Trainee/Qualified Advanced Practice Sonographer

Job overview

We are seeking Advanced Practice Sonographers (band 8a) to join the Ultrasound leadership team in Derriford Hospital, Plymouth.

The Advanced Practice Sonographer will be leading a team who shares the values of kindness, respect, honesty, professionalism, support, hardworking, teamwork, learning and teaching. The post holder should have a self awareness of their own unique strengths to bring out the best in themselves, and each member of the ultrasound team, to deliver excellent care to our patients. They should also be aware of how to use these strengths to navigate challenging situations.

The Advanced Practice Sonographer must fulfil the Multi Professional Framework for Advanced Clinical Practice in England, and evidence advanced clinical practice, education, research, leadership and management skills.

Candidates who do not meet all of the criteria in the job description may be appointed as Trainee Advanced Practice Sonographer (band 7)  with the expectation that all elements are met in 3 years.

We welcome informal discussions and/or visits.  This can be arranged by contacting  Qiqi Lam, Superintendent Sonographer using email [email protected].

***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***

Main duties of the job

- Work in accordance with the Multi-professional Framework for Advanced Clinical Practice in England (HEE, 2017) and University Hospitals Plymouth (UHP) Trust Framework for Advanced Practice.

- Utilise advanced clinical skills within an interdepartmental and/or multidisciplinary team to ensure that patients within the Ultrasound service receive holistic, timely and high quality care.

- Exercise autonomous clinical expertise, high levels of judgement, discretion, and decision- making in care, in accordance with their scope of practice.

- Draw on expertise utilising the four pillars of advanced practice to lead and influence improvements to standards of care.

- Develop a culture of organisational learning to inspire future and existing staff.

- Influence and lead on the improvement of care though clinical governance, audit, quality improvement and research in collaboration with clinical and academic colleagues.

- Demonstrate compassionate leadership in daily working.

For further details please see attached job description.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical Practice

To possess a scope of clinical practice within legal, ethical, professional and organisational policies, governance and procedures, with a focus on managing risk and upholding safety.

*Advanced Practice Sonographers in General Ultrasound (non MSK) must be expert, being able to teach and provide second opinion where appropriate, in all these areas: abdominal, gynaecology, testicular, DVT, paediatric and neck ultrasound, including fine needle aspirations. The post holder needs to also be expert at least one of the following areas: contrast enhanced ultrasound studies, neonatal ultrasound or HyCoSy.

*Advanced Practice Sonographers in MSK Ultrasound must be expert, being able to teach and provide second opinion where appropriate, in upper limp, lower limp, lumps, groin and abdominal wall ultrasound, and be able to perform ultrasound guided injections and aspirations. The post holder must also be experienced in abdominal, gynaecology, testicular and DVT ultrasound.

Leadership and Management

Participates in the investigation of clinical incidents and serious incidents.

Leads and facilitates others to share lessons learned adapt systems and processes accordingly.

Support team members from a managerial perspective including direct line manger responsibilities, such as sickness management, appraisals and conduct management.

Education

Actively contribute to regular image review meetings within Ultrasound and contribute content for CME programmes for Ultrasound team.

To oversee the preceptorship programme in ultrasound team.

Act as a role model, educator, supervisor, coach and mentor, seeking to instil and develop the confidence of others.

Research

Develop a ‘knowledge rich enquiry culture’ where research values are promoted and encouraged.

Lead and participate in quality improvement projects within Ultrasound and Imaging.

Contribute towards the research culture in the Ultrasound team and support sonographers who undertake research projects and colleagues undertaking the Masters qualifications.

Please refer to job description for full details.