Radiotherapy Practitioner Apprentice (XR05)

Job description

Job responsibilities

To work as part of a multi-disciplinary team providing Radiotherapy Treatment & Patient Support, in line with Trust and departmental policies and procedures.

The post holder is responsible for performing with the highest standard of patient care and technical practice in their clinical area while treating patients

The radiotherapy department delivers treatment care packages to approximately 6,500 patients with cancer per year. As qualified professionals, practitioners are expected to contribute to the efficient, effective and safe flow of workload in their clinical area.

Radiotherapy practitioners are required to rotate through all areas within the radiotherapy service. After a period of induction they will be expected to fully undertake treatment procedures. Practitioners must only operate within defined departmental protocols & procedures, acting within professional codes of practice until they have passed a 12-month preceptorship period during which they will be assessed and upon completion will have limited scope to operate outside protocol. Until they pass this preceptorship period they must work alongside a specialist/team leader practitioner at all times, referring issues outside their scope of practice to more senior colleagues.

For Apprentices Only:

To undertake the Therapeutic Radiographer Apprenticeship programme. This is a three year training programme encompassing theory and practical experience working towards a bachelors degree in Therapeutic Radiography

Upon completion of the apprenticeship program, the trainee will be expected to have completed their degree in Therapeutic Radiography and register with the healthcare Professions council (HCPC). Allowing them to become a practicing Therapeutic Radiographer.

The trainee will work supernumerary whilst in the department, under the supervision of a registered practitioner as part of a multi-disciplinary team. The trainee will provide radiotherapy treatment and patient support, in line with Trust and departmental policies and procedures under supervision. Trainees will be provided with a minimum of 20% protected study time.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Technical / Clinical

Responsible for maintaining the highest standards of technical practice and patient care while treating and supporting patients.

Responsible for the checking / calculation of doses and prescriptions in accordance with departmental procedures.

Ensure that own clinical decision making falls within departmental protocols, referring any decisions falling outside of protocol to a more senior colleague.

Responsible for keeping up to date with technical practice and offering support, guidance and encouragement to others, to do the same.

Responsible for ensuring all equipment is used appropriately and safely, including administrative and management systems, monitoring equipment performance and reporting faults.

To take an active role in audit, development and research (on an occasional basis).

Responsible for the review of verification images and clinical decisions resulting thereof.

The below are for Apprentice Radiographers Only:

To participate and attend fully all lectures and meetings as required of the degree course at the Higher Education Institute (HEI) or local departmental training.

Ensure all assignments are completed to the required level and in a timely manner.

Complete the competency based training providing evidence in the required portfolio/degree modules.

Act as peer support in years 2 and 3 to new apprentices commencing their programmes

Management

Responsible for assisting with quality assurance procedures & assisting in organisation on the unit.

Responsible for ensuring that clinical and technical information, and all information relating to each treatment course undertaken on the unit, is accurately and fully recorded and reported.

Participate in clinical training and supervision of students, returners, assistants and any other learners on the unit.

Assist in managing the allotted workload ensuring efficient, effective and safe working practices are maintained, prioritizing as appropriate.

Representing the views of team members and peers at meetings and workgroups and reporting information back to the team.

The below are for Apprentice Radiographer Only:

Manage their own time efficiently, ensuring all clinical and academic needs/ requirements are met.

Patient care

Responsible for the care of the patient whilst undergoing treatment. Monitor patient care needs and organise care including referral to practitioners.

Assist with developing specific care plans / pathways (with other disciplines) by providing clinical advice for routine treatments.

Provide appropriate advice and information to patients and carers at all stages of radiotherapy, referring complex/unusual issues to senior staff as appropriate.

General

Actively participate in and support activities in promoting and recruiting to the profession.

To work flexibly as required by the service need.

Carrying out additional duties as requested by the Head of Radiotherapy, management team or team manager, commensurate with the grade of the post.

Person Specification

Skills & behaviours

Essential

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent organisational skills
• Professional and courteous manner
• Excellent time management
• Excellent dexterity and coordination skills

Qualifications

Essential

• A-Level BBC (112 UCAS points) with a B in a science subject or BTEC DMM BTEC (extended diploma) in a science/healthcare related subject
• GCSE Grade C or 4 or equivalent Maths and English (with certification)
• To undertake the Therapeutic Radiographer Apprenticeship program.

Desirable

• Prior learning and experience will be considered on an individual basis

Experience

Essential

• Awareness of radiotherapy and radiotherapy equipment
• Awareness of wider cancer issues
• Experience of working with people in healthcare setting

Desirable

• Working in large organisations

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Address

St. James's University Hospital

Beckett Street

Leeds

LS9 7TF

Employer's website

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