Purpose of the Post · To carry out Senior Radiographic duties in line with department protocols.
· To deliver a quality patient focused radiographic service and be responsible for the day-to-day service in an assigned area of Radiography.
· To support the Clinical Specialist Ultrasound Radiographer & Consultant Radiologists in delivering of the Ultrasound service.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities The Radiographer, Senior will: Clinical / Professional · Be responsible for performing ultrasound, general radiology, imaging, specialised radiography and examinations to a high standard of technical quality in a caring and efficient manner and in line with established guidelines and operating procedures.
· The post holder when in ultrasound will be required to scan independently and provide preliminary reports for the Radiologist and operate within the professional guidelines of the Irish Institute of Radiography and Radiation Therapy (IIRRT).
· Carry out his / her duties under the supervision of the Clinical Specialist Radiographer / Radiography Service Manager or his / her designate from time to time.
· Participate in the provision of ultrasound services in a professional manner thereby upholding the reputation of the department and the hospital.
· Liaise closely with the Radiology Service Manager, Clinical Specialist Radiographer, Consultant Radiologist and other staff as appropriate to ensure the smooth running of the service.
· Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team in the provision of an integrated patient-centred service.
· Adhere to the professional guidelines as determined by IIRRT.
Ensure evidence-based practice is used in the provision of the service.
· Adhere to the Radiographers Registration Board Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics.
· Adhere to all departmental imaging protocols; be responsible for the correct identification of patient images.
· Contribute to the development and implementation of agreed policies, procedures and safe professional practice.
· Monitor and adhere to relevant legislation, regulations and standards relevant to the use of ionising radiation.
· Ensure that appropriate radiation protection is used and that the radiation dose is kept to a minimum consistent with the as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) principle.
· Take part in routine inspection of equipment and quality assurance procedures.
· Be responsible for the cleaning and care of imaging equipment.
· Be responsible for the safe use of all imaging equipment and adherence to instructions on its use.
Also ensure other staff complies with same.
· Be responsible for the logging of reporting of all equipment faults to Radiology Service manager or his/her designate.
· Attend at such other health institutions administered by the Health Service Executive (HSE) as may be designated from time-to-time.
· Demonstrate flexibility in response to service needs.
· Lead and assist in audit and quality assurance programmed; participate in the implementation of findings.
· Be accountable - take responsibility for his/her own actions, seek advice/ a second opinion, as required.
· Maximise the use of new technology including the Radiology Information System (RIS) and PACS.
· Ensure the correct completion of records and reports.
· Respect and maintain the privacy, dignity and confidentiality of the service user and in relation to all hospital activities as per statutory requirements.
· Relate to and always communicate with all other staff in courteous and helpful manner.
· Deputise for the Clinical Specialist Radiographer in designated area/area of expertise as required.
· Complete regular audits and benchmark against appropriate evidence-based standards.
· Demonstrate sufficient knowledge in ultrasound.
· Beware of safety standards while operating ultrasound machinery.
· Practitioner competence and professional credibility – demonstrate a high level of clinical knowledge to effectively carry out the duties and responsibilities of the role
· The ability to lead on clinical practice and service quality.
· Effective analytical, problem solving and decisions making skills.
· Produce consistently high-quality images consistent with optimal client care and safety and working within established guidelines.
· Communicate effectively with staff at various levels of seniority.
· I want you to relate to and always communicate with all other staff courteously and helpfully.
· Delegate professional duties as may be necessary for an efficient service.
· Show commitment and active involvement with regards the Quality Assurance and Quality Control protocols, including daily and weekly tests, trouble shooting and taking appropriate remedial action.
· Resilience and composure.
· Openness to change.
· Integrity and ethical stance.
· A commitment to continuing professional development.
· Knowledge of quality assurance practices.
· Awareness of Health Service Transformation Programme.
· Be aware of adhere to relevant standards, policies ang legislation for example Health and Safety, Freedom of Information act 1997, Childcare Act and HIQA standards,
· Knowledge of information technology and willingness to develop IT skills relevant to the role.
KPI'S · The identification and development of Key Performance Indicators (KPI's) which are congruent with the Hospitals service plan targets.
· The development of Action Plans to address KPI targets.
· Driving and promoting a Performance Management culture.
· In conjunction with the line manager assist in the development of a Performance Management system for your profession.
· The management and delivery of KPI's as a routine and core business objective.
Health & Safety · Work in a safe manner with due care and attention to the safety of self and others.
· Investigate and take appropriate action in accordance with hospital policy in relation to complaints, accidents and incidents.
· Contribute to risk assessment and oversee the implementation of the department's safety statement; identify risks and take appropriate action.
· Document appropriately and report any near misses, hazards and accidents and bring them to the attention of the relevant person(s).
· Ensure that all hospital policies and relevant legislation on radiation safety and ultrasound safety are complied with.
