An excellent development opportunity has arisen for a suitably qualified nurse or ODP to join the radiology department. The position is a full time, 12 month fixed term post working 37.5 hours per week to cover maternity leave.
We would also welcome applications from Band 5 qualified individuals with an interest in interventional radiology, with progression to band 6 following a competency based training period
The radiology department at The Christie is a busy department undertaking many varied examinations, scans and procedures. Our service delivery includes a wide range of fluoroscopic guided procedures, including vascular procedures, stenting, gastrostomy insertion, biopsies and drainages. The radiology nurse/ODP will be actively involved in these, undertaking the roles of scrub and recovery practitioner and the advanced role of sedationist. We also run a gastrostomy drop in service which is led by the radiology nursing/AHP team who provide autonomous care for these patients.
You will need to have excellent time management and communication skills and be able to work both autonomously and as part of a varied multi-disciplinary team.
Act as a leader in the specialist clinical area of Interventional Radiology, and maintain a high standard of patient care, for a wide variety of radiological procedures and in accordance with Trust and departmental policiesand procedures, including those with regard for radiation safety.
Provide specialist advice to patients and all wards and departments within the Trust regarding complex interventional procedures and care of radiologically placed devices, including leading the gastrostomy drop-in clinic.
Deputise for the Radiology Lead Nurse as required.
To work autonomously in accordance with the standards set by the nursing/midwifery professional bodies and Trust nursing policies and guidelines.
We are looking for a highly motivated, enthusiastic individual to join our friendly team in the radiology department at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. The Christie is a renowned centre of excellence and is the North West Regional Radiotherapy and Oncology Centre. We are proud of our 100-year history and excellent reputation and we strive to invest in and develop our staff so we can continue to provide the highest quality care and treatment.
The Radiology department sees over 40,000 patients each year. The services we provide comprises of general radiology (using DR and CR), CT scanning, MR scanning, ultrasound, interventional radiology and nuclear medicine including PET-CT.
The department consists of 2 fluoroscopy/interventional rooms and an interventional ultrasound room within the Integrated Procedure Unit and 4 general x ray rooms, 1 ultrasound room, 3 diagnostic CT scanners and 3 MRI scanners. The interventional service is constantly expanding with the introduction of new innovative procedures.
This role is exciting and varied, with opportunities to work in both interventional radiology and CT, being directly involved in a variety of innovative procedures.
Job description
Job responsibilities
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Communication
Obtain delegated consent from patients. Requires providing and receiving information regarding complex interventional radiology procedures and potential risks, where there may be barriers to understanding, and issues are
sensitive, requiring persuasive, empathic, reassurance skills with patients and relatives, due to nature of oncology work.
Ensure high level communication with medical and nursing personnel in all wards and departments concerning, patient history, clinical procedures, and pre / post procedural care.
Participate in staff meetings as required and put forward proposals that may enhance quality of care and service provision.
Report all incidents or accidents involving patients, visitors or staff and, under direction of the senior nurse, complete accurate statements and reports.
Knowledge, training and experience
Professional qualifications as outlined in person specification.
Able to work as an autonomous clinical practitioner and maintain a high standard of nursing care, acting as a professional role model to others
Ensure a full working knowledge of all equipment in use in clinical area (excluding x-ray equipment), including endoscopy equipment, bi-spectral index monitoring, and specialist interventional devices
Wide knowledge of all medication used in the radiology department.
Continually develop specialist knowledge and skills relevant to the clinical area through appropriate training and courses of study and maintaining a personal development plan.
Analytical and Judgement Skills
Independently responsible for assessing patient condition during procedures, monitoring patients for adverse reactions, and suitability for transfer
Be able to identify emergency situations. Lead and direct other members of the team in managing such situations.
Respond quickly with regard to hazards such as blood products and sharps, and ionising radiation, including live radiation sources
Adhere to the statutory and mandatory regulations of the radiation protection policies.
Carry out assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation of patient care, using professional judgement to implement improvements.
Planning and Organisational Skills
Take responsibility for co-ordinating the workload in the clinical area
Act as liaison between radiology, wards and clinicians, to co-ordinate patient care for interventional procedures which may involve complex organisation, for example embolisation procedures.
Plan and co-ordinate radiological procedures requiring general anaesthetic with surgical theatre, endoscopy and wards
Provide advice to radiology co-ordinator on patient related medical queries to enable prioritisation of patient scheduling according to clinical need
Organise reception and transfer of patients between the wards and Radiology, escorting patient if required post recovery.
Ensure the safe custody and supply and administration of drugs and therapeutic substances in accordance with Trust and department policies.
Physical Skills
Dexterity and accuracy required for intravenous cannulation and annual update of skills.
Ability to participate in emergency procedures, e.g. cardiac arrest.
