Trainee Echocardiographer

Job overview

The Trainee Echocardiographer will be employed for a fixed term of 18 months during which time they will work through a programme of learning.

They will be supported by the Training Co-Ordinator but must take responsibility for their own progression through the training programme. Completing a mixture of work-based competencies and assessments, alongside the learning outcomes outlined in the NSHCS Curriculum Library. Trainees will additionally undertake the complementary academic Post Graduate Certificate in Clinical Echocardiography, and be required to prepare and complete the BSE Transthoracic Accreditation process.

The majority of training and development will take place in Cardiac Investigations Department, but there will be requirements to travel to the academic institution. The training and development will be underpinned by the knowledge and applied learning that forms part of the nationally recognised BSE accreditation programme. The post holder will be expected to undertake a range of scientific and clinical skills, initially under supervision, alongside the compulsory mandatory training.

At all times the Trainee Echocardiographer is expected to work within standard operating policies and procedures of the department and adhere to high standards of professionalism, health and safety, risk reduction, confidentiality, patient care and dignity and respect of equality and diversity as set out in the NHS Constitution.

Main duties of the job

The trainee will undertake the full training programme in order to progress through the academic and practical elements of the training scheme. In doing so they will learn how to perform and interpret clinical and specialist scientific processes. This includes but is not limited to the following:

Perform and interpret specialised cardiac investigations – specifically transthoracic echocardiography

Assist in specialised non-invasive diagnostic investigations – e.g. TOE, DSE

Carry out complex scientific and clinical roles, including those working directly with patients

Analyse, interpret and report on complex data and understand the clinical implications of the data

Communicate and interact effectively within a multidisciplinary team to ensure a positive patient experience.

Initiate and undertake research, clinical innovations and service improvement. Effectively disseminating findings and be involved in the education of healthcare science trainees and other learners in the workplace.

Carry out audit to continuously improve patient care and service needs.

Assist the Clinical Service Lead and other senior members of the team in the day-to-day organisation and delivery of the cardiology diagnostic service.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Scientific and Clinical Practice:

Undertake a range of clinical and scientific investigations as appropriate to the role.

Acquire and maintain a high level of professional competence in the performance of all tests, investigations and measurements carried out.

Interpret and act upon results of tests, investigations and measurements in accordance with departmental policies, procedures and quality systems.

Comment and advice on new proposals and protocols, especially for service improvements.

Assist in the provision of advice to medical, nursing and other healthcare staff on the optimal and safe use of scientific procedures and highly complex equipment, including assisting in the design of new facilities.

Assist with procurement, acceptance and use of medical devices and consumables.

Be responsible for the safe use of complex scientific and medical equipment, including recording all maintenance and calibration procedures performed and any corrective actions undertaken.

Use reagents, consumables, hazardous materials and equipment safely and in accordance with Health & Safety polices.

Participate in risk management procedures including risk assessments and the investigation and reporting of adverse incidents.

Participate in internal and external audit processes and quality systems.

Undertake R & D within the department as an integral part of training and acquire relevant skills to undertake clinical audit.

Assist with supervision and training of support staff, students and new appointees, and participate in departmental seminars and scientific meetings to disseminate knowledge acquired through study and research.

To carry out any other reasonable duties to achieve learning and experience that may be required, which are commensurate with the grade and nature of the post.

• Education and Learning:

Successfully complete the training and assessment programme in conjunction with the training coordinator to achieve certified competence awarded by BSE.

Undertake suitable training to successfully acquire core competencies and thereafter maintain the required standards of competence when undertaking duties.

Take responsibility of own learning and development by recognising and taking advantages of all opportunities to learn, including appraisal, supervision, academic course and problem based learning and maintaining a personal portfolio of learning.

Ensure that own learning needs, identified with the training officer and reflecting the requirements of curriculum are met.

Retain sufficient flexibility and adaptability in learning to order full contribution to improving services in response to changing health care needs.

Maintain knowledge of recent scientific developments and undertake supplementary training to develop both knowledge and skill

Attend mandatory training as required

Participate in internal and external assessment processes

In addition to regular assessment and planning meetings, the trainee will have a biannual meeting to discuss progress and to consider issues relevant to the wider training programme.

• Delivery of patient care-experience and contribution in the following areas:

Provide support to specialist clinics and specialist treatment interventions

Perform, report and interpret a range of investigations undertaken indirectly or directly with patients in a range of care settings.

Specialist care and treatment interventions for patients across a range of clinical pathways and health care settings

Appropriate clinical and scientific advice and interpretation of analytical results

Participate in multidisciplinary meetings

Apply and promote evidence-based practice and use of relevant clinical protocols and procedures.

Ensuring that all equipment used on patients and the public is handled and applied in accordance with health and safety requirements and other nation or international guidelines.

• Communication

Communicate and interpretation of complex clinical, scientific and technical information to a wide range of people including physicians, managers, patients and the public.

Liaise with senior scientists and clinical users of the service on appropriateness of investigations, interventions and tests

Contribute to audits to inform patient management and clinical care.

Contribute to quality relating to accreditation and regulation

Perform quality assurance, process and outcomes audit relevant to specialism

• Clinical Governance:

Maintain standards for health & safety procedures

Comply with quality and governance procedures within the department including risk management and risk mitigation

Maintain high standards of professional and personal conduct

Ensure that patient safety and experience and effectiveness of service are maximised.