An excellent opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated, hardworking and enthusiastic Senior Respiratory Physiologist to join our busy, well-equipped department.
You must be proficient in a range of comprehensive procedures in adults including spirometry, lung function testing, reversibility studies, blood gas analysis, sleep and ventilation services. Appropriate training may be required in more specialised and complex procedures such GI physiology, autonomic function testing and CPET.
The successful candidate will need excellent interpersonal skills, be able to motivate and develop others. They should enjoy working as part of a team but also be able to work autonomously with some degree of responsibility. They will be encouraged to develop their skills to become a lead person within one of the specialist areas.
The department is committed to the PTP and STP training programmes and you would be expected to contribute your knowledge and skills towards the delivery of this.
You should ideally hold a BSc in Clinical Physiology or equivalent with a minimum of 2 years as a Band 5. It is essential that you have passed both ARTP Part One and Part Two Professional Examinations and ideally be on the RCCP voluntary register.
Main duties of the job
The candidate will be proficient in performing and interpreting all respiratory investigations performed within the department. These include:
* Full pulmonary function tests with administration of bronchodilator therapy where indicated
* Assess airways hyper-reactivity and respiratory tract inflammation
* Supervise, perform and interpret medically unsupervised Cardio-Pulmonary Exercise Tests (CPETs), on both congenital cardiac and respiratory patients with assessment of exercise-induced airways obstruction if indicated
* To be able to perform independently procedures to assess for exercise related respiratory disorders in high level athletes
* Field exercise testing
* Simulate and assess patients' oxygen requirements during a flight and advise the patient and clinician their results and requirements.
* To perform research based investigations complying with Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
Other speciality services
* Interpret and perform complex sleep investigations, for clinicians on the patient's condition and advise appropriate therapy
* To be able to initiate, review and adjust treatment for patients with sleep-related disorders for both Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV) and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
* They will be able to perform blood gas analysis to assess for patients respiratory status and titration of oxygen or NIV requirements
Job responsibilities
Involved with maintaining clinical standards, evidence based practice within the speciality.
* Assist with clinical supervision and training of technical staff and other professionals, across disciplines.
* To be responsible for overseeing the induction of Physiology staff to the team, service and departments
* To assist with recruitment and retention of Physiologist and Associate Practitioner staff as necessary
* Involved with development of the evidence base for practice through audit, clinical effectiveness and research activity.
* Undertake an active role in developing and promoting Physiology within the specialty.
* Be actively involved in the training and development of staff within the Physiology Team.
* To participate in the development of the specialist services.
* To assist with implementation and dissemination policies and promote changes to working practice.
* Demonstrate appropriate expert practice and specialist advice in the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of patient care. Necessitating high levels of autonomy and advocacy.
* To support Band 7s in their absence, to ensure there is continuation of service.
Clinical
* To be actively involved with the maintenance and quality control (QC) of all equipment used in the respiratory function, outpatients and exercise testing areas.
* To ensure all equipment and resources are maintained to regulated standards and adhere to both health and safety and infection control policies.
* To adhere to professional codes of practice and perform the role to national and local standards.
* To promote regular quality assurance (QA).
* To evaluate and develop clinical practice within a specialty ensuring compliance with national and local guidelines and frameworks.
* To have an in-depth knowledge of specialist equipment operation and to use it to its maximum capability.
* To troubleshoot equipment faults and, if required, to organise equipment repair in order to maintain an efficient service.
* Ability to multi-task and cope with constant change and interruptions.
* Act accordingly when exposed to distressing or emotional circumstances when dealing directly with patients and/or their relative
Governance
* To actively develop service standards including implementation of National Service Framework / NICE guidelines
* To promote evidence based practice and clinical effectiveness utilising local and national standards of practice and guideline
* Comply and be aware of all aspects of the Clinical Governance agenda e.g. Risk, audit, evidence based practice (EBP), patient involvement
* Facilitate patient involvement within practice development and audit
* To help with monitoring and evaluating systems to ensure that the quality and efficiency of the service is maintained identifying opportunities for development and implementing them where appropriate in conjunction with the Clinical Investigations Manager and Heads of Service
* To assist in reviewing and updating policies and procedures.
* Compare own practice with peers in other Trusts and participate in national, professional networks to develop best practice
Service Delivery & Development
* As opportunities arise, submit articles for publication within the specialism in recognised journals and publications
* Facilitate a culture of quality, continuous innovation, improvement and productivity within the specialty
* To have a sound and current theoretical knowledge base and keep up to date with all current developments associated with the specialty and profession.
* To collaborate with the Team Leaders and Head of Department in identifying opportunities for service development
Staff Training and Development
* To act as a mentor to others within the service
* To utilise expert knowledge to provide high quality training to other physiologists.
* Take responsibility for ensuring their own Mandatory and Statutory Training is up to date
* Supporting mentors within the department to provide a supportive environment whilst maintaining quality training.
* Alongside the training team ensure team members are fully proficient in performing all investigations and ensure regular training/update sessions are performed within all areas.
* To promote the role and value of the Respiratory Function Service both generally and within UHL, to patients, carers, other healthcare professionals, prospective Physiology employees and visitors to the service area e.g. Attendance at careers events, observer days, open days
GENERAL
* To lead on procedures which carry a recognised clinical risk.
* To competently and safely perform the tests with the authority not to proceed if findings suggest the test is inappropriate or likely to be detrimental to the patient.
* To be able to advise more junior staff on the procedures when required.
* To plan and prioritise own duties, clinics and training activities to maximise service benefit.
* To exercise a responsibility for personal and departmental day to day organisation and delivery of a quality assured respiratory function service.
* To participate with clinical supervision and training for junior staff in the above procedures.
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential
* BSc (Hons) Degree in Clinical Physiology (Respiratory) or equivalent
* ARTP Practitioners Examination (or equivalent)
* Demonstrates a commitment to further learning and personal development
Desirable
* RCCP voluntary registration
Experience
Essential
* Minimum of 2 years as a Qualified Respiratory Physiologist
* Knowledge and practical experience of routine and complex lung function and sleep investigations
* Knowledge and practical experience of other physiological investigations
* Evidence of supervision and training
Skills
Essential
* Good organisational skills, methodical
* Able to manage time effectively and prioritise workload
* Able to work as a team member and able to show initiative when working alone
* Attention to detail
Personal capabilities
Essential
* Demonstrates enthusiasm and motivation
* Shows interest in caring for people
Other
Essential
* Flexible approach to meet the needs of the service and users
* Ability to travel across sites if required
Employer details
Employer name
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
Address
Glenfield Hospital
Groby Rd
Leicester
LE3 9QP
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