Respiratory Physiologist

Job responsibilities

Clinical

To undertake all routine respiratory physiology procedures within the Respiratory Centre and local health economy to include dynamic and static lung volumes, gas transfer measurements, reversibility testing, pulse oximetry, MIP/MEP/SNIP, exhaled nitric oxide testing, simple field exercise testing (6 minute walk test)

Obtain capillary blood samples using recognised aseptic non-touch techniques and analyse using blood gas analyser.

To assist with advanced procedures (with indirect supervision) challenge testing (skin prick tests), CPAP issue and routine follow up, limited respiratory sleep studies (equipment set up, issue and download), overnight oximetry (screening for sleep disordered breathing).

To assist with specialist procedures (with direct supervision) cardio-pulmonary exercise testing, oxygen assessments (including ambulatory assessments), non-invasive ventilation, fitness to fly testing, Bronchial provocation testing.

To provide accurate technical reports to include clinical interpretation of routine lung function testing.

To develop and maintain knowledge and clinical skills.

To undertake audit and research activities.

To assist with other procedures performed within the Respiratory Centre and local health economy.

Managerial and Organisational

To assist in the training and development of staff within the Respiratory Physiology team and local health economy.

To support the Lead Respiratory Physiologist/Service Manager in the overall delivery of patient focussed services.

To support the Lead Physiologist/Service Manager in the routine management and administrative duties.

Assist with the recruitment of staff.

Assist with the purchase of consumables and equipment.

Ensure data collection is accurate and timely.

Professional development

To undertake personal development review / continual professional development.

To produce and update a portfolio of professional development.

To undertake any additional training in order to perform the duties of the post.

Adopt a professional and flexible approach to the needs of the department and those of the trust.

Other duties

To use and maintain IT systems including locally built databases, e-referral and e reporting, third party software.

To keep senior staff informed of all matters which may affect service continuity.

To be familiar and adhere to all trust policies and procedures with relation to the role.

Please see the Trust website for the full job description and person specification attached to the vacancy.

Qualifications

Essential

• Relevant degree in Clinical Physiology or equivalent (BTEC/HNC MPPM) or Level 6 (degree) HCS Practitioner program
• Completion of apprenticeship program at Level 6
• Completion of PTP Equivalence with AHCS

Desirable

• Professional registration (AHCS / HCPC) or eligible for registration.
• ARTP Practitioner level III professional qualification
• Relevant scientific degree/qualification recognised by RCCP/AHCS e.g. Sports Science
• Significant experience obtained at band 4 Senior Associate level

Experience

Essential

• Knowledge and significant experience (minimum of 2 years) of a broad range of routine respiratory physiology procedures. Experience of advanced procedures performed with indirect/direct supervision.
• Good customer care skills
• Ability to work independently within established policies and procedures.

Desirable

• Has an understanding of non-routine tests acquired through recognised training program as part of degree level or equivalent
• Undertakes sleep diagnostic set up and downloading with basic interpretation (e.g. Overnight Oximetry, Polygraphy and Actigraphy)
• Undertake CPAP set up and CPAP reviews independently
• Undertakes quality assurance processes
• Support service improvement
• Undertake and report routine (spirometry and full lung function tests) and some specialist tests
• Previous experience assisting with CPET, knowledge of basic 12 lead ECG
• Teach and mentor junior/student healthcare scientists and other healthcare professionals the principles and practicalities of basic and some advanced lung function assessments.

Communication

Essential

• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Can provide and receive complex information where tact and persuasive skills are required
• Has experience communicating when there are barriers to understanding

Desirable

• Can communicate technical and clinical information to colleagues and to patients/carers who may have physical or learning disabilities.
• Interaction and communication with patients who may have recently received bad news concerning their health. Dealing with patient concerns, anxieties, distress and possible anger.
• Can extract detailed clinical history, current medication and symptoms from patients undergoing diagnostic tests. Checks for contra-indications
• Obtain a history when screening for obstructive sleep apnoea
• Can communicate importance of test results and accuracy for example pre-operative testing and the possible impact of poorly performed tests.
• Provides advice internally and externally to other healthcare professionals on Respiratory Physiological testing.
• Communicates/discussion on diagnostic findings of sleep diagnostics and the possible impact on driving and the DVLA. Provides detailed instructions on CPAP during initiation of treatment.

Flexibility

Desirable

• Flexibility required with regards to service development, clinic rota, change of work environment, geographical flexibility (i.e. cross-site working), service continuity (covering staff sickness), early morning rota (8.00am starts), late finishing consultant led clinics.

Other

Desirable

• Analytical and judgement skills - test results/ interpretation of routine Respiratory physiology procedures. Provide technical reports including clinical history.
• Highly developed dexterity skills when obtaining capillary blood samples, using skin prick lancets during allergy testing.
• Can plan activity workload for self and others. Plans work for self and junior staff to ensure efficient service delivery - organisational skills.
• Acts as a role model to non-registered/junior staff and students/trainees. Work based supervision of trainees following a recognised training portfolio/program.
• Experience of IT systems to include data manipulation.

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).