Detailed job description
and main responsibilities
As a vascular scientist you will be expected to carry out vascular ultrasound diagnostic investigations to the standards required by the department.
General duties will include:-
1. Performing arterial and venous duplex scans to support DVT and stroke services, vascular surgery and other.
2. Ensuring high level of patient care.
3. Prioritising workload by triaging in-patient requests.
4. Independent reporting of scans for consultants/DVT nurses, including appropriate communication of urgent findings.
You will also have the following responsibilities:-
5. To explain to patients the nature of the investigation being sensitive to their needs, feelings and sensibilities throughout the procedure. To work closely with other members of the department to achieve best possible results.
6. To select the appropriate investigations for each patient, based on the request form and discussion with the patient and to adjust standard procedures as necessary. To interpret findings for inclusion in verbal, written or diagrammatic reports. To be familiar with other modalities which may give similar or complementary information which may assist with the test performed.
7. Prioritise & manage own work. To accommodate urgent requests without compromise on quality. Where demands exceed capacity to select investigations with the highest clinical priority.
8. To assist with preparation, development and review of protocols for the investigations.
9. To retain awareness of the costs of equipment & consumables, to assist with keeping equipment well maintained and clean.
10. To participate in teaching & supervision of trainees and other staff. To attend MDT meetings to present findings from Vascular Ultrasound investigations. To participate in and maintain accreditation by performing CPD activities. To maintain awareness of appropriate technical & scientific developments and to attend seminars, courses & conferences as necessary.
11. To document each investigation by making appropriate measurements & sketches and by recording appropriate images. To write concise reports with accompanying diagrams where needed. Criteria used must be in accordance with departmental protocols.
12. To monitor the accuracy & usefulness of the service through audit and by discussion with colleagues & clinicians. To support and participate in research as agreed with Vascular Ultrasound Lead.
13. Appropriate measures must be taken to maintain hygiene and to reduce the risk of cross infection.
14. Be compassionate and understanding with patients and be able to deliver unfavourable results sensitively. Be able to work under pressure and in a busy clinical setting.
15. It will also be necessary to help patients to move between wheelchairs and couches as well as manoeuvring heavy equipment on occasion.
16. Carry out investigations requiring long periods of concentration.
17. You will be working independently for much of the time, often with an assistant but sometimes alone
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
18. BSc. Science subject
19. Accredited Vascular Scientist with Society for Vascular Technology of Great Britain & Ireland OR Completion of Vascular STP training
Desirable criteria
20. HCPC Registration
21. Accredited Vascular Scientist with the Society for Vascular Technology of Great Britain & Ireland (if STP qualified).
22. MSc Vascular Science
Experience
Essential criteria
23. To be able to work independently in all areas of vascular ultrasound. This includes carotid, lower & upper limb arterial & venous scanning). Vein scanning includes reflux studies, mapping & testing for DVT).
24. Experienced in Doppler ABPI testing.
25. To manage own workload, prioritise and meet deadlines.
26. Evidence of continual professional development
27. Participation in departmental audit activities
Desirable criteria
28. General Ultrasound experience including abdominal, gynae & pelvic. Pre and post op renal access scanning.
29. Post-operative EVAR duplex.
30. Experience of Vascular Measurement techniques such as toe pressures & plethysmography
31. Experience of training/mentoring students.
32. Experience of research participation
Technical skills
Essential criteria
33. High standard of clinical competency in a wide range of Vascular Ultrasound examinations.
34. Expertise in analysing data, drawing conclusions and presenting information to other clinical staff verbally and using concise reports & diagrams.
35. Manual dexterity and hand eye co-ordination skills
Desirable criteria
36. Experience of using PACS and RIS
Interpersonal skills
Essential criteria
37. Good communicator, compassionate attitude towards patient care.
38. Ability to supervise & teach other staff
39. Excellent team worker.
40. Counselling skills for delivering potentially upsetting information
Personal attributes
Essential criteria
41. Ability to work under pressure.
42. Showing initiative.
43. Able to cope with sometimes distressing situations e.g. when patients receive upsetting news about limb threatening peripheral vascular disease.
Desirable criteria
44. Clean and tidy appearance
Other requirements specific to the role
Essential criteria
45. Flexible approach to work.
46. Participates in care of equipment and routine quality assurance.
47. Uniform to be worn during clinical work.
Language requirement
Essential criteria
48. Able to speak English as necessary to undertake the role
Knowledge
Essential criteria
49. In depth knowledge of anatomy, pathology & clinical conditions related to vascular ultrasound.
50. Current Knowledge of best practice and up to date knowledge on current trends in vascular ultrasound.
51. Understanding of Clinical Governance, evidence based practice and audit. Understanding of WRULD and knowledge of appropriate scanning techniques to minimize risks.
Desirable criteria
52. In depth knowledge of ultrasound quality assurance.