policies and procedures, and involvement in audit and quality assurance programmes

Desirable

• Experience in performing quality control of nuclear medicine equipment.
• Proper management of stock, including ordering and use of radioactive substances
• The ability to work autonomously with minimal supervision e.g. administration of I131 therapy capsules.
• Possess advanced dexterity skills, concentration and hand-eye co-ordination required to perform a range of complex procedures.
• Proficient with essential computer skills
• Ability to work under pressure whilst delivering high quality of patient care, prioritising workflow to ensure the effective running of the department
• Compliance in all radiation safety procedures and training. E.g. proper wearing of radiation monitoring devices.
• Frequent lifting and handling of iodine lead pots (3.15kg). Frequent movement of equipment. Such as lead collimators, by the use of a collimator cart which has to be manually pushed

Qualifications

Essential

• 1.BHSc/DCR(R)/(T) in Radiography / Radiotherapy or Post grad Diploma/Degree in a relevant science / nursing subject
• 2.State Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council or The Register of Clinical Technologists. (or be able to gain registration with 2 years)
• 3.Commitment to undergo all training requirements of the post.
• 4.Expand upon core knowledge using Evidence Based Practice (EBP)
• 5.Evidence of ongoing CPD to satisfy HPC requirements

Desirable

• 1.A relevant post-graduate qualification in nuclear medicine
• 2.Commitment to undergo academic study i.e. post graduate study or equivalent
• 3.Attendance at professional lectures, study days and workshops
• 4.Possess IV cannulation certificate

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).