Job summary
This is a new and exciting opportunity to
embark on a new Therapy Radiographer apprenticeship programme where you receive
real time on the job training combined with personal study through our Chosen Higher
education Provider, Sheffield Hallam on a 3 year Bsc(hons) degree programme. This
opportunity will lead you to Health Care Professions Council registration as a Therapuetic
Radiographer.
This is an excellent option for
individuals who flourish and learn through practice as well as academics.
Our Cancer service reaches across
Hampshire, IoW and West Sussex, so you will meet patients from different stages
of their cancer journey and become a member of the team who scans, plans and treats
them.
You will learn the key principles of
radiotherapy practice, how radiation works clinically via radiobiology and experience
newer treatment techniques, such as stereotactic.
Our Practice Educator will support you
throughout the apprenticeship in a supportive and positive environment, to achieve
your goals and develop you into an successful Therapy radiographer who can both
deliver a world class Radiotherapy service whilst being a cancer patients
advocate.
Our department is committed to continuous
training and development of the whole team and throughout this programme you will
have opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge, expand your scope of
practice and broaden your experiences, as you successfully complete each stage
of your apprenticeship.
Main duties of the job
We are looking for a self motivated individual who is able to balance independent study and clinical working and has the aptitude to be successful in the academic compenent of the training. Engagement in 20% off the job study including attendance of the Universities teaching sessions are mandatory. The university course commences March 2023; attendance is mostly through distance learning although some days on site at the University is expected.
You will be required to work as part of the radiotherapy team participating in the service delivery core hours of 8am-8pm Monday to Saturday.
You will ideally have experience of working in a health care environment and a passion for caring for others. Being able to work with people who have specific medical, emotional and physical needs. A certain level of physical fitness will be essential given the daily patient manoeuvers, supporting patients of varied fitness, and immobilisation equipment.
You will assist Therapy Radiographers in the safe and effective running of the department and whilst under the supervison of state registered radiographer, will participate in the planning and delivery of radiotherapy treatments.
About us
The Trust is committed to driving excellence in care for our patients and communities and was rated good by the Care Quality Commission report published 2020 and became a University Hospital. We are ranked as the third in the country for research; embedding education and training across the organisation and we continuously strive to achieve our core values which are at the heart of everything we do. The Trusts main hub is the Queen Alexandra Hospital, starting life as a military hospital over a century ago and now one of the largest hospitals on the south coast and you may have seen us on the TV series Nurses on the Ward. The Trust provides comprehensive secondary care and specialist services to a local population of 675,000 people across South East Hampshire. The Trust employs over 8,000 staff and are #ProudtobePHU; our patients come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because its the right thing to do, but because it makes our hospital stronger. If you share our values and our enthusiasm for providing outstanding care and support for patients, colleagues and our community you will find a home at PHU. In recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in
terms of your education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender
identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veterans
status, colour, religion, disability, sexual orientation and beliefs.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To complete a 2- or
3-year University led BSc/MSc Therapeutic Radiography Apprenticeship and to
obtain HCPC registration in order to be able to progress to a Band 5
radiographer post.
- To develop the
knowledge and skills required of a Therapeutic Radiographer as listed in the
job description.
- To attend the mandatory block academic attendance at the selected Higher Education Institute (HEI) likely to be 5 days per block, 1 3 per annum.
- To participate in
all shifts within the department: working hours between 8am-8pm Monday - Saturday.
- To engage in the
mandatory minimum 20% off the job directed and self-directed study, either
locally at the apprenticeship placement or at a Trust hub.
- To engage with the
learning, clinical training and portfolio activities, and discussions with
named mentors and visiting HEI Assessor.
Clinical
- To learn and undertake, under suitable supervision, all the radiotherapy techniques outlined in the apprenticeship program/scope of practice.
- To support and assist the radiographers to contribute to the safe and efficient running of the radiotherapy department.
- To operate, in a safe and controlled manner, the linear accelerators, superficial, and CT scanner on a rota basis, working under the supervision of a Senior Therapy Radiographer and as part of a clinical team. To report all equipment faults to the Team lead and/or clinical engineering.
- To operate the treatment and CT console in accordance with departmental protocols, under the supervision of a Senior Therapy Radiographer, safely and appropriately use the interruption, termination, and emergency off facilities.
