Clinical Specialist Radiographer PET CT - UPMC WhitfieldLocation: UPMC Whitfield HospitalJob type: PermanentOverview of role: The Radiology Department provides a service to both Inpatients and Outpatients. It includes General Radiography, Theatre Imaging, Ultrasound, MRI, CT, PET CT and DEXA services. The holder of this post will work as a member of the Radiology Department and multi- disciplinary teams, providing a high-quality service to patients in accordance with professional standards of practice.
The position of Clinical Specialist Radiographer in PET CT requires an ability to lead, guide and supervise Radiographic staff and to successfully manage service delivery on a day to day basis. An ability to manage in a rapidly changing environment and a willingness to undertake such additional duties as may be assigned from time to time are essential.
While carrying out the duties appropriate to a PET CT Clinical Specialist Radiographer in the Radiology department, maintenance of professional competence in other areas of the department is necessary as some participation is required. This will necessitate the post holder in rotating through other areas in the department on a periodic basis. The successful candidate must have a high capacity for responsibility and individual initiative.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities: Clinical: To undertake the management of PET CT patients in conjunction with the RSM and the CT Clinical Specialist. Fulfill the requirements of an experienced Nuclear Medicine Lead for the PET CT department. Undertake PET CT nuclear medicine processes and training with the specific aim of delivering a high-quality PET CT service. To deliver a PET CT service at UPMC Ireland sites.To lead on radiation safety associated with the nuclear medicine process within PET CT.Requirement to manage and develop the PET CT QA programme and Nuclear Medicine Lab QA programme. To be proactive in supporting the Radiology team.Help in the organisation and co-ordination of the workflow within the department.To keep abreast in understanding and knowledge of all new developments which are applicable to PET CT imaging. To offer help and advice to more junior members of staff. To be responsible for and take care of all equipment including auxiliary equipment and to operate such equipment as required by the treatment plan in a proper and safe manner.The dispensing and administration of FDG or other isotope following appropriate patient preparation screening and assessment including IV cannulation. General: Engage in leadership when required to do so, creating and promoting healthy working relationships. Provide strategic and clinical leadership which results in the delivery of an effective, efficient, quality assured and patient centred PET CT service. To organise, plan and prioritise workload according to clinical need.Undertake, as team leader, primary responsibility on a day-to-day basis for the PET CT imaging service and the effective utilisation of all resources allocated. Be accountable for the day to day quality of the service provided, including customer service and technical aspects. Contribute to the development and implementation of operational policies, protocols and guidelines to ensure optimum utilisation of resources and systemic audit of such usage. Advise as required on equipment selection, purchase, replacement or upgrading.Contribute to the preparation of plans for the service - monitor and report on their implementation. Implement and maintain accurate information systems for clinical data in accordance with hospital standards. Report all operation issues to Radiography Services Manager.Manage use of consumables efficiently.Assess patient's suitability for I.V. injections by checking Renal functions and any contra-indications. Implement a continuous learning programme for all staff to keep to date on PET CT and Nuclear Medicine Safety issues including Department environment and device updates. To dispense and administer IV injection as per Departmental policy.Ensure all patients who suffer a contract reaction or any other illness during or after an imaging incident are correctly care for and followed up afterwards in line with UPMC Hospital Policy. To maintain the principles of patient confidentiality at all times and ensure all staff uphold this principle. Ensure due regard is given to the customs, values and spiritual beliefs of all patients and staff. Monitor and ensure stock levels are maintained in the immediate work area. Liaise with Radiographic Service Manager and other senior staff on the rotation of staff through the Department to esnure an adequate number of trained staff are available. Ensure all staff are trained and perform Manual Handling tasks including Patient movement in accordance with Hospital Policy and Training. Radiation safety: to ensure that the three principles of radiation protection, namely justification, optimisation (ALARA) and dose constraints / limits are adhered to. The be familiar with S.I.256 and S.I. 30. which include the basic safety standards for the protections of health workers and the general public against dangers arising from lonising Radiation and the health protection of individuals against the danger of ionising radiation in relation to medical exposure. Demonstrate flexibility in possible