Maintain knowledge and training in manual handling procedures and use of moving and handling equipment.
Responsibility for Patient and Client Care
Perform advanced role of sedationist during interventional procedures with minimal supervision from prescribing radiologist. Constantly monitor patient for effectiveness and depth of sedation, and act according to patients physiological and psychological state.
Autonomous provision of the practitioner-led gastrostomy drop in service. Independently plan, deliver and evaluate evidence based care as well as provide expert advice to patients and other members of the MDT involved in the drop in clinic. Maintain accurate record of gastrostomy patient assessment on Christie Web Portal
Provide independent telephone advice to patients and to wards regarding gastrostomy care
Lead pre-assessment clinic for a wide variety of interventional procedures to deliver pre-procedural care, advice and information for patients- includes taking delegated consent.
Interpret necessary blood test results to assess patient suitability for procedure
Work as scrub practitioner assisting Radiologist in the interventional suite during highly specialised interventional procedures, ensure expert nursing care for patients throughout procedure
Perform role of recovery practitioner post procedure
Advise the ward teams in the specialist care of radiolocially placed tubes and devices.
Ensure accurate completion of all relevant patient related documentation, including the WHO surgical checklist, and peri / post procedure forms.
Responsibility for Policy and Service Development
Actively implement all Trust and departmental policies including sickness and absence; confidentiality; infection control; uniform, IR(ME)R procedures and local radiation rules, and responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act
Propose changes to clinical practice and procedures, and actively implement practice improvements
With Lead Radiology Nurse, undertake departmental risk assessments and propose and take action to mitigate risks
Collect and analyse data regarding the interventional radiology service and present this information, internally and externally to inform service development
Responsibility for Financial and Physical Resources
Procure stock and non-stock items using the Trust e-proc system and NHS supply chain.
Ensure safe use, storage and stock control of expensive radiology interventional equipment and medication
Contribute to Radiology SLA by negotiating best prices with suppliers and providing costings to Radiology Business Manager
Ensure a cost effective service through monitoring and audit, presenting results as required at departmental meetings
Following the Trust security policy, ensure safekeeping of patients' property and valuables.
Prepare interventional equipment and sterile trolleys for use
Responsibility for Human Resources
Provide leadership, support and guidance to junior staff in monitoring, planning, delivery and evaluation of individualised care
Plan and deliver equipment and procedural training to radiological staff at all levels rotating through interventional radiology
Undertake induction of new staff and act as a mentor,
Supervise members of staff undertaking the Christie Care Certificate
Act as appraiser for junior staff within the Trust PDR process.
Deputise for the Radiology Lead Nurse in their absence.
Assist with review of applications during recruitment and selection process
Foster a supportive working environment and maintenance of staff morale, promoting a culture in which staff feel valued and able to reach their potential.
Responsibility for Information Resources
Maintain confidentiality with regard to patient information (written, verbal, electronic), whilst being aware of the Freedom for Information Act.
Maintain accurate records of all care given, whether paper records, or using the Radiology Information System or Christie Web Portal.
Responsibility for Research and Development
Work with Lead Radiology Nurse to ensure clinical standards of care are maximised, through undertaking clinical audits and research, presenting results as required.
Ensure own practice is up to date and evidence based and demonstrate an awareness of current, relevant research.
Maximise the usage of CPD days by reading articles as well as attending courses, conferences or workshops.
Deliver presentation of latest evidence based practice to other members of staff and, if needed, introduce changes in practice following attendance to study days.
Freedom to Act
Act as autonomous clinical practitioner, and role model to other staff
Maintain active status on the NMC register, complying with revalidation requirements.
Practice in accordance with the NMC Code of Conduct and work within limits of competence, taking responsibility for own professional development
Physical effort
Frequent standing in a restricted position; wearing heavy protective lead/rubber coats (up to15lbs) during interventional procedures for up to 4 hours at a time.
Standing at procedure table; manoeuvres equipment and patients for procedures, pushes & pulls trolleys
Rotate as necessary throughout all parts of Radiology
Mental effort
Frequent concentration during interventional procedures which may be complex and prolonged, and where work pattern may be unpredictable
Multi-tasking in a busy environment, may need to cover several different clinical areas in short space of time
Ability to promptly deal with equipment failure in accordance with trust procedure.
Emotional Effort
Work in oncology environment, frequent exposure to highly distressing or emotional circumstances.
Provide emotional support to patients undergoing prolonged and painful procedures under local anaesthetic when they are distressed, confused or agitated.
Show respect for members of the team and endorse the departments philosophy of giving mutual support in distressing situations.
Working conditions
Frequent exposure to bodily fluids.
Work in radiation controlled areas, and with live radiation sources.
Adhere to trust uniform policy.
Be flexible with shifts as appropriate.
Any other duties that might be reasonably requested to maintain the smooth running of the service