Healthcare Assistant Cardiology and Radiology - UPMC Waterford
Location: UPMC Whitfield Hospital
Job type: Permanent
Overview of role:
The holder of this post will work across the Cardiology and Radiology Departments on a shared 50:50 basis. The successful candidate will primarily provide a chaperone and procedural support in Radiology / Ultrasound for intimate and ergonomically challenging scans (3 days/ week). They will also provide technical assistance in performing 12 lead ECGs and fitting of ambulatory monitors in Cardiology (2 days / week, including Saturday clinics as needed).
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
Cardiology Department
Daily Duties
* Turn
on all testing systems at start of day. Shut down testing systems at the
end of day.
* Print
daily work lists from CVIS.
* Generation
of patient identification cards, post implant of Cardiac Implanted
Electronic Devices.
* Daily
cleaning of testing equipment and work surfaces including patient chairs
and patient couches.
* Maintain
stock/ consumables within test room. Order stock/ consumables via
stores.
* Maintain and restock adequate supply of
patient gowns.
* Daily bagging and removal of used linen.
* Escort patients within the hospital as
required.
* Know how to activate a Code Blue in case of
emergency.
* Assist as chaperone when requested by
patient or cardiac physiologist.
* Ask patients to complete Patient
satisfaction survey.
* Assist patients, when necessary, in
undertaking Patient satisfaction survey.
* Upload written Patient satisfaction Surveys
to UPMC upload portal.
* To
undertake any other duties that may reasonably be required.
* To
comply with Health & Safety Regulations, ensuring safe working
practices and a safe working environment.
* Duties specific to procedure room
* ECG/ Monitoring
room
* Perform
lead electrocardiograms (ECGs), as demonstrated by the Cardiac
physiologist, and outlined in ECG policy.
* Fit
patient with ambulatory Holter (ECG) and Blood Pressure monitors as per
request, explaining about patient diaries, removal of monitors and
return of monitors.
* Download
monitors to Holter analysis System for subsequent analysis by a Cardiac
Physiologist.
* Download
and Print Blood Pressure Monitor Reports.
* Prepare
pre addressed envelopes for return of monitors.
* Thorough
cleaning of returned monitors and accessories.
* Echocardiography
(Echo Room)
* Escort patient from waiting area to procedure room.
* Cross verifies patient name and Date of Birth.
* Assist and Prepare patient for Echo examination by:
* Getting patient undressed from the waist upwards.
* Providing all female patients with patient gowns.
* Positioning patient on echo couch.
* Attaching monitoring electrodes and ECG leads from Echo Machine.
* Assist patient in removing any excess ultrasound gel at the end of the examination.
* Assist patient, if necessary, in redressing.
* Assist patient if necessary to any area in the hospital.
* Replace or refill empty Gel dispensing bottles.
* Ensure adequate supply of Monitoring electrodes.
* Clean couch at the end of each examination in preparation for the next patient.
* Exercise ECG
(Stress Room)
* Ensure
supply of water for patients post exercise.
* Escort
patient from waiting area to procedure room.
* Cross
verifies patient name and Date of Birth.
* Ensure
the patient has completed the pre exercise Stress Test Questionnaire.
* Enter
Patient details on Exercise Stress System.
* Record
baseline Blood Pressure pre test.
* Prepare
patient for exercise ECG test by:
* Shaving
electrodes sites as required.
* Using
skin prep tape to lightly abrade electrodes skin site.
* Using
skin prep wipes to degrease electrode sites.
* Placing
specific electrodes used for stress testing.
* Attaching
leads from Stress System.
* Recording
baseline ECG from pre test option on Stress System.
* Stay
with cardiac Physiologist during exercise stress test.
* Remove leads and
electrodes post test completion.
Radiology Department
General & MRI Duties:
* Welcome patients and their guardians to the
imaging service in a professional manner. escort patient and
relevant paperwork to MRI Suite.
* Escort patient and relevant paperwork to MRI
Suite.
