Job responsibilities
Following appropriate training and support, the post holder will provide nursing care for patients undergoing diagnostic and interventional radiology procedures, which will include the nursing roles of pre assessment, scrub nurse, circulating nurse and recovery nurse in collaboration with the Consultant Radiologists.
The post holder will be required to work within all areas of Radiology, including ultra sound, Fluoroscopy, CT, Nuclear Medicine and Breast Unit.
The post holder will actively promote evidence based practice in own practice and the practice of other members of staff involved in the care of patients/clients.
The post holder will be expected to professionally develop in all aspects of Interventional Radiology, following the appropriate training and support and also mandatory training.
The post holder will be encouraged to develop new initiatives and ensure that these are incorporated within the working practices of all staff within the Department.
In conjunction with the Audit Department, initiate and undertake clinical audits to monitor and maintain standards of practice under the supervision of the Lead Nurse.
The working hours are flexible to suit the post holder and the Radiology Departments demand but mostly 08.30-16.30 with weekends and bank holidays off.
The post holder must have genuine interest and commitment to Radiology Interventional Nursing.
The post holder must be able to adapt to change, learn quickly and to problem solve and make autonomous decisions.
The post holder must ensure effective day to day management of resources including stores supplies, pharmacy and management of equipment.
Participate in ordering Nursing and Medical supplies.
The post holder will be expected to attend and participate in Radiology Staff meetings.
The post holder will act as a link nurse for a specific area within Radiology
The post holder will be expected to have a working knowledge of the MIP procedure.
CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
To undertake and assist with all diagnostic and interventional procedures within the Radiology Department, following appropriate training and support and within sphere of competence.
To assess patient needs, plan, implement and evaluate a programme of care which is evidence based utilising all available resources taking into consideration the lifestyle, gender and cultural background and ensure involvement with the patient, family, carers and significant others as appropriate.
To guide, advise and direct other staff in the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of patient care.
To initiate risk assessment processes to determine risks to the health and well being of patients with complex care needs, taking relevant action to minimise these risks.
To be flexible and adaptable within the working day to perform different clinical roles as required.
To undertake nurse led pre procedure assessments to include reviewing relevant clinical information, medication and blood results to safely prepare the patient and allow early recognition of any areas of compromise.
To utilise information and data from a range of sources to identify patient problems and guide decision-making processes.
Within field of expertise, and organisational policy, request specific clinical tests to establish a diagnosis.
After training and support, the ability to maintain sterility within the interventional room by ensuring adherence to aseptic technique guidelines and scrubbing protocol.
After training and support, be able to perform the role of scrub nurse, circulating nurse and recovery nurse.
To be responsible for the administration of medication as per local policy maintaining competence of the skills required e.g. intravenous cannulation, intravenous drug administration, immediate life support and anaphylaxis.
To guide a team of staff in emergency and other acute situations, ensuring that the patients needs are met and that significant others are supported.
Act as a nurse escort when transferring patients post procedure to wards / departments.
To promote patient involvement in the planning, delivery and evaluation of care, respecting their wishes, beliefs and dignity.
To independently liaise and communicate effectively with all members of the multidisciplinary team and other agencies involved in the care of the patient.
To act in accordance with the NMC Professional Code of Conduct and other professional standards set by the NMC.
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
To take a lead in the promotion of the health and well-being of patients and their significant others, ensuring that health promotion is incorporated in the planning and delivery of care.
Liaise with ward nursing and medical staff regarding pre and post procedural care.
Act as a specialist resource to ward nursing staff and medical staff regarding radiology procedures.
To act as a supervisor to staff working within the radiology area.
To act as a mentor/preceptor/supervisor to students and other learners.
To promote an environment that is conducive to quality learning and assessment.
Develop programmes of learning to meet the educational needs of all staff working within the care setting.
Maintain own continuing professional development needs. The post holder should be willing to work
towards achieving graduate status.
Develop and maintain competence in the additional skills related to the needs of the clients and patients.
To undertake required annual mandatory training.
LEADERSHIP/MANAGERIAL
To contribute to the recruitment and retention of team members.
To co-ordinate a team of staff, ensuring that clear systems of communication are developed within the team and any work-related issues raised by the team are addressed.
To ensure team members are aware of organisational objectives, policies and procedures and the implications they have for their practice.
To undertake the professional development review process with identified team members. Support staff with performance issues developing action plans to address developmental needs.
To act as a professional role model for junior staff, promoting high standards of practice and strong professional values.
To assist with shift planning for the practice area.
COMMUNICATION
To communicate effectively with patients and their significant others, taking into account their cultural background and cognitive functioning.
To provide support, empathy and reassurance in the delivery of patient care.
To communicate clearly with all members of the multidisciplinary team, demonstrating sensitivity to cultural and language differences.
To manage conflict between individuals, including staff, patients and their significant others.
To act as an advocate for patients, significant others and more junior staff members.
To ensure written communication complies with organisational and professional standards, NMC guidelines for records and record keeping.
AUDIT/INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY/RESEARCH ACTIVITY
In conjunction with the audit department, initiate and undertake clinical audits to monitor and maintain standards of practice.
To utilise the critical incident reporting system to document actual or potential risks impacting on the quality of patient care.
To actively promote evidence based practice in own and the practice of other members of staff involved in the care of the patient.
To take a professional lead in one specific aspect of practice, ensuring that new initiatives are incorporated within the working practices of all staff.
Following training, be responsible for in putting information into the radiology information technology system (CRIS) for patients attending for diagnostic and interventional procedures where required and also into patients written records as required. Obtaining and interpreting blood results from TRAK. Complying with the Data Protection Act, Caldicott Guidelines and local policies regarding confidentiality and access to medical records.
