Associate Practitioner in Point of Care Testing (POCT)
Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust
The Point of Care Testing (POCT) department provides an excellent POCT service across all CHFT sites and within the local communities of Calderdale and Kirklees. This is an exciting time to join the team as we continue to expand, develop our service supporting new NHS pathways and move towards UKAS accreditation in 2024.
The team provides the training, maintenance, troubleshooting, verification and quality assurance for the trust, typically for nurses and doctors who utilize an extensive POC repertoire (devices and tests). We are looking for individuals who have a determination to deliver compassionate care, with good communication skills, good Microsoft Office skills, and an aptitude for IT.
Successful individuals who do not possess an IBMS Certificate of Achievement Part II / Foundation Degree (Healthcare Practice/ Healthcare Science) or NVQ4 / BTEC diploma (HND) and POCT experience will be appointed into a trainee AP (band 3) post depending on qualifications and experience.
Main Duties of the Job
* Assist the POCT Manager (Line Manager) and other senior staff in the management of the POCT service in line with Trust POCT policy, whilst recognizing the limits of individual practice.
* Be based in Pathology, working under both direct and indirect supervision in clinical areas using POCT devices.
* Undertake a variety of IT, technical and clerical duties to facilitate the smooth running of the POCT service.
About Us
You must have the ability to work under pressure and meet travel requirements of the post. There is an emphasis on working within a team and being a team player. You also need to be confident working alone once full training and competence has been achieved. The POCT department provides a service Monday to Friday 08:00 to 17:00; however, the service requirements are continually changing to meet the needs of our patients, so flexibility is a key component, as some weekend or unsocial hours work may be required. Relevant posts will be subject to an appropriate DBS disclosure. Please ensure that you provide TWO appropriate individuals as referees (one from your present/last employer). Please refer to the job specification essential guidance before completing your application form.
Job Responsibilities
* Learn and maintain good working practice in accordance with Trust and CHFT POCT procedures, protocols and policies, ISO standards 15189.
* Respond to frequent queries from POCT service users by telephone, email and in person.
* Organize own workload in line with service needs and priorities with guidance from the POCT Manager.
* Deliver approved POCT device training using established protocols to assess competency of medical, nursing, and Allied Healthcare Professionals to use POCT devices safely and satisfactorily.
* Update POCT training databases, POCT device inventories, consumable and maintenance logs ensuring records are stored securely.
* Distribute POCT consumables to POCT sites.
* Distribute External Quality Assurance (EQA) samples and report results to scheme organisers within stated deadlines.
* Identify and troubleshoot unsatisfactory external quality assurance performance with reference to established criteria.
* Write and review POCT Standard Operating Procedures and Risk Assessments.
* Undertake and report POCT audits using established protocols or as guided by the POCT Manager and/or Pathology Quality Management team.
* Routine problem solving of POCT devices following established protocols using own initiative and judgement.
* Liaise with POCT suppliers regarding significant device failures, training or consumable stock issues.
* Perform other reasonable duties which may be required to support the service.
Person Specification
Qualifications / Training
* GCSE A* - C in English and Mathematics and at least one science subject or equivalent.
* IBMS Certificate of Achievement Part II / Foundation Degree (Healthcare Practice/ Healthcare Science) or NVQ4 or BTEC diploma - HND.
* Demonstrate a current commitment to Continuous Professional Development.
Knowledge, Experience & Expertise
* Previous experience of working with patient-facing healthcare professionals.
* Experience of using electronic healthcare records.
* Competent with Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
* Good understanding of the role of POCT in clinical practice.
* Awareness of IT security and patient confidentiality.
* Experience working in POCT, Pathology or Phlebotomy.
* Understand the role of Internal Quality Control and External Quality Assurance.
* Understand the role of POCT or laboratory audits and ISO standards.
Communication and Relationships (Including Management Responsibilities)
* Good verbal and written communication skills with a wide range of healthcare professionals.
* Courteous, approachable and helpful manner.
* An ability to follow protocols.
* Well-motivated with an aptitude for change and acquiring new skills.
* Able to work independently and as part of a team, supporting colleagues and sharing information.
* Ability to be patient and pleasant when working under pressure.
* Able to plan to meet deadlines and reorganize tasks to meet changing priorities.
* Ability to work in environments where patients may be critically ill and visitors extremely distressed.
* Flexibility of working hours which may include weekend or evening working to accommodate service needs.
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.
Employer Name
Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust
£24,071 to £29,114 a year, pro rata.
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