Job summary
An exciting opportunity has risen for a Trainee Plaster Technician to join our team in the fracture clinic at St Thomas' hospital. The trainee role will involve an annex 21 pay scale meaning you will be commenced on 70% of the top band 5 salary for the 1st year. This will increase to the 1st tier on the band 5 salary on successful completion of the plaster course.
Successful applicants will have an NVQ 3 in Health and Social care or the care certificate, excellent communication and time management skills and a Basic knowledge of muscular skeletal anatomy and physiology.
The trainee plaster technician/orthopaedic practitioner role will involve working with our qualified orthopaedic practitioners to develop skills in applying variety of casts and appliances to our patients in the fracture clinic as well as inpatients on the wards. You will be supported to develop your skills and once ready supported through the plaster course to qualify as an orthopaedic practitioner.
Candidates must have basic IT skills, be willing to learn a variety of new procedures and techniques. Willing to work as part of a team to provide the best care for our patients.
If you are interested in this post and would like to arrange an informal visit please contact Michelle Hulland, Plastic and Trauma Orthopaedic Outpatient sister on Bleep 1459 or alternatively Margaret Kallon (Matron for surgery) on Bleep 2344 via switch board.
Main duties of the job
To provide high quality, patient focused service for orthopaedic patients both within the department and throughout both hospitals as requested. Ensuring patients receive the correct cast or brace for their injury and are instructed how to manage it to receive the best outcome from the injury. To Manage their own time effectively, to plan daily workload around clinic timetables and ward/theatre cases.
The post holder will be a key member in relation to the development of practice in the clinic. They will be working independently/autonomously and at times without direct supervision, accountable for their own professional actions. Ensuring the safety and well being of services users, and always working in a manner that promotes dignity and human rights through the adoption of person centered care principles.
The post requires applicant to be able to work under pressure, demonstrate excellent clinical and communication skills, be willingness to learn and develop new skills and strive to provide the optimum care for patients and their relatives.
If you are hardworking, keen to develop your skills and have a positive attitude towards patient care and team working in the field of orthopaedics then we look forward to hearing from you soon
About us
Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust comprises five of the UK's best known hospitals - Guy's, St Thomas', Evelina London Children's Hospital, Royal Brompton and Harefield - as well as community services in Lambeth and Southwark, all with a long history of high quality care, clinical excellence, research and innovation.
We are among the UK's busiest, most successful foundation trusts. We provide specialist care for patients including heart and lung, cancer and renal services as well as a full range of local hospital and community services for people in Lambeth and Southwark.
We have a long tradition of clinical and scientific achievement and - as part of King's Health Partners - we are one of England's eight academic health sciences centres, bringing together world-class clinical services, teaching and research. We have one of the National Institute for Health Research's biomedical research centres, established with King's College London in 2007, as well as dedicated clinical research facilities.
We strive to recruit and retain the best staff as the dedication and skills of our employees lie at the heart of our organisation and ensure that our services are of the highest quality, safe and focused on our patients.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To provide high quality, patient focused service for orthopaedic patients both within the department and throughout both hospitals as requested. Ensuring patients receive the correct cast or brace for their injury and are instructed how to manage it to receive the best outcome from the injury. To Manage their own time effectively, to plan daily workload around clinic timetables and ward/theatre cases.
To be an autonomous practitioner, wholly accountable for his/her practice while taking every reasonable opportunity to advance his/her knowledge and professional competence.
To build cohesive relationships, communicate with, and effectively function as part of the multidisciplinary team.
To assist / perform procedures necessary for examination, investigation and treatment of patients.
To have extensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology and be able to interpret x-rays to enable specific cast application.
To deliver a high standard of individualised care and act as the patients advocate at all times.
To report any problems ie wounds under plaster casts/infections to the sister or nurse in charge.
To be a point of contact for patients experiencing any problems with casts, plasters or orthotics.
To assess patients following the application of a cast / brace / splint to ensure their social and safety needs are met. Referring to the nurse in charge or appropriate discipline as required.
To provide walking aids, slings and splints as required and ensure patients are educated in their use, and safe before they leave the department.
To keep up to date with all new types of casting materials for immobilisation/splinting and communicate information to all of the relevant multi-disciplinary teams.
To attend and participate in all departmental meetings and to be proactive in promoting new ideas and methods of delivering care, and be instrumental in their implementation through liaison and communication with the multi-disciplinary team.
Professional / clinical responsibilities
Will act in accordance with local, hospital and statuary guidelines and policies including health and safety initiatives.
Will maintain a high standard of care and give courteous reception to all patients and visitors.
Take all possible precautions to safeguard the welfare and safety of staff, service users, visitors and the public, by implementing all policies related to health, safety, security and risk.
