Job responsibilities
Main Duties/Key Results Areas:
Act independently in the assessment of referrals for Ultrasound examinations, taking full responsibility for the justification of general Ultrasound examinations. Supervise Sonographers in this process if required.
- Maintain a high level of expertise in the safe operation of Ultrasound equipment and manage faults effectively.
- To comply with and contribute to the implementation of departmental and professional policies and procedures such as:
- Health +Safety including risk assessment and COSHH
- ALARA principles
- Quality Assurance Program
- Clinical Effectiveness
- Clinical Audit
- To be able to exercise personal responsibility and make decisions in complex and unpredictable circumstances e.g. Prioritising patients according to clinical need in an ultrasound and radiological situation.
- To work as part of a team within the Imaging Department and the wider Trust environment to ensure effective communication and delivery of care
- To work in a team under challenging circumstances always maintaining a calm and collaborative manner.
- To raise issues appropriately and face to face with relevant individuals to resolve conflict keeping the organisational iCARE behaviours uppermost.
MANAGEMENT DUTIES
- Provide leadership and supervision more junior grades in difficult situations such as very busy periods and with patients requiring multiple examinations.
- To be responsible for the care and safe handling of equipment and accessories in the area of work
- To ensure that equipment faults are recorded appropriately and reported to the relevant Lead Sonographer
- To trouble-shoot equipment faults and make suitable provision for the service in the event of equipment failure. Notifying the relevant senior member of staff in the area
- To provide advice and reassurance to more junior members of staff and assist in their handling of patients concerns
- To provide help and advice to more junior staff in prioritising their work and delegate other non-clinical tasks
- To maintain a high level of expertise in the safe operation of Imaging equipment and manage faults effectively per departmental policy and procedure
- To assist in implementing and developing service protocols and audit programmes within the Ultrasound Department
- To act independently in the assessment of referrals for Ultrasound examinations, taking full responsibility for the justification of ALARA principles. Supervise Sonographers in this process if required
- To maintain knowledge of technological and technical advances in methods of diagnostic Imaging in order to promote a culture of continuous improvement within the department
- To delegate appropriate tasks and supervise more junior Sonographers and Sonographic Helpers to achieve the desired quality of patient care
- To be actively involved in the training and assessment of student sonographers, Radiographers and other learners on clinical placement, always providing direct supervision. Maintain the required knowledge and skills to provide effective training, keeping up to date with current advances in technology and diagnostic techniques
- To manage competing demands including a requirement to take accountability for own list which includes explanations to patients regarding delays or re-bookings.
- To ensure that time and slots are used effectively and efficiently maximising capacity where possible.
CLINICAL DUTIES
- To perform abdominal, renal, gynaecological, testicular, abdominal wall, and groin ultrasound examinations, in accordance with the departmental policies and protocols, having first assessed the clinical requirement
- To provide a formal report of the ultrasound findings according to an agreed protocol
- To provide expert clinical advice to clinicians for gynaecological, general, testicular, groin, abdominal wall and thyroid examinations either verbally or via a written report
- To obtain patient consent and co-operation for examinations in accordance with the Patients Charter and departmental policies
- To prioritise workload depending on the clinical condition of the patient and the direct impact on their management. Organise Ultrasound or Radiographic cover appropriately
- To be responsible for referring patients for follow-up examinations both ultrasound and other imaging modalities when clinically necessary
- To develop knowledge and understanding within evidence-based framework and transfer to situations encountered in practice
- To present educational material to colleagues on a regular basis
- To provide advice to more junior staff on guidelines for relevant Ultrasound examinations
- To maintain accurate patient records with proper use of the departmental systems and procedures, in accordance with the Data Protection Act
- To participate in mandatory training and actively pursue Continuous Professional Development, keeping an up-to-date personal record
- Liaise with fellow healthcare workers and referring clinicians to provide a high-quality imaging service to patients
- Provide advice to clinicians on the nature of a diagnostic image either verbally or using the red dot system to identify pathology
- Maintain accurate patient records by input of accurate information to reflect the service provided and meet professional standards, in accordance with the Data Protection Act
- Have skill in adapting imaging technique for patients with injuries and illness, and utilise developed motivational and persuasive skills to acquire correct position and reduce mobility to produce an acceptable diagnostic image
- Develop knowledge and understanding within evidence-based framework and transfer to situations encountered in practice
- Consult with senior sonographers who will be available on a daily basis and provide direct supervision and training when required
- Participate in appraisals undertaken by the Superintendent or Senior Sonographer in order to agree an annual performance development plan
TEACHING AND TRAINING DUTIES
- To participate in the induction and training of new staff and support the undergraduate and post graduate degree programmes.
- To assist in the training of sonography and medical staff in specialised areas.
- To provide assistance and be actively involved in departmental projects and audits.
- To attend mandatory training.
- To actively pursue training courses/study days applicable to the role in order to maintain a high level of expertise and current knowledge
- Using knowledge and skills attained through experience, training and CPD be actively involved in the training and development of more junior members of staff
PAY
A retention premia of £2K per year will be paid to all sonographers.
A reporting allowance will be paid to all sonographers based on skill set as described below:
Grade 1 (5% midpoint of band)
Grade 2 (10% midpoint of band)
Grade 3 (15% midpoint of band)
PgC only and qualified >6months general/gyn
Qualified >6 month post qualification PgD in general/gyn + one skill from the list below
Qualified >6 month Competent in general/gyn
Plus MSc and competent in with two skills from the list below
OR
Qualified >6 month Competent in general/gyn
PLUS 3 or more additional skills from list below
*Must be signed off competent by US lead and have university accredited qualification and be practicing independently in all areas of obs/gynae
*Must be signed off competent by US lead and have university accredited qualification and be practicing independently in all areas of obs/gynae and abdominal scanning.
*Must be signed off competent by US lead or Substantive Consultant Radiologist and have university accredited qualification
Sonographer Skill Sets
MSK
Neonatal hips
Hernia
Thyroid
Testes
Breast
Paediatrics
Management
Lumps and bumps
