Trainee Echocardiographer (ETP)

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

This post is for an 18 month, full-time integrated training scheme to deliver the Academic and work place training based at the Luton & Dunstable Hospital leading to both a post-graduate certificate in Echocardiography and Level 2 BSE Accreditation in Transthoracic Echocardiography. The programme will start in October 2024.

Trainees, funded at A4C Band 6, are required to complete a variety of competencies and assessments for each module within the workplace and these are recorded on an e-portfolio (Onefile).

Applicants with an honours degree (1st or 2.1) in Cardiac Physiology (PTP) or relevant scientific subject or equivalent experience and appropriate underpinning knowledge and skills in cardiology are welcome to apply. A 2:2 honours degree in a suitable subject may be considered by the Universities for candidates with significant prior cardiac knowledge/experience. Further information on this process will be available to employers in our recruitment advice.

Main duties of the job

The Trainee Echocardiographer will be responsible for their own progression through the training programme, for completing the learning outcomes as outlined in the Learning Guides, progressing through a mixture of work based competence and experience in NHS scientific departments and undertaking the complementary PGCert Program in Echocardiography at the designated Higher Education Institution.

The post holder will be expected to undertake a range of demanding scientific and clinical functions initially under supervision, as well as occasional duties in response to specific elements of the curriculum. A major part of the training and development will take place within a designated organisation and is integrally linked to the knowledge and applied learning that forms part of the nationally commissioned academic PGCERT programme.

At all times the Trainee Echocardiographer is expected to work within standard operating policies and procedures of the Trust.

The Trainee Echocardiographer will be employed by the host department for a fixed term of 18 months. A permanent contract may or may not be offered at the end of the training programme.

This will be combined with an academic programme at PGcert level over the 18 month programme.

Further information about the Echocardiography Training Programme can be found on the National School of Healthcare Science website (About the Echocardiography Training Programme -- Echocardiography Training Programme).

About us

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics.

You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career.

We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. Please ensure that you make your application as soon as possible.

All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required.

Please review all documents attached to this advert to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.

Date posted

26 March 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£35,392 to £42,618 a year per annum

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

18 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

418-CARD7446-EH

Job locations

Luton and Dunstable Hospital

Lewsey Road

Luton

LU4 0DZ


Job description

Job responsibilities

MAIN RESPONSIBILITES:

  • To perform and report transthoracic echocardiograms, initially under supervision until competence has been established, according to the BSE standards and guidelines.
  • To assist in the day to day management of procedures/workload/organisation within the department.
  • To act as a role model for junior members of the team and to contribute to their development.
  • To participate in the weekly echo meeting, open-mindedly sharing and discussing interesting findings/cases.
  • To triage and prioritize echocardiogram requests according to the BSE guidelines.
  • To communicate effectively with the multi-disciplinary team, informing the relevant medical professionals when significant findings are diagnosed.
  • To demonstrate effective IT skills to assist in clinical activities and audit.

PROFESSIONAL

  • Demonstrate continuing professional development.
  • Attend mandatory training courses
  • To actively participate in the development and implementation of the departments protocols and procedures.

COMMUNICATION

  • Actively encourage and support team working.
  • Promote effective communication and collaborative working across the Department and Trust. This may involve conflicting views and professional differences of opinion.
  • Providing and receiving sensitive information including diagnosis and prognosis
  • Ensuring concise and accurate documentation
  • To use and develop effective communication tools, verbal and non-verbal to communicate with patients who may have barriers to understanding or communicating. For example patients with hearing or sight problems, cognitive problems or difficulty in accepting diagnosis.

QUALITY AND EFFECTIVENESS

  • To maintain high standards of scanning and reporting.
  • To continue relevant education and training for clinical practice
  • To review the teams work practices and quality of work produced and actively encourage improvements when necessary
  • To participate in developing, delivering and evaluating training strategies for sharing knowledge and influencing practice.
  • Acting as a team mentor and a role model to multidisciplinary team members, appropriately supporting and training both less experienced and senior team members.
  • Identifying and undertaking individual personal development plan for self and other team members, maintaining a professional portfolio, collecting evidence of personal development and reflective practice.

