An excellent development opportunity has arisen in the interventional radiology department for a highly motivated, experienced radiology nurse to progress into an enhanced practice role. The position is a full time, permanent post, 37.5 hours per week working Monday to Friday between the hours of 8am and 18.00.
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. Our interventional service is part of the integrated procedures unit where we have a general purpose fluoroscopy room, a dedicated vascular room and an ultrasound room for interventional procedures. The interventional service is constantly expanding with the introduction of new innovative procedures.
The post holder will be accountable for the overall provision of excellent care within radiology and act as an effective role model, leading, coordinating and supporting staff. In addition to delivering a clinical commitment, fulfilling the scrub, circulating and recovery nurse/ ODP roles as well as organising the patient's pre, peri and post procedure care, the post holder will be responsible for providing managerial support to the department and leading patient services.
The Christie is one of Europe's leading cancer centres, treating over 60,000 patients a year. We are based in Manchester and serve a population of 3.2 million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire, but as a national specialist around 15% patients are referred to us from other parts of the country. We provide radiotherapy through one of the largest radiotherapy departments in the world; chemotherapy on site and through 14 other hospitals; highly specialist surgery for complex and rare cancer; and a wide range of support and diagnostic services. We are also an international leader in research, with world first breakthroughs for over 100 years. We run one of the largest early clinical trial units in Europe with over 300 trials every year. Cancer research in Manchester, most of which is undertaken on the Christie site, has been officially ranked the best in the UK.
Job description
Job 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. With particular focus on the care and ongoing management of inpatients with chest drains insitu.
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 and experience as outlined in person specification.
Thorough working knowledge of interventional radiology procedures with particular focus on Nephrostomy exchanges, naso-gastric tube insertions and chest drain management.
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 reviewing previous reports and imaging in relation to chest drains, nephrostomies and nasogastric tubes and make recommendations for the care and management of these devices.
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
Being responsible for implementing regular inpatient ward rounds to review interventional radiology patients with particular focus on chest drains including troubleshooting, routine management and removal of these devices.
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.
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 performing nephrostomy exchanges, naso-gastric tube insertions, intravenous cannulation, and regular 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
Autonomous provision of an inpatient chest drain management 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 chest drain management. Maintain accurate record of inpatient ward rounds on Christie Web Portal and Computed Radiology Information System
Independently perform fluoroscopic guided nephrostomy exchanges and naso-gastric tube insertions and generate post-procedure reports.
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 indwelling radiologically inserted devices
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.
Ensure accurate completion of all relevant patient related documentation, including the WHO surgical checklist, and peri / post procedure forms.
Provide support to all areas of the radiology directorate including CT, Ultrasound and MRI
Responsibility for Policy and Service Development
Remain up to date with current best practice for the management of chest drains and update care plans/standards of practice accordingly.
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 Service 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.
Line management responsibilities.
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 with particular focus on nephrostomies, nasograstric tubes and chest drains.
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.