Clinical Vascular Scientist

Job responsibilities

As a vascular scientist you will be expected to carry out vascular ultrasound diagnostic investigations to the standards required by the department.

General duties will include:-

• Performing arterial and venous duplex scans to support DVT and stroke services, vascular surgery and other.
• Ensuring high level of patient care.
• Prioritising workload by triaging in-patient requests.
• Independent reporting of scans for consultants/DVT nurses, including appropriate communication of urgent findings.

You will also have the following responsibilities:-

• To explain to patients the nature of the investigation being sensitive to their needs, feelings and sensibilities throughout the procedure. To work closely with other members of the department to achieve best possible results.
• To select the appropriate investigations for each patient, based on the request form and discussion with the patient and to adjust standard procedures as necessary. To interpret findings for inclusion in verbal, written or diagrammatic reports. To be familiar with other modalities which may give similar or complementary information which may assist with the test performed.
• Prioritise & manage own work. To accommodate urgent requests without compromise on quality. Where demands exceed capacity to select investigations with the highest clinical priority.
• To assist with preparation, development and review of protocols for the investigations.
• To retain awareness of the costs of equipment & consumables, to assist with keeping equipment well maintained and clean.
• To participate in teaching & supervision of trainees and other staff. To attend MDT meetings to present findings from Vascular Ultrasound investigations. To participate in and maintain accreditation by performing CPD activities. To maintain awareness of appropriate technical & scientific developments and to attend seminars, courses & conferences as necessary.
• To document each investigation by making appropriate measurements & sketches and by recording appropriate images. To write concise reports with accompanying diagrams where needed. Criteria used must be in accordance with departmental protocols.
• To monitor the accuracy & usefulness of the service through audit and by discussion with colleagues & clinicians. To support and participate in research as agreed with Vascular Ultrasound Lead.
• Appropriate measures must be taken to maintain hygiene and to reduce the risk of cross infection.
• Be compassionate and understanding with patients and be able to deliver unfavourable results sensitively. Be able to work under pressure and in a busy clinical setting.
• It will also be necessary to help patients to move between wheelchairs and couches as well as manoeuvring heavy equipment on occasion.
• Carry out investigations requiring long periods of concentration.
• You will be working independently for much of the time, often with an assistant but sometimes alone

Qualifications

Essential

• BSc. Science subject
• Accredited Vascular Scientist with Society for Vascular Technology of Great Britain & Ireland OR Completion of Vascular STP training

Desirable

• HCPC Registration
• Accredited Vascular Scientist with the Society for Vascular Technology of Great Britain & Ireland (if STP qualified).
• MSc Vascular Science

Experience

Essential

• To be able to work independently in all areas of vascular ultrasound. This includes carotid, lower & upper limb arterial & venous scanning). Vein scanning includes reflux studies, mapping & testing for DVT).
• Experienced in Doppler ABPI testing.
• To manage own workload, prioritise and meet deadlines.
• Evidence of continual professional development
• Participation in departmental audit activities

Desirable

• General Ultrasound experience including abdominal, gynae & pelvic. Pre and post op renal access scanning.
• Post-operative EVAR duplex.
• Experience of Vascular Measurement techniques such as toe pressures & plethysmography
• Experience of training/mentoring students.
• Experience of research participation

Technical skills

Essential

• High standard of clinical competency in a wide range of Vascular Ultrasound examinations.
• Expertise in analysing data, drawing conclusions and presenting information to other clinical staff verbally and using concise reports & diagrams.
• Manual dexterity and hand eye co-ordination skills

Desirable

• Experience of using PACS and RIS

Interpersonal skills

Essential

• Good communicator, compassionate attitude towards patient care.
• Ability to supervise & teach other staff
• Excellent team worker.
• Counselling skills for delivering potentially upsetting information

Personal attributes

Essential

• Ability to work under pressure.
• Showing initiative.
• Able to cope with sometimes distressing situations e.g. when patients receive upsetting news about limb threatening peripheral vascular disease.

Desirable

• Clean and tidy appearance

Other requirements specific to the role

Essential

• Flexible approach to work.
• Participates in care of equipment and routine quality assurance.
• Uniform to be worn during clinical work.

Language requirement

Essential

• Able to speak English as necessary to undertake the role

Knowledge

Essential

• In depth knowledge of anatomy, pathology & clinical conditions related to vascular ultrasound.
• Current Knowledge of best practice and up to date knowledge on current trends in vascular ultrasound.
• Understanding of Clinical Governance, evidence based practice and audit. Understanding of WRULD and knowledge of appropriate scanning techniques to minimize risks.

Desirable

• In depth knowledge of ultrasound quality assurance.

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).