- To learn to conduct and complete a range of radiotherapy treatment and planning techniques, upon a range of patient types both as an autonomous practitioner and as part of a multi professional team, in a manner that meets professional, departmental, and legal standards and requirements.
- Correctly identify the patient in line with departmental protocol and assess the patients fitness for treatment and to recognise when advice from a senior member of staff should be sought and to take appropriate action
- To learn to acquire and assess treatment verification images against accepted local protocols, and to act appropriately according to findings.
- To check and record treatment relevant data into ARIA record and verify system and learn the full functionality of the system to enable safe and efficient treatment of the patient, in a paperless department
- To be able to use the Trust and departmental information computer system to, check treatment data, patients test results and appointments.
- To relate to all manner of patients with empathy and compassion, to respect their privacy and dignity and provide a caring and confidential service.
- Participation in the on call and Bank holiday rotas as required.
- To undertake the departmental and Trust induction programme.
- To adhere to all Trust policies including the Health and Safety Regulations; COSHH Regulations; the Data Protection Act.
- To comply with all radiation protection policies such as Ionising Radiation Regulations 2017, IR(ME)R 2000.
- To ensure that the departments identification policy is adhered to and that all patients are correctly identified prior to undergoing any radiation exposures.
- To report all incidents, untoward incidents, complaints and near misses to self, patients, or carers to the appropriate professional within a timely manner, using the Datix reporting system.
To observe all manual handling criteria when: -
- Moving patients from waiting areas into the treatment rooms
- Transferring patients on and off the treatment couch
- Positioning patients into the correct treatment /Scanning position
- Moving patient immobilisation devices.
- To be aware of and participate in all Quality Control procedures within the Department, including routine Quality Assurance control checks for all radiotherapy equipment according to local protocols to ensure the equipment is safe for clinical use. To complete the local quality assurance checks as required.
- To be aware of and participate in the quality management system and to complete allocated department clinical audits, in a timely fashion.
- To undertake any further relevant duties as required when requested by the Band 6/7 Radiographer, Superintendent Team or Radiotherapy Services Manager.
Professional
- To continuously develop to act as an independent radiographer, meeting the standards set out within the Healthcare Professional Councils standards of proficiency.
- To use professional discretion and acquired experience to ensure clinical practice is carried out correctly, professionally and within the legal framework.
- To maintain own level of competence through continuing professional development through participation in internal and external development opportunities and to maintain a portfolio of evidence in support of CPD undertaken.
- To identify key areas of self-progression, development and gaps in clinical practice during appraisals, one-to-one sessions with mentor.
- To undertake and participate in clinical audit and research as required and to act on the findings where possible.
- To treat as confidential all patient information obtained in the course of this post.
Communication
To communicate effectively and appropriately, with all users of the service, across all age groups and abilities, observing confidentiality and information governance. This will include: -
- Patients, Carers & Relatives: to explain procedures, pre and post care, to check allergies and other contra indications, follow up procedures, radiation issues; appointments.
- Consultants: to discuss treatment or scanning techniques, on treatment verification results, blood results and appointments.
- Physics and Dosimetry staff: identified discrepancies between planned and delivered treatment doses, to discuss upcoming treatment plans and to escalate any sudden changes to a patients plan.
- Other Health Care Professionals: to discuss patient treatment, preparation and post procedure care, radiation issues, appointments; service issues and problems.
- Wards/Departments: on any issues involving patients; on any issue affecting the provision of the radiotherapy service.
- Admin staff: Patient appointment, patient details and information preparation, transport bookings.
Physical Effort & Working Conditions
The post holder will: -
- Have frequent use of VDU equipment.
- Have regular exposure to distressing or emotional situations daily e.g., caring for terminally ill patients or, giving feedback of a negative nature to trainees.
- Have frequent exposure to body fluids e.g., blood, urine etc and exposure to patients who have infectious or communicable diseases or infections.
- Have some exposure to unpredictable workload.
- Be required to position and manoeuvre patients and equipment daily. In any clinical situation, patients may be ambulant, in a wheelchair, or on a bed or stretcher. Transfer to a treatment couch is necessary.
- Movement of wheelchairs, stretchers/beds over short distances throughout the working period is required.
