Assistant Cardiac Practitioner

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a band 3 assistant  to work in the friendly cardiac department at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, hardworking team player to join our close-knit busy team as a multi-skilled rotational member of the team based within the hub of the Royal Berkshire Hospital. The extended team is made up by cardiac physiologists, cardiologists, nurses, radiographers, clinical admin team and senior managers, who are very active and engaging with supporting the cardiac physiologists. We work in a well-equipped modern and clean environment with an excellent history of training and great opportunities for development.

The successful applicant will have the opportunity to learn to perform 12-lead ECG, fit Holter monitors and  to develop their skills and expand their role within the department. There is also an opportunity to undertake further qualifications.

Main duties of the job

The post holder ensures that the Electrocardiogram (ECG) service and Ambulatory monitoring service runs smoothly and efficiently. All ECG's and Ambulatory monitor fitting and removal are carried out appropriately.

This service holds a level of responsibility and the post holder must be able to work independently and responsibly to ensure the service meets the demands required.

Interpretation of ECG’s is expected: with training and support given in-house.

Certificate and Foundation Course qualification from The Society for Cardiological Science and Technology (SCST) is expected within first year of employment: in-house training is provided.

Training of other staff in this area will be expected once proficient.

The high rate of ECG's and Ambulatory monitors done needs an efficient and responsive workforce to support this area. ECG's and Ambulatory monitors are performed for all specialities and on both inpatients and outpatients.

The post holder will be based at Royal Berkshire Hospital, where currently have one main and one satellite ECG department in the Trust

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The post holder will undertake the following

1)      Responsible for delivery of all ECG's performed on adults and children within the department, on the wards and outreach clinics.

• 2)      Daily ward rounds are undertaken and the post holder must ensure this service is delivered in a prompt and efficient manner. 3)      All staff must rotate between the departments (RBH and satellite) to ensure adequate cover is maintained, although the department manager will ensure this happens via the rota 4)      All staff must rotate one 17:00 finish per week, once fully proficient. 5)      Fitting and removal of ECG monitors, BP (blood pressure) monitors, measure height, weight and blood pressure.  Assisting the physiologists in echocardiograms and other areas. 6)      Equipment checks must be undertaken frequently and reported if necessary, to ensure good working order. 7)      Responsibility for managing of all supplies and consumables. The department manager orders both stock and non-stock for this area and the post holder must ensure that any supplies needed are escalated promptly. 8)      All staff in this area must have basic life support training; the manager will ensure all staff receives regular and up-to-date training. 9)      PDP (Personal Development Planning), Health and Safety, Risk management, incident reporting and protocol's for this area are duties undertaken by the manager, but must be escalated upwards.  Regular communication is expected with both outpatient and ward staff to ensure that the service meets changing demands. 10)   Training of all applicable staff in ECG performance is expected when the post holder is proficient; this includes physiologists, STP students, PTP students and assistant physiologists, nursing and other staff when necessary. 11)    Undertaking the trial of all new ECG machines for the department in conjunction with the Senior Assistant Cardiac Physiologists. 12)    Ensure that monthly statistics are passed to a Senior Physiologists monthly. 13)    Assistance with the medical and nursing staff will be expected in the non-invasive areas. 14)    Accurate and precise recording for ECG is essential and staff should attain a good knowledge of ECG interpretation via in-house training. 15)    External qualification from SCST for both Practical, Certificate and Foundation course is expected within first year of employment. In-house training is provided. 16)   It will be expected of all staff that the returning of loan equipment is checked on a daily basis and escalated up to senior staff if problems occur. 17)   Checking of daily and weekly defibrillation trolley.

Opportunity for future development

Work towards SCST Diploma

• Opportunity for Senior Assistant Cardiac Practitioner

Uphold Trusts Care Values- Compassionate- Aspirational- Resource- Excellent