To act as a role model, providing teaching mentoring and guidance to all nursing staff, medical staff and students. To manage / organise own time enabling an efficient service throughout the orthopaedic departments and wards.
Monitor, audit and analyse records of treatment to ensure constant continuity and improvement of care.
To be aware of the implications of the NHS plan and all targets relevant to outpatient services. To be proactive by helping to evaluate and audit services with achieving these targets in mind.
To be aware of how the plaster room services impact on patients length of stay on the ward and organise provision to accommodate this.
To assess own educational needs and take steps to keep up to date with all relevant clinical developments in line with the trust requirements.
To participate in individual performance review to set and achieve targets in accordance with trust policy.
Please see detailed Job Description for further information
Job description
Job responsibilities
To provide high quality, patient focused service for orthopaedic patients both within the department and throughout both hospitals as requested. Ensuring patients receive the correct cast or brace for their injury and are instructed how to manage it to receive the best outcome from the injury. To Manage their own time effectively, to plan daily workload around clinic timetables and ward/theatre cases.
To be an autonomous practitioner, wholly accountable for his/her practice while taking every reasonable opportunity to advance his/her knowledge and professional competence.
To build cohesive relationships, communicate with, and effectively function as part of the multidisciplinary team.
To assist / perform procedures necessary for examination, investigation and treatment of patients.
To have extensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology and be able to interpret x-rays to enable specific cast application.
To deliver a high standard of individualised care and act as the patients advocate at all times.
To report any problems ie wounds under plaster casts/infections to the sister or nurse in charge.
To be a point of contact for patients experiencing any problems with casts, plasters or orthotics.
To assess patients following the application of a cast / brace / splint to ensure their social and safety needs are met. Referring to the nurse in charge or appropriate discipline as required.
To provide walking aids, slings and splints as required and ensure patients are educated in their use, and safe before they leave the department.
To keep up to date with all new types of casting materials for immobilisation/splinting and communicate information to all of the relevant multi-disciplinary teams.
To attend and participate in all departmental meetings and to be proactive in promoting new ideas and methods of delivering care, and be instrumental in their implementation through liaison and communication with the multi-disciplinary team.
Professional / clinical responsibilities
Will act in accordance with local, hospital and statuary guidelines and policies including health and safety initiatives.
Will maintain a high standard of care and give courteous reception to all patients and visitors.
Take all possible precautions to safeguard the welfare and safety of staff, service users, visitors and the public, by implementing all policies related to health, safety, security and risk.
To act as a role model, providing teaching mentoring and guidance to all nursing staff, medical staff and students. To manage / organise own time enabling an efficient service throughout the orthopaedic departments and wards.
Monitor, audit and analyse records of treatment to ensure constant continuity and improvement of care.
To be aware of the implications of the NHS plan and all targets relevant to outpatient services. To be proactive by helping to evaluate and audit services with achieving these targets in mind.
To be aware of how the plaster room services impact on patients length of stay on the ward and organise provision to accommodate this.
To assess own educational needs and take steps to keep up to date with all relevant clinical developments in line with the trust requirements.
To participate in individual performance review to set and achieve targets in accordance with trust policy.
Please see detailed Job Description for further information
Person Specification
Knowledge/Qualifications
Essential
- 5 GCSE's including maths and English or equivalent
- Evidence of ongoing professional development
- NVQ level 3 in health and social care or a Care certificate
- Recognised plaster course or willing to undertake course
Desirable
- Backslab/splinting competencies
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working within a multidisciplinary team
- Experience of fitting splints, braces and walking aids
- Experience of application and removal of backslabs or casts
- Experience working in an outpatient setting
Desirable
- Experience applying full casts
- Knowledge of wound care specific to post trauma / orthopaedic patients
Skills
Essential
- Knowledge of anatomy and physiology of skeleton and supporting structures
- Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
- Basic computer skills
- Able to co-ordinate a clinic
Desirable
- Experience of resource management and stock control
- Advanced computer skills
Person Specification
Knowledge/Qualifications
Essential
- 5 GCSE's including maths and English or equivalent
- Evidence of ongoing professional development
- NVQ level 3 in health and social care or a Care certificate
- Recognised plaster course or willing to undertake course
Desirable
- Backslab/splinting competencies
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working within a multidisciplinary team
- Experience of fitting splints, braces and walking aids
- Experience of application and removal of backslabs or casts
- Experience working in an outpatient setting
Desirable
- Experience applying full casts
- Knowledge of wound care specific to post trauma / orthopaedic patients
Skills
Essential
- Knowledge of anatomy and physiology of skeleton and supporting structures
- Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
- Basic computer skills
- Able to co-ordinate a clinic
Desirable
- Experience of resource management and stock control
- Advanced computer skills
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.
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).
Additional information
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.
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).