changes to work patterns - extending working hours in PET CT and Radiology in order to accomodate our patients once volume increases significantly. Quality & Audit: Participate in providing department reports on audits and statistics performed. Participate fully with all internal and external audits and accreditation. Participate in QA meetings, MDT meetings, RPC meetings and other relevant forums associated with PET CT management and delivery. Report at CSR meetings on a monthly basis. Perform week huddle to address Departments wins and address any issues identified, outline KPIs, encourage staff engagement for ongoing Quality Improvement Processes. Weekly Report outcome of huddle to RSM raising any serious issues and communicate resolutions to Team.Ensure all staff training is up to date.Encourage staff to engage in Team Learning, communications, and updates through TEAMs.Share all communications and policy updates with 'Read and Sign' through TEAMs platform.Support the RSM in the implementation of initiatives aimed at on-going service development and improvement.Supervise and assess all training as required. Liaise with the RSM and other senior staff on the rotation of staff through the Department to ensure adequate number of trained staff are available. Ensure the PET CT unit operates in accordance with the operational policy at all times. Ensure that all safety questionnaires are completed and uploaded to the Radiology IT System as per Departmental policy.Ensure all hospital policies on infection control, health and safety are understood by staff and complied with routinely. Health & Safety: Implement and maintain a quality assurance programme for the department.Regularly liaise with the physicist on safety issues and other operational issues.Develop, maintain and continuously update staff induction, orientation and training programmes to promote the highest standards on services, quality and safety for patients and staff. Promote and maintain a safe environment for staff and patients. Assist in the development and implementation of risk management and health and safety strategies in association with appropriate personnel.Develop and oversee Code Blue response Policy for all staff involved. Have a working knowledge of HIQA standards Professional / Education: Maintain, enhance and develop knowledge, skills and aptitudes necessary to respond to changing clinical profiles of patients, hospital / service developments and legal requirements such as licensing. Participate as required in human resource planning, recruitment and selection of staff. To participate and deliver CPDQualifications & Experience:Possess a Degree in
Radiography or the Diploma of The College of RadiographersAndMust be registered in the Radiographer’s
Division by The Radiographers Registration Board maintained at CORU.AndMust have not less than 5
years fulltime post qualification clinical experienceAndPossess a recognised
postgraduate course in CT or Nuclear Medicine as recognised by the IIRRTAndManagement course
(desirable) but not mandatory.Equal
Opportunity Statement and Benefits UPMC is an equal opportunity employer.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment
for all employees.At UPMC we provide a total rewards program
that is not only market competitive, but fair and provides growth opportunities
for all our colleagues.Compensation – Competitive pay for the work employees do – base pay, performance related pay
and premium pay where applicable.Benefits –
Fully paid maternity and paternity leave for new parents. Competitive Pension
Plan, company funded Death in Service Benefit x 3 times. Critical Illness cover
for all employees up to the age of 66.Performance and Recognition – Rewards for performance that supports the goals and mission of
UPMC through our annual ACES programme.Work-Life Balance – Enhanced annual leave up to a maximum of 27 days. Flexible
working opportunities to support you to work around external family
commitments.Development
and Career Opportunities – Opportunities for each employee to reach
their career goals through continued learning and/or advancement.About
UPMC A $26 billion healthcare provider and insurer, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based UPMC is inventing new models of patient-centred, cost-effective, accountable care. Working in close collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, UPMC shares its clinical, managerial and technological skills worldwide through its innovation and commercialisation arm, UPMC Enterprises, and through UPMC International.Providing high-quality healthcare in the South East since 2006, UPMC’s operations in Ireland now include UPMC Whitfield Hospital in Waterford, UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic in Dublin, UPMC Kildare Hospital in Clane and UPMC Aut Even Hospital in Kilkenny. Outpatient care is available at the UPMC Carlow Outreach Centre, UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre radiotherapy locations at UPMC Whitfield and in Cork, the UPMC Sports Medicine Clinic at SETU Arena, Waterford, TUS Moylish Campus, Limerick, TUS Thurles Campus, Tipperary, and the UPMC Concussion Network. The UPMC Institute for Health is located in Mayo and the Global Technology Operation Centre is based in Kilkenny. UPMC is the Official Healthcare Partner of the GAA and GPA.