* Check labels have been printed for, iv gad
& Buscopan patients.
* Always demonstrate respect for the patient
and be aware that any information discussed with the patient during the
examination is private and confidential.
* Assist Radiographers during all Diagnostic
Imaging. examinations, including changing, moving and lifting of
patients & equipment.
* Assist patients in completing consent forms
for procedures.
* Check patient screening form:
* Check patient Name / DOB / Address (tick for
completion).
* Discuss with patient if there is any history
of metal in eyes?
* Confirm Patient has signed the forms.
* Change patient into gown, remove jewellery
and lock away belongings.
* Give brief outline of MRI procedure and the
use of the call bell & headphones.
* Give Ear plugs to patient.
* Ensure scan / examination rooms are tidy and
that stock is replenished prior to commencement of morning and afternoon
sessions.
* Assist the Radiographer in Coil & Patient
set up for scan.
* Scan paperwork / complete Insurance details
on forms.
* Check emails / Teams and complete any
outstanding issues regarding Insurance queries. Share correspondence for
any outstanding queries.
* Assist Patient off the scanner / out of the
Dept and room clean down / prep for next patient.
* To monitor stock levels of consumables and
highlight need to re-order where necessary under agreed processes.
* Restock cannulation trolley, gloves,
syringes, needles & dressings.
* Replenish consumable i.e. gowns, couch rolls,
incontinence sheets.
* Empty all linen bins in Radiology Dept. at
end of shift.
* Liaise with wards to ensure the timely
transfer of patients to and from the department.
* Direct patients to changing cubicles for
x-ray examinations and assist with changing if required.
* Reassure patients in general waiting areas
when examinations are delayed and give a reasonable estimate of when
examination will be completed.
* Assist in transferring patients from
trolleys/ wheelchairs to examination tables when required including
training in use of hoists (if required).
* Supervise and assist patients as needed, e.g.
toileting.
* Rotation areas may include MRI, CT,
Ultrasound, General X-ray & Theatres, and the PACS department. These
areas may develop in the future.
* To assist with any other work in the
Radiology Department which may be required at times, on instruction from
the Radiography Service Manager/CSR or designate.
RIS / PACS Office Support:
* When required, assist with all queries regarding
image / CD requests and Image transfer via BEAM.
* Keep appraised of the relevant documentation
/ procedures as relevant.
* Maintain accurate up to date filing systems
and records (computerised / paper copy).
* Undertake any other administrative support
and assignments as directed.
* Understand the importance of data quality and
integrity in relation to everyday work and ensure that work is carried
out to agreed standards.
* Assisting the RIS/PACS/BEAM Administrator in
the monitoring of the cd requests.
* Ensuring that GDPR and confidentiality
guidelines are adhered to at all times when dealing with patient data.
Ultrasound Department:
* Escort patients to and from the ultrasound
examination rooms.
* Assist the Sonographer/Radiologist with their
workload, including managing the daily patient list and assisting with sterile
procedures.
* Monitor Ultrasound vetted in-patient list on
RIS system and liaise with wards re patient transport and preparation
for ultrasound examination (e.g. ensuring full bladders prior to
pelvic scans) in consultation with the Sonographer.
* Ensure in-patient transfers are made in a
timely fashion from wards and other departments as directed by the
sonographers.
* Liaise with the appropriate staff to arrange
appropriate patient transport for examinations.
* Assist patients changing into gowns and any
other patient needs as directed by the sonographers.
* Assist with lifting, moving and positioning
patients and moving trolley/ beds.
* Chaperone for intimate ultrasound
examinations and whenever requested.
* Follow correct hospital infection control
procedures when dealing with infectious patients.
* Sterilise the Ultrasound probes in the unit
post procedure, and following isolation cases.
* Carry out general housekeeping in the
Ultrasound Department.
* Monitor and replenish stocks and consumables
in the ultrasound rooms on a daily basis.
* Maintain professional standards in relation
to consent, confidentiality, ethics and legislation.
