Cardiorespiratory Assistant/Associate

Job description

Job responsibilities

JOB SUMMARY:

• A newly created, progressive post which is designed to provide growth and development within the role.
• Initially performing a range of cardiac and respiratory diagnostic tests including ECG, ambulatory monitoring and simple spirometry the role will move on to interpretation and the training of others in the same.
• With a program of internal and external training, once the successful candidate has obtained the required healthcare science qualifications the post will progress from cardio-respiratory assistant (band 3) to cardio-respiratory associate (band 4).
• Subject to academic support and funding there is potential for this role to lead to an apprenticeship.

SECTION 1- MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

General

• Perform 12 lead ECG, ambulatory ECG and BP monitoring and simple spirometry.
• Participate in relevant training both internal and external in relation to performing ECG and spirometry.
• Actively participate in the ongoing transformation of the CRI unit, delivering excellent quality patient care for patients requiring cardi-respiratory diagnostic services.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with the immediate CRI team as well as the wider Tameside & Glossop network.
• Cover clerical roles as required; checking patients in on arrival, booking appointments etc.
• Deal with queries in person, by telephone and/ or email in a professional and reassuring manner.
• Communicate effectively with patients, carers, colleagues and healthcare professionals.

Cardio-Respiratory Associate

In addition to the responsibilities noted above;

• Complete training and demonstrate competency in the interpretation and understanding of ECG.
• Complete training and demonstrate competency in interpretation and reporting of simple spirometry.
• Assist in the development and delivery of training in modalities where competency is already obtained.
• Oversee the ambulatory ECG and BP monitor service.

HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT:

• Actively participate in the delivery of excellent quality patient care
• Work co-operatively with colleagues both within and outside of the department to improve patient experience
• Implement existing policies and participate in development of policies and procedures
• Ensure efficient and effective use of resources
• Demonstrate and promote dignity, respect, compassion, integrity and kindness
• Celebrate diversity

SECTION 2- KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Knowledge and understanding of Trust values
• Excellent interpersonal skills, communicating effectively even when there may be a barrier to communication
• Work autonomously when appropriate whilst being comfortable to ask for assistance when needed
• Able to work effectively under pressure
• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• Flexible and adaptable
• Caring and empathetic
• Calm in emergency situations

SECTION 3- EFFORT AND ENVIRONMENT

• Regular need for prolonged periods of concentration and computer use
• Regular need to multitask and maintain concentration in a busy office environment with potential for regular interruptions
• Occasional exposure to distressing situations e.g. very poorly patients
• Occasional exposure to unpleasant environments e.g. foul smells, bodily fluids etc
• Regular interactions with anxious patients, occassional interactions with irate patients and rarely with aggressive individuals

SECTION 4-ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

1. To provide cover for colleagues as directed by your manager.

1. Risk Management (Health & Safety)
2. a) You will follow risk management procedures at all times. The Risk Management procedures for the Trust and the department are kept by the departmental manager.

1. b) You are personally responsible for Risk Management issues in respect of yourself and your colleagues.

1. c) If you identify a potential hazard you should report it to your manager / supervisor at once. If in doubt you should speak to your manager for guidance.

1. d) You must always use safety equipment provided, and report any defects to your manager. You must attend Risk Management Training as directed by your manager.

1. e) If you are a manager or have line management responsibilities for staff or a department or area of work, you are responsible for the Risk Management issues in that area. You will ensure that there is an annual Risk Management audit in your area and make sure that where necessary, an action plan eradicating risks is drawn up and implemented.

1. f) Should you need help in resolving Risk Management matters, you must seek assistance from your manager.

1. Infection Prevention and Control
2. a) You are personally responsible for ensuring that you protect yourself, patients, visitors and colleagues from the risks of infection associated with health care activities and the care environment.

1. b) You must adhere to infection prevention and control policies at all times liaising with the infection control team and acting on any instructions given.

1. c) You must attend regular infection prevention and control update training.

1. d) You should at all times promote and demonstrate good practice for the prevention and control of infection.

1. To avoid any behaviour which discriminates against your fellow employees, or potential employees on the grounds of their sex, sexual orientation, marital status, race, religion, creed, colour, nationality, ethnic origin or disability.

1. To safeguard at all times confidentiality of information relating to patients and staff.

6 Child Protection and Vulnerable People

It is the responsibility of all staff to safeguard children and/or vulnerable adults, to access training to ensure they know what constitutes abuse, and what support is available to them, at a level appropriate to their role and responsibilities.

To report any concerns, without delay, to the identified person within their department/division or area of responsibility as per the relevant policies, keeping clear records, and following up as required to ensure necessary actions have been taken.

1. No Smoking Policy

The Trust operates a No Smoking Policy which states that smoking is prohibited within all Trust premises and on the site. This includes entrances, exits, cars, lease cars, car parks, pavements and walkways, areas hidden from general view and residences. As an employee of the Trust you are expected to comply with this policy, failure to do so may result in disciplinary action being taken under the Trusts Conduct and Disciplinary Policy.

1. To behave in a manner which ensures the security of NHS property and resources.

1. To abide by all relevant Trust Policies and Procedures.

This list of duties and responsibilities is by no means exhaustive, and the post holder may be required to undertake other relevant and appropriate duties as required.

This job description is subject to regular review and appropriate modification in consultation with the post holder.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Educated to GCSE (grade A-C) or equivalent including English and Maths

Experience

Essential

• Experience of performing 12-lead ECG
• Experience of dealing with patients in a healthcare setting

Desirable

• Experience of fitting ambulatory ECG and BP monitors
• Experience of performing simple spirometry
• Dealing with people who may be anxious, ill, angry, upset
• Experience of dealing with healthcare professionals
• Improving and developing processes/ services
• Experience of training others

Skills

Essential

• Excellent communication skills; able to communicate information to a range of people
• Articulate with good written and spoken English
• Good IT skills
• Ability to work autonomously
• High degree of organisational skills
• Work effectively within a multidisciplinary team
• Good time management
• Excellent attention to detail

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).

Employer details

Employer name

Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Tameside General Hospital

Ashton Under Lyne

OL6 9RW

Employer's website

https://www.tamesidehospital.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)