· Ensure the ultrasound unit operates in accordance with the operational policy at all times.
· Liase with the Radiology Service Manager/ Clinical Specialist Radiographer (Ultrasound) on all quality assurance issues related to the ultrasound department.
· Implement agreed policies, procedures and safe professional practice by adhering to relevant legislation, regulations and standards.
· Implement quality assurance in line with departmental policies and procedures.
· Have a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc and comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role.
· To support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon efficient health service.
· Be responsible for keeping the department in general and their work area specifically clean, tidy and safe.
· Be responsible for the cleaning and proper care and storage of all safety equipment including personal protective equipment (e.g., lead apron, thyroid shields)
Education & Training · Participate in mandatory training programmes.
· Participate in continuing professional development including in-service training, attending and presenting at conferences / courses relevant to practice, promoting and contributing to research etc.
as agreed with the Radiography Service Manager or designated officer.
· Engage in performance review & profession development planning with Radiography Service Managers
· Provide peer support when necessary.
· Contribute to and promote the involvement of self and others in HR development programmes as agreed with the Radiography Service Manager.
· Actively participate in induction / teaching / training / supervision of radiographers and other staff within the department.
· Identify teaching / learning / audit / opportunities within the department for themselves / others.
· Maintain comprehensive records and documentation of all CPD events and induction programmes for audit purposes.
· Work in a safe manner with due care and attention to the safety of self and others.
· Manage, participate and play a role in the practice education of student Radiographers.
Administrative · Lead in the establishment and maintenance of standards for quality improvement and ensure adherence to existing standards and policies.
· Assist in the organisation, maintenance and / or ordering of equipment and materials as required.
· Contribute to the planning and development of the service and participate in service improvements.
· Represent the department at meetings and conferences as required.
· Engage in IT developments as they apply to service user and service administration.
· Keep up to date with developments within the organisation and the Irish Health Service.
· Receive visiting professionals and visitors to the department.
The above Job Specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office. Eligibility Criteria Qualifications and/ or experience 1. Statutory Registration, Professional Qualifications, Experience, etc. (a) Candidates for appointment must:
(i)
Be registered, or be eligible for registration, on the Radiography Division of the Radiographers Register maintained by the Radiographers Registration Board at CORU.
)
And (ii)
(iii)
Have 3 years fulltime (or an aggregate of 3 years) post qualification clinical experience.
And Have the requisite knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitability and professional ability) for the proper discharge of the duties of the office
And (iv)
Provide proof of Statutory Registration on the Radiography Division of the Radiographers Register maintained by the Radiographers Registration Board at CORU before a contract of employment can be issued. 2. Annual Registration i) On appointment practitioners must maintain annual registration on the relevant division of the Radiographers Register maintained by the Radiographers Registration Board at CORU.
And ii) Practitioners must confirm annual registration with CORU to the HSE by way of the annual Patient Safety Assurance Certificate (PSAC).
3. Health Candidates for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.
4. Character Candidates for and any person holding the office must be of good character.
Post Specific Requirements Candidate must have 3 years post qualification experience and PG Diploma in ultrasound or equivalent
All Post Graduate Qualifications post holders will be given particular consideration.
Other requirements specific to the post · The post holder will be required to rotate through clinical areas as required.
Skills, competencies and/or knowledge Candidates must demonstrate: Professional Knowledge · Sufficient knowledge and/or experience in Diagnostic Imaging.
· Producing consistently high-quality images consistent with optimal patient care and safety and working within established guidelines.
· Commitment and active involvement with regard the Quality Assurance and Quality Control protocols, including daily and weekly tests, trouble shooting and taking appropriate remedial action.
· Sufficient clinical knowledge and evidence-based practice to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the role, including keeping abreast of development technologies and their likely impact.
· An ability to apply knowledge to best practice.
· The ability to take initiative and to be appropriately self-directed.
· A commitment to continuing professional development.
· A willingness to develop IT skills relevant to the role.
· Flexibility and be prepared to facilitate urgent cases when necessary
· Flexibility in response to service needs.
Planning & Managing Resources · The ability to plan and deliver service in an effective and resourceful manner including the ability to work in a fast paced & changing environment.
Commitment to Providing a Quality Service · A commitment to assuring high standards and strive for a user centred service.
· Awareness and appreciation of service users and the ability to empathise with and treat others with dignity and respect.
· The ability to manage and maintain a flexible approach in a rapidly changing environment and willingness to undertake such additional duties as may be assigned from time to time.
Evaluation Information & Judging Situations · The ability to effectively evaluate information, solve problems and make appropriate decisions.
Team & Leadership Skills · The ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
· An ability to manage and develop self and others in a working environment.
· An ability to lead and motivate a team of radiographers.
· The ability to take initiative and to be appropriately self-directed.
· Effective communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to collaborate with colleagues, families, carers etc.