Routine Maintenance of
Equipment:
* To assist the Radiation Protection Officer or
Radiographer with Quality Assurance duties.
* Assist the radiographers with any equipment
breakdowns.
* Report any faults or problems encountered to
the Radiography Service Manager or deputy.
Administrative:
* Carry out the administrative and clerical
duties required to support the Radiographer staff and the Radiography
department e.g. scan paperwork, completion of Insurance documents,
system close out etc).
* Registration of requests (as and when
required) onto the RIS (Radiology Information System).
* Answer the telephone, take and pass on
accurate messages to the appropriate member of staff and make calls as
required.
* Maintain stock and supply records and liaise
with radiography staff re stocks and supplies.
* Contribute to the planning and development of
the Radiography Service and participate in service improvements, in
conjunction with the Radiographers.
Education and Training:
* To take advice and training where required.
* Assigned dedicated time to participate and
undertake Departmental Audit.
* Participate in team-based development,
education, training and learning.
* Participate in the induction of new staff as
directed.
* To develop and maintain a high level of knowledge of the following and always practice within the guidelines and policies written at both unit and Hospital level:
1. Clinical risk reporting policy
2. Occupational Health
3. Facilities Management
4. Patient Moving and Handling
5. Resuscitation / Basic Life Support
6. Health and Safety
7. Departmental Financial & Budgetary Controls
8. Patient Complaints procedure
9. Falls Management programme
Information Resources:
To be an efficient user of the
Radiology Information System (RIS), PACS system, Cardiology CVIS system any
other systems required to fulfil the duties on a daily basis.
Health
and Safety:
* Ensure
that work is carried out in a safe manner in accordance with the
provisions of the Health, Safety and Welfare at Work Act and/or other
related legislation.
* All staff are responsible for identifying, assessing, and
reporting all risks and for contributing to the management and review of
all risks.
* Observe all rules relating to Health and Safety and Conduct at
Work and use any equipment provided in a safe and responsible manner.
* Report to the relevant Cardiology or Radiography Services Manager
/ Deputy any matter relating to Health and Safety within the designated
work area.
* Report any accidents, near misses to the person in charge and
ensure completion of incident / near miss electronic forms.
* Wear appropriate clothing, in particular personal protective
equipment and including high filtration masks that may be necessary.
* Do not undertake any duty related to patient / service user care
for which he/she is not trained.
* Have a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality
Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example,
Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and
Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc. and
comply with associated UPMC protocols for implementing and maintaining
these standards as appropriate to the role.
* To be familiar with regulations and local procedures such as fire
regulations and emergency plan regulations.
* Support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy,
water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and
efficient UPMC service.
The
above Job Specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all
duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform
other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from
time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.
Qualifications & Experience:
The ideal candidate should be capable of working on their own initiative
and as part of a team.
Person
Specification:
* A Fetac/QQI Level 5 in Health/Social Care is
essential
* Previous experience in a Cardiology and/or Radiography
Department is desirable
* Excellent interpersonal and team building
skills.
* Strong communication skills and clinical
skills.
* Fluency in English, both written and spoken.
* Must be computer literate.
* Flexibility and excellent use of initiative.
Post Specific Requirements:
* Have a keen interest in a caring profession.
Knowledge,
skills & abilities:
* To work in the Cardiology and Radiology Departments on a day-to-day basis and be flexible.
* Knowledge of cardiology and radiographic equipment and procedures
* Ability to follow instructions and protocols
* Attention to detail and accuracy in positioning patients
* Communication skills for interacting with patients and other healthcare professionals
* Understanding of MRI and radiation safety protection measures
* Ability to work in a fast-paced and high-pressure environment
* Flexibility and adaptability to changing situations and patient needs
* Computer skills for data entry and record keeping
* Physical stamina and dexterity for standing and moving patients
* Teamwork and collaboration with other healthcare professionals
Professional
Knowledge:
* Demonstrates a good understanding of the role of the required role.
* Demonstrates an ability to understand and comply with health and safety requirements in work situations.