- Be able to stand for long periods of time.
- Be required to undertake a moderate amount of heavy lifting, which includes accurate patient movements and the lifting of heavy accessory equipment.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To complete a 2- or
3-year University led BSc/MSc Therapeutic Radiography Apprenticeship and to
obtain HCPC registration in order to be able to progress to a Band 5
radiographer post.
- To develop the
knowledge and skills required of a Therapeutic Radiographer as listed in the
job description.
- To attend the mandatory block academic attendance at the selected Higher Education Institute (HEI) likely to be 5 days per block, 1 3 per annum.
- To participate in
all shifts within the department: working hours between 8am-8pm Monday - Saturday.
- To engage in the
mandatory minimum 20% off the job directed and self-directed study, either
locally at the apprenticeship placement or at a Trust hub.
- To engage with the
learning, clinical training and portfolio activities, and discussions with
named mentors and visiting HEI Assessor.
Clinical
- To learn and undertake, under suitable supervision, all the radiotherapy techniques outlined in the apprenticeship program/scope of practice.
- To support and assist the radiographers to contribute to the safe and efficient running of the radiotherapy department.
- To operate, in a safe and controlled manner, the linear accelerators, superficial, and CT scanner on a rota basis, working under the supervision of a Senior Therapy Radiographer and as part of a clinical team. To report all equipment faults to the Team lead and/or clinical engineering.
- To operate the treatment and CT console in accordance with departmental protocols, under the supervision of a Senior Therapy Radiographer, safely and appropriately use the interruption, termination, and emergency off facilities.
- To learn to conduct and complete a range of radiotherapy treatment and planning techniques, upon a range of patient types both as an autonomous practitioner and as part of a multi professional team, in a manner that meets professional, departmental, and legal standards and requirements.
- Correctly identify the patient in line with departmental protocol and assess the patients fitness for treatment and to recognise when advice from a senior member of staff should be sought and to take appropriate action
- To learn to acquire and assess treatment verification images against accepted local protocols, and to act appropriately according to findings.
- To check and record treatment relevant data into ARIA record and verify system and learn the full functionality of the system to enable safe and efficient treatment of the patient, in a paperless department
- To be able to use the Trust and departmental information computer system to, check treatment data, patients test results and appointments.
- To relate to all manner of patients with empathy and compassion, to respect their privacy and dignity and provide a caring and confidential service.
- Participation in the on call and Bank holiday rotas as required.
- To undertake the departmental and Trust induction programme.
- To adhere to all Trust policies including the Health and Safety Regulations; COSHH Regulations; the Data Protection Act.
- To comply with all radiation protection policies such as Ionising Radiation Regulations 2017, IR(ME)R 2000.
- To ensure that the departments identification policy is adhered to and that all patients are correctly identified prior to undergoing any radiation exposures.
- To report all incidents, untoward incidents, complaints and near misses to self, patients, or carers to the appropriate professional within a timely manner, using the Datix reporting system.
To observe all manual handling criteria when: -
- Moving patients from waiting areas into the treatment rooms
- Transferring patients on and off the treatment couch
- Positioning patients into the correct treatment /Scanning position
- Moving patient immobilisation devices.
- To be aware of and participate in all Quality Control procedures within the Department, including routine Quality Assurance control checks for all radiotherapy equipment according to local protocols to ensure the equipment is safe for clinical use. To complete the local quality assurance checks as required.
- To be aware of and participate in the quality management system and to complete allocated department clinical audits, in a timely fashion.
- To undertake any further relevant duties as required when requested by the Band 6/7 Radiographer, Superintendent Team or Radiotherapy Services Manager.
Professional
- To continuously develop to act as an independent radiographer, meeting the standards set out within the Healthcare Professional Councils standards of proficiency.
- To use professional discretion and acquired experience to ensure clinical practice is carried out correctly, professionally and within the legal framework.
- To maintain own level of competence through continuing professional development through participation in internal and external development opportunities and to maintain a portfolio of evidence in support of CPD undertaken.
- To identify key areas of self-progression, development and gaps in clinical practice during appraisals, one-to-one sessions with mentor.
- To undertake and participate in clinical audit and research as required and to act on the findings where possible.
- To treat as confidential all patient information obtained in the course of this post.
