Clinical Nurse Specialist and Sonographer in Early Pregnancy care

Job overview

As a key member of the Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit team, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate and develop your skills and expertise in Early Pregnancy ultrasound. You will need to be able to work independently demonstrating a high level of competence, excellent communication skills and compassion.

The post-holder will deliver and contribute to the development of nurse led  early pregnancy clinics, working as an autonomous practitioner, and delivering high quality, expert nursing care.

All ultrasound practitioners actively take part in the BMUS recommended peer audit process and participate in monthly learning meetings to discuss and challenge any outcomes, to constantly improve the scanning service we offer to our patients.

We really value the input of our ultrasound practitioners  in how we operate our EPAU service, constantly striving to ensure our patients are at the centre of every decision made. The EPAU Department value teamwork and are committed to training and development.

The ultrasound practitioner will also be responsible for the management of miscarriage including commencing medical management, and arranging surgical management. Nurse led consultation, assessment and obtaining informed consent will also be part of your role.

The post holder will also be required to complete telephone triage assessments.

Main duties of the job

The ultrasound practitioner will be involved in the delivery of early pregnancy ultrasound services to all patients attending the department. They will be able to organise their workload efficiently and liase with referrers and other staff to optimise service delivery.

The Post Holder will work unsupervised in delivering aspects of ultrasound scanning, act independently, interpreting scan findings and producing written  reports on examinations performed. Excellent communication skills are essential due to the need to deliver highly sensitive and potentially upsetting information to both patients and relatives.

The ultrasound practitioner will also assist in the training and supervision of students in Early Pregnancy. newly qualified staff and other professional groups. Peer audit review will be undertaken by the individual and monthly learning meetings attended to discuss and challenge issues, to constantly improve the scan service we offer to our patients.

We expect our ultrasound practitioner to actively help with governance and value their input on how we can achieve the best diagnostic outcomes.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To manage a clinical caseload.

Competency in ultrasound scanning in early pregnancy, be able to diagnose and interpret the results of normal and complex scans such as ectopic, molar and miscarriages. While also assessing for any gynaecological pathology such as fibroids or cysts and referring to the MDT as appropriate.

Be able to undertake consultations independently, including interpreting assessment, relevant history taking and physical and psychological assessment and transvaginal ultrasound.

Perform ultrasound scans in accordance with the safety guidance and recognise guidelines and can appropriately diagnose and communicate findings effectively to women and their families.

Produce a clinically accurate and diagnostic report that will enhance overall care according to Trust protocol, consequently influencing patient care and management.

After diagnosis to provide relevant management and care by providing patients with counselling, prescribing medications and/or gaining consent, depending on the appropriate management.

Facilitate nurse led clinics, face to face, online and telephone services