* Demonstrates a willingness to engage with and develop Information Technology skills relevant to the role.
Planning and Organising Skills:
* The ability to plan and organise effectively.
* Demonstrates good time management skills in carrying out their clinical duties, including the ability to prioritise effectively and manage competing demands.
* Demonstrates the ability to take initiative and to be appropriately self-directed.
* Teamwork / Building
Effective Working Relationships:
* Demonstrates effective team skills, shows respect for other team members.
* Participates in and contributes to the team, strives to foster good working relationships within the team.
* Works collaboratively with others, can be flexible within one's own role and responsibility.
* Demonstrates the ability to react constructively to setbacks, is able to maintain professionalism and manage situations where conflict arises.
* Commitment to
providing a Quality Service:
* Demonstrates a commitment to the delivery of a high-quality, person-centred service.
* Treats all service users with dignity and respect and ensures that the welfare of the service user is always a key consideration.
* Demonstrates the ability to respect and maintain confidentially.
* Demonstrates an interest in contributing to alternative methods/new ways of working to improve service user care.
* Demonstrates flexibility and an openness to change, has a positive attitude towards change. Engagement in shared communications for introduction or implementation of change - Feedback valued.
* Evaluating
Information and Judging Situations:
* Reads situations quickly and responds appropriately; can find common ground and get co-operation with minimum upset.
* Recognises and interprets an unsafe situation and takes appropriate action..
* Knows when to ask for help / when to ask another team member to intervene.
* Communications &
Interpersonal Skills:
* Displays effective communication skills (verbal & written).
* Acts with professionalism and demonstrates empathy with others in undignified / stressful situations, retains composure.
* Demonstrates understanding and appropriate responses to service users with varying degrees of need.
* Demonstrates the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people, particularly in listening, giving explanations / directions and in reporting back on observations.
Equal
Opportunity Statement and Benefits
UPMC is an equal opportunity employer.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment
for all employees.
At UPMC we provide a total rewards program
that is not only market competitive, but fair and provides growth opportunities
for all our colleagues.
Compensation – Competitive pay for the work employees do – base pay, performance related pay
and premium pay where applicable.
Benefits –
Fully paid maternity and paternity leave for new parents. Competitive Pension
Plan, company funded Death in Service Benefit x 3 times. Critical Illness cover
for all employees up to the age of 66.
Performance and Recognition – Rewards for performance that supports the goals and mission of
UPMC through our annual ACES programme.
Work-Life Balance – Enhanced annual leave up to a maximum of 27 days. Flexible
working opportunities to support you to work around external family
commitments.
Development
and Career Opportunities – Opportunities for each employee to reach
their career goals through continued learning and/or advancement.
About
UPMC
UPMC is a renowned multinational academic medical
centre committed to delivering people-focused care that's close to home.
Headquartered in Pittsburgh and affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh
Schools of the Health Sciences, UPMC shapes the future of health through
clinical and technological innovation, research and education.
UPMC expands its expertise globally, bringing world-class care across
continents through its UPMC International division — an owned and operated
network of hospitals and ambulatory care centres in Italy, Ireland and
Croatia. UPMC International brings new access to the signature specialty
services of UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre, UPMC Sports Medicine and others to
more people in more places around the world.
In Ireland UPMC has provided high-quality healthcare in the South East since
2006. UPMC's operations in Ireland now include UPMC Whitfield Hospital in
Waterford, UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic in Dublin, UPMC Kildare Hospital in
Clane, and UPMC Aut Even Hospital in Kilkenny. Outpatient care is available at
the UPMC Carlow Outreach Centre, UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre radiotherapy
locations in Waterford and Cork, UPMC The 4th Practice in Mallow, and across
UPMC Sports Medicine Clinics in Dublin, Waterford, Limerick, Tipperary, Cork, and
Mayo. UPMC has also established a nationwide Concussion Network. UPMC's
Global Technology Operation Centre is based in Kilkenny.