Interventional Radiology Band 5 Nurse

Job responsibilities

The patient group consists of outpatients and inpatients from within every clinical area of the hospital receiving diagnostic and interventional radiological procedures.

The department performs various vascular and non vascular procedures/surgical interventions in theatres (e.g. angioplasty, IVC filter, EVAR, thrombectomy, Nephrostomy, percutaneous biopsy, percutaneous transhepatic biliary drain/stenting (PTBD/S). More complex cases are performed under GA, there is a requirement for Nurse administered sedation for others.

The IR team also work in the radiology department - CT and Ultrasound (for biopsies, drainages). The post holder will be required to circulate in vascular theatres.

Combined surgical cases are performed in the theatre suite alongside the surgical theatre team. The department experiences continually changing lists, which are altered according to patient urgency and capacity, staff must have the ability to adapt to changing situations.

The post holder will be involved in working in all of the above areas.

Responsible for setting up the theatre/room and necessary equipment for a procedure, preparing sterile trolleys for procedures.

The post holder will be expected to perform as a scrub nurse assisting the radiologist by preparing specialist equipment and handling and receiving it throughout procedures whilst anticipating the requirements of the operator. The scrub nurse must maintain the sterile field at all times.

The circulating nurse will be responsible for monitoring the patient, providing the scrub nurse & operator with necessary sterile and specialist equipment, maintaining excellent documentation and administering medications and providing reassurance to the patient throughout the procedure. Communicate changes in patient condition. The sedating Nurse will monitor the patients condition, administer IV sedation, IV analgesics, antibiotics etc.

To communicate with patients and significant others with empathy and reassurance regarding their assessment, care and treatment using a user centred care approach. Some patients may be anxious/distressed.

Care for patients with barriers to communication, may lack capacity or whose first language is not English.

To be responsible for the unsupervised assessment of patient care needs and the development, implementation and evaluation of plans of care, ensuring high standards of evidence based care. To provide pre procedure information and what to expect to patients. We use an Integrated care pathway document to guide assessment and care of patients.

Communicate with clinical areas about preparation and follow up care for patients.

Recover interventional department patient post procedure and escort to wards/day case unit, give effective post procedure handover.

Nurse led discharge of biopsy patients, following discharge criteria.

Specialist knowledge is essential when experienced. To achieve IR/Theatre Nurse competences within designated time frame.

All Nursing staff need to have a good knowledge of the intra-procedural equipment available.

Adhere to the Radiation Safety and Protection Regulations IR(ME)R (2000) and the Health & safety at work act.

Achieve and Maintain ILS (immediate life support) qualification.

Achieve and maintain Blood transfusion competence.

Achieve and maintain competence to use medical devices such as IV pumps, blood glucose monitor, coaguchek, obs machine, capnograph, PCA, hoist, bair hugger, fluid/contrast warmer, suction, oxygen, lithotripsy device, thrombectomy device, electric trolleys.

To maintain accurate nursing records using appropriate documentation in accordance with the NMC recommendations and Trust guidelines.

To flag issues with compliance/patients who may lack capacity for procedures

Organise own workload to ensure efficiency.

Participate in clinical audit and research as required.

Safe medicines management including administering/ordering controlled drugs.

With appropriate support and training supervise unqualified staff, to ensure that they have the knowledge, skills and resources to carry out delegated aspects of care.

Utilise & role model good communication and a multi-disciplinary approach to patient care.

To assist in the maintenance of a safe environment for all staff, patients and visitors and ensure that all equipment is in safe working order. Report malfunctioning equipment and remove from use.

Participate in the implementation of new initiatives.

Assist in the maintenance of stock and pharmacy stores.

To ensure confidentiality and safekeeping of patient records.

To be responsible for reporting incidents and potential risks to the Nurse in charge/lead nurse.

To act as an effective role model to all levels of staff.

To assist with the orientation of new members of the team & students.

Attend mandatory training and demonstrate a commitment to personal continuing professional development and actively participate in Performance Review/appraisal.

To assist with the education of pre registration students and health care assistants in collaboration with the rest of the team.

Assist in providing relevant health education and information for patients including advice and care on discharge.

Contribute to a well motivated team who are committed to learning and improvement

To always behave in a manner that is professional, positive and polite.

Develop the role by using evidence-based practice and continuously improve own knowledge, following SOPs and guidelines.

The post holder is required to act in accordance with NMC Code of Professional Conduct with particular reference to limitations of competence and conduct.

Accessing blood results and Nervecentre EPMA/patient clinical history & information, evolve patient records system, IPM patient management system, online rota system, Opera/theatre management system.

Communicate with the Nurse in charge regarding patient condition, workload issues and personal development.

Physical requirements:

Frequent moving & handling of patients using PAT slides and slide sheets, hoist when necessary.

Wearing lead aprons for radiation protection for much of the day often for long periods of time (2hrs+).

Prolonged periods of standing particularly when scrubbed or circulating during procedures.

Prolonged periods of concentration particularly when scrubbed for lengthy procedures.

Dexterity to use wires/syringes/balloons/embolization coils/particles, stents etc.

Exposure to radiation.

Exposure to bodily fluids.

Exposure to sharps.

Skills

Essential

• competent scrub Nurse
• competent IR scrub Nurse for vascular and Non vascular
• IV drug administration competence
• pre assessment capability
• Recovery skills competent
• Cannulation competence
• Safely monitors & responds to NEWS2 observations
• BLS competent

Desirable

• Sedation trained/competence (UK safe sedation/Sedate:UK or equivalent) or willing to undertake
• Student assessment qualification (SSSA/MSPP)/willing to undertake
• Active in previous link Nurse role
• Experience of Criteria based (Nurse led) discharge
• ILS trained or willing to undertake
• Blood product administration competent

Attitude & communication

Essential

• Evidence of working well in a team to achieve goals
• Self aware of impact of own behaviour on others
• Self motivated to achieve team workload and goals
• Professional attitude displayed
• Excellent communication skills- e.g. verbal, non verbal, via phone, in writing, online systems
• IT competent in patient management systems, e-roster, emails

Desirable

• Conflict resolution/de escalation training
• Experience of training other team members
• willing to undertake further training

Training

Essential

• NMC registration
• Up to date with mandatory training

Desirable

• Student teaching/assessing- MSPP/SSSA or equivalent
• Completed training course within last 2 years
• IR specific qualification

Knowledge

Essential

• Awareness of RCN Radiology Nursing Guidelines
• Can discuss preparation & equipment needed for a range of IR procedures

Desirable

• Has attended radiation protection training

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).