Senior Radiographer CT / PET CT - UPMC Whitfield
Location: UPMC Whitfield Hospital
Job type: Permanent
Overview of role:
The Radiology Department provides a service to both Inpatients and Outpatients. It includes General Radiography, Theatre Imaging, Ultrasound, Cathlab, MRI, CT, PET CT and DEXA services. The holder of this post will work as a member of the Radiology Department and multi- disciplinary teams, providing a high-quality CT service to patients in accordance with professional standards of practice. The post holder will work as a member of the Radiography Department and multi-disciplinary teams, providing a high-quality Radiography service to patients in assigned areas in accordance with professional standards of practice.They must be able to manage in a rapidly changing environment and be willing to undertake such additional duties within the Radiology Department, as may be assigned from time to time. The successful candidate must have a high capacity for responsibility and individual initiative.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
Clinical
* Engage in leadership when required to do so, creating and promoting healthy working relationships..
* To carry out general and highly complex CT and Radiographic procedures ensuring high professional standards of work are achieved and maintained while abiding by strict current legislation.
* To organise, plan and prioritise workload according to clinical need.
* In the absence of the CSR, act as team leader, primary responsibility on a day-to-day basis for the CT Imaging service and the effective utilisation of all resources allocated.
* Contribute to the development and implementation of operational policies, protocols and guidelines to ensure optimum utilisation of resources and systematic audit of such usage.
* Escalate all operation issues to the CSR / Radiography Services Manager.
* Manage use of consumables efficiently.
* Assess patient's suitability for I.V. injections by checking Renal function and any contra- indications.
* Assess all implanted devices for Xray / CT Safety for patients as per Department Policy.
* Take part in a continuous learning programme for all staff to keep up to date on CT Safety issues including Department environment and device updates.
* To dispense and administer I.V. injection as per Departmental policy.
* Ensure all patients who suffer a contrast reaction or any other illness during or after an imaging incident are correctly cared for and followed up afterwards in line with Hospital Policy.
* To always maintain the principles of patient confidentiality and ensure all staff uphold this principle.
* Ensure due regard is given to the customs, values and spiritual beliefs of all patients and staff.
* Monitor and ensure stock levels are maintained in the immediate work area.
* Liaise with the CSR / Radiographic Service Manager and other senior staff on the rotation of staff through the Department to ensure an adequate number of trained staff are available.
* Partake and ensure all staff adhere to Manual Handling tasks including Patient movement in accordance with Hospital Policy and Training.
Radiation safety:
* To ensure that the three principles of radiation protection, namely justification, optimisation (ALARA) and dose constraints/limits are adhered to. To be familiar with S.I.256 and S.I 30. which include the basic safety standards for the protection of health workers and the public against the dangers arising from Ionising Radiation and the health protection of individuals against the dangers of ionising radiation in relation to medical exposure.
* Demonstrate flexibility in possible changes to work patterns e.g. extending working hours in CT to accommodate our business need.
* Provide On-call /standby service as per hospital policy.
(If appropriate to the role)
* PET CT - Undertake PET CT duties and training with the specific aim of delivering a high-quality PET CT service.
* Work collaboratively with the PET CT Team and CSR ensuring staff and patient doses are as low as reasonably achievable while maintaining good image quality.
* The dispensing and administration of FDG or other isotope following appropriate patient preparation screening and assessment including IV cannulation.
Quality & Audit:
* Participate in providing department reports on audits and statistics performed.
* In the absence of the CSR, perform weekly huddle to address Department 'wins' and address any issues identified, outline KPIs, encourage staff engagement for ongoing Quality Improvement Processes.
* Encourage staff to engage in Team Learning, communications, and updates through TEAMs.
* Encourage staff to report all incidents, including 'good catch' and Learning opportunities through Q Pulse.
* Implement and maintain accurate information systems for clinical data in accordance with hospital standards.
* Engage with Systems provider and manufacturers on service excellence programmes where available for continuous improvement.
* Maintain accurate records of equipment service, maintenance, malfunction, downtime and performance as required and co-ordinate preventative maintenance schedules in accordance with clinical demand and Department policy.
* Support the CSR and Radiographic Service Manager in the implementation of initiatives aimed at on-going service development and improvement.
* Supervise and assess all staff & student training as required.
* Ensure that all hospital policies and relevant legislation on radiation safety is understood by staff and complied with.
* Ensure that all safety questionnaires are completed and uploaded to the Radiology IT System as per Department policy.
* Ensure all hospital policies on infection control, health and safety etc. are understood by staff and complied with routinely.
* Assist in the implementation and maintenance of a Quality Assurance programme for the Department giving an update on completed and incomplete tasks to the CSR /Radiology Service Manager.
Health and Safety:
* Involvement on the Implementation and maintenance a quality assurance programme for the Department.
* Regularly liaise with the physicist on safety issues and other operational issues as appropriate.
* Assist with new staff Induction, orientation and training programmes to promote the highest standards on services, quality and safety for patients and staff.
* Promote and maintain a safe environment for staff and patients.
* Assist in the development and implementation of risk management and health and safety strategies in association with appropriate personnel.
* Assist the CSR with Code Blue response Policy for all staff involved and ensure ongoing training is maintained on an annual basis or where new staff have been introduced to the service area.
* Have a working knowledge of HIQA, EPA & CHKS / JCI Accreditation 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, Patient Safety etc.
* Ensure all staff aware of the SOP for completion in the event of system breakdown and power outages.
* Professional / Education Maintain, enhance and develop knowledge, skill and aptitudes necessary to respond to changing clinical profile of patients, hospital/service developments and legal requirements.
* To participate and deliver CPD.
* Provide peer support when necessary.
Excellent remuneration package available to the successful applicant
This job description is intended to be an outline of the areas of responsibility and deliverables at the time of its writing. As the Hospital and the post holder develop, this job description may be subject to review in light of the changing needs of the Hospital.
Qualifications & Experience:
Eligible Criteria:
* Possess a Degree in Radiography or the Diploma of The College of Radiographers
And
* Must be registered in the Radiographer's Division by The Radiographers Registration Board maintained at CORU.
And
* Must have not less than 3 years fulltime post qualification clinical experience in CT
And preferred:
* Possess a recognised postgraduate course in CT as recognised by the IIRRT
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.