Job description

Job responsibilities

MAIN RESPONSIBILITES:

  • To perform and report transthoracic echocardiograms, initially under supervision until competence has been established, according to the BSE standards and guidelines.
  • To assist in the day to day management of procedures/workload/organisation within the department.
  • To act as a role model for junior members of the team and to contribute to their development.
  • To participate in the weekly echo meeting, open-mindedly sharing and discussing interesting findings/cases.
  • To triage and prioritize echocardiogram requests according to the BSE guidelines.
  • To communicate effectively with the multi-disciplinary team, informing the relevant medical professionals when significant findings are diagnosed.
  • To demonstrate effective IT skills to assist in clinical activities and audit.

PROFESSIONAL

  • Demonstrate continuing professional development.
  • Attend mandatory training courses
  • To actively participate in the development and implementation of the departments protocols and procedures.

COMMUNICATION

  • Actively encourage and support team working.
  • Promote effective communication and collaborative working across the Department and Trust. This may involve conflicting views and professional differences of opinion.
  • Providing and receiving sensitive information including diagnosis and prognosis
  • Ensuring concise and accurate documentation
  • To use and develop effective communication tools, verbal and non-verbal to communicate with patients who may have barriers to understanding or communicating. For example patients with hearing or sight problems, cognitive problems or difficulty in accepting diagnosis.

QUALITY AND EFFECTIVENESS

  • To maintain high standards of scanning and reporting.
  • To continue relevant education and training for clinical practice
  • To review the teams work practices and quality of work produced and actively encourage improvements when necessary
  • To participate in developing, delivering and evaluating training strategies for sharing knowledge and influencing practice.
  • Acting as a team mentor and a role model to multidisciplinary team members, appropriately supporting and training both less experienced and senior team members.
  • Identifying and undertaking individual personal development plan for self and other team members, maintaining a professional portfolio, collecting evidence of personal development and reflective practice.

Person Specification

Education/Qualifications

Essential

  • BSc (Hons) in a relevant scientific subject, 2:1 or above

Desirable

  • BSc (Hons) Practitioner Training Programme, 2:1 or above
  • MSc in relevant scientific subject
  • SCST certificate in electrocardiography
  • Immediate Life Support (ILS)

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of working within a patient facing role
  • Good working knowledge of IT Microsoft Packages such as Word, Excel, Outlook and other relevant programmes

Desirable

  • Experience of working within a patient facing role, preferably in a Cardiology
  • Experience with recording and interpreting electrocardiograms

Knowledge

Essential

  • Can demonstrate a thorough understanding of human physiology and pathophysiology of the cardiovascular system

Desirable

  • Experience with recording and interpreting electrocardiograms
  • Demonstrates a good understanding of both non- invasive and invasive cardiac diagnostic reports
Person Specification

Education/Qualifications

Essential

  • BSc (Hons) in a relevant scientific subject, 2:1 or above

Desirable

  • BSc (Hons) Practitioner Training Programme, 2:1 or above
  • MSc in relevant scientific subject
  • SCST certificate in electrocardiography
  • Immediate Life Support (ILS)

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of working within a patient facing role
  • Good working knowledge of IT Microsoft Packages such as Word, Excel, Outlook and other relevant programmes

Desirable

  • Experience of working within a patient facing role, preferably in a Cardiology
  • Experience with recording and interpreting electrocardiograms

Knowledge

Essential

  • Can demonstrate a thorough understanding of human physiology and pathophysiology of the cardiovascular system

Desirable

  • Experience with recording and interpreting electrocardiograms
  • Demonstrates a good understanding of both non- invasive and invasive cardiac diagnostic reports

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).

Additional information

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

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Luton and Dunstable Hospital

Lewsey Road

Luton

LU4 0DZ


Employer's website

https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/working-here/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Luton and Dunstable Hospital

Lewsey Road

Luton

LU4 0DZ


Employer's website

https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/working-here/ (Opens in a new tab)


For questions about the job, contact:

Lead Physiologist for Cardiac Services

Nick Santos

nick.santos2@ldh.nhs.uk

Date posted

26 March 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£35,392 to £42,618 a year per annum

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

18 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

418-CARD7446-EH

Job locations

Luton and Dunstable Hospital

Lewsey Road

Luton

LU4 0DZ


Supporting documents

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