Cardiac Physiologist

Job description

Job responsibilities

Ambulatory Monitoring:- To prepare and set up 24 hour ECG and Blood Pressure Ambulatory equipment and connect the equipment to patient and remove monitoring equipment from patients, download onto computer and analyse the 24-hour ECG/blood pressure recording, documenting a provisional report, gaining clinical information to assist Physicians in the patients management

Cardiac Physiologist led ETTs: - To prepare patients for Cardiac Exercise Tolerance Tests (ETTs) and monitor the patients ECG and Blood Pressure during the test, assisting the Senior Grade Cardiac Physiologist to carry out the investigation

Medical ETTs - To prepare patients and obtain technical and clinical information while performing medically supervised high risk ETTs with medical personnel, graded Senior House Officer or above

Echocardiogram: - To develop an understanding of cardiac Echocardiogram scans on in/outpatients.

Permanent Pacemakers: - To develop an understanding of permanent pacemaker checks on in and out patients.

Cardiac Catheterisation (Invasive):- To develop existing skills in monitoring patients intra cardiac pressures and ECG whilst the patient is undergoing the invasive cardiac procedure. Immediately inform the operating clinician of any adverse reactions during the procedure. Be responsible for cardiac defibrillation in the event of a cardiac arrest, and preparing emergency pacing equipment for temporary pacing in the event of an emergency

To prepare, perform and interpret Electrocardiograms on all categories of patients, informing a senior member of staff or relevant Physician immediately of any adverse abnormality that could be life threatening to the patient

To continue developing practical skills and underpinning technical and clinical knowledge in other Cardiac fields

To train and supervise students in carrying out ECGs and to participate in training junior members of staff within the Department, and other medical personnel outside own profession

To undertake Immediate Life Support (ILS) course

To attend Trust mandatory courses i.e. fire, manual handling, Health and Safety courses

To maintain Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

To be responsible for the maintenance, quality assurance and infection control of any equipment used in order to maintain quality standards

To produce technically satisfactory results in accordance with national and departmental protocols and standards

To report all untoward events or uncertainties to a senior grade Cardiac Physiologist or Head of Department

To adhere to all Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust and departmental policies and procedures

To visually and verbally risk-assess every patient prior to carrying out any clinical investigation on the patient

To plan and prioritize own personal workload within departmental activities according to daily staffing levels

To communicate complex instructions effectively to all categories of patients ensuring co-operation and compliance to obtain accurate technical and clinical data

To analyse clinical information and clinical conditions during tests, whereby judgement is required to determine the appropriate course of action

To analyse test results and clinical information to judge whether additional parameters need to be recorded

To ensure patients are monitored appropriately during investigations and ensuring swift and appropriate action is taken to minimize life threatening or significant medical events

To initiate Basic Life Support and Immediate life Support when required

To liaise with relevant medical, nursing and clerical staff when required

To ensure safe use of specialist/ expensive equipment used by self and others

To carry out general clerical and administrative work, to include filing of all patient clinical investigation reports carried out within the department, to maintain efficiency within the department when a copy of patient clinical reports are requested

To liaise closely at all times with nursing, medical and paramedical staff that make use of the Cardiology service to ensure duties can be carried out effectively and efficiently

To compile daily statistical records of patient activity

To assist with the input of clinical activity onto Oasis and the departmental database

Person Specification

Personal qualities

Essential

• Good level of written and communication skills
• Persuasive and motivational skills may be required with patients reluctant to undergo investigations
• Computer literate
• Able to use own initiative
• Carry out instructions accurately
• Conscientious and polite
• Good time management
• Flexible approach to work
• Smart appearance
• Able to relate to the general public, good team working skills,
• Ability to maintain a professional attitude at all times
• Must be willing and able to travel between sites

Qualifications

Essential

• Clinical Physiology degree or equivalent

Desirable

• ILS certificate
• Parts 1 & 2 SCST or equivalent

Experience

Essential

• Relevant experience either as an employed Cardiac Physiologist or newly qualified Cardiac Physiologist

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

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

Address

Charles Hastings Way

Worcester

Worcestershire

WR5 1DD

Employer's website

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