Communication
To communicate effectively and appropriately, with all users of the service, across all age groups and abilities, observing confidentiality and information governance. This will include: -
- Patients, Carers & Relatives: to explain procedures, pre and post care, to check allergies and other contra indications, follow up procedures, radiation issues; appointments.
- Consultants: to discuss treatment or scanning techniques, on treatment verification results, blood results and appointments.
- Physics and Dosimetry staff: identified discrepancies between planned and delivered treatment doses, to discuss upcoming treatment plans and to escalate any sudden changes to a patients plan.
- Other Health Care Professionals: to discuss patient treatment, preparation and post procedure care, radiation issues, appointments; service issues and problems.
- Wards/Departments: on any issues involving patients; on any issue affecting the provision of the radiotherapy service.
- Admin staff: Patient appointment, patient details and information preparation, transport bookings.
Physical Effort & Working Conditions
The post holder will: -
- Have frequent use of VDU equipment.
- Have regular exposure to distressing or emotional situations daily e.g., caring for terminally ill patients or, giving feedback of a negative nature to trainees.
- Have frequent exposure to body fluids e.g., blood, urine etc and exposure to patients who have infectious or communicable diseases or infections.
- Have some exposure to unpredictable workload.
- Be required to position and manoeuvre patients and equipment daily. In any clinical situation, patients may be ambulant, in a wheelchair, or on a bed or stretcher. Transfer to a treatment couch is necessary.
- Movement of wheelchairs, stretchers/beds over short distances throughout the working period is required.
- Be able to stand for long periods of time.
- Be required to undertake a moderate amount of heavy lifting, which includes accurate patient movements and the lifting of heavy accessory equipment.
Person Specification
Experience
Desirable
- Previous experience of an Oncology department or other NHS clinical role.
Qualifications
Essential
- To comply with the entry requirements specified by the HEI provider.
- English & Maths GCSE Grade C (4) or above plus one of the following:
- 120 UCAS points from 3 A level science subjects (please check job description document for list of science subjects).
- Equivalent from national BTEC qualifications e.g.: extended diploma in applied science, health science or health studies. Successful completion of an Access to HE Diploma in health studies, health science, nursing, or another science-based course.
- Previous degree in a related subject.
- Evidence of successful study at level 3 and a minimum of 6 months experience in a support worker capacity.
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- High levels of concentration required.
- Demonstrate computer and keyboard literacy.
- Professional Appearance.
- Demonstrate inter-personal skills that promote confidence, compassion, empathy, respect and trust.
- Self-motivated to learn and develop.
- Able to use initiative.
- Flexible, punctual and reliable.
- Able to handle stressful situations.
- Confident manner.
- Able to communicate effectively across a range of mediums, and with a range of individuals.
Other
Essential
- Able to meet the travel requirements of the HEI selected, including block overnight stays if necessary.
- Ability to manage work and self-directed learning.
- Ability to stand for long periods of time and have the strength and flexibility to manoeuvre equipment.
Person Specification
Experience
Desirable
- Previous experience of an Oncology department or other NHS clinical role.
Qualifications
Essential
- To comply with the entry requirements specified by the HEI provider.
- English & Maths GCSE Grade C (4) or above plus one of the following:
- 120 UCAS points from 3 A level science subjects (please check job description document for list of science subjects).
- Equivalent from national BTEC qualifications e.g.: extended diploma in applied science, health science or health studies. Successful completion of an Access to HE Diploma in health studies, health science, nursing, or another science-based course.
- Previous degree in a related subject.
- Evidence of successful study at level 3 and a minimum of 6 months experience in a support worker capacity.
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- High levels of concentration required.
- Demonstrate computer and keyboard literacy.
- Professional Appearance.
- Demonstrate inter-personal skills that promote confidence, compassion, empathy, respect and trust.
- Self-motivated to learn and develop.
- Able to use initiative.
- Flexible, punctual and reliable.
- Able to handle stressful situations.
- Confident manner.
- Able to communicate effectively across a range of mediums, and with a range of individuals.
Other
Essential
- Able to meet the travel requirements of the HEI selected, including block overnight stays if necessary.
- Ability to manage work and self-directed learning.
- Ability to stand for long periods of time and have the strength and flexibility to manoeuvre equipment.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
