Part-time, 16-Hour Vacancy - AAA Screening Technician
The primary purpose of this role is to undertake abdominal aortic ultrasound scanning as part of the community based National NHS AAA Screening Programme, ensuring this ultrasound scanning is undertaken to a high standard and in accordance with National AAA Standard Operating Procedures.
Working pattern must be spread across Monday-Friday between 08:00-18:00 per service needs.
Please be advised this position is not eligible for sponsorship.
The post holder will reassure men attending the community AAA screening and surveillance clinics and explain the screening test to them. The post holder will ensure that the men attending clinics are informed and aware of the implication of AAA Screening.
The post holder will be required to undergo regular assessment and to renew their accreditation at intervals as per the NAAASP Education and Training Framework.
Clinics are held at various locations within the screening programme area and the post holder is expected to travel to all locations and move portable screening equipment and supplies.
The post holder will work as an assistant practitioner, carrying out abdominal ultrasound scans within standard operating procedures. Following successful completion of the Health Screener’s Diploma, the post holder will work independently and make judgements according to experience and training. Advice is available when needed for more complex situations, but the post holder generally works with their own initiative without reference to the Programme Manager.
Attendance at NHS AAA Screening Programme training and successful completion of the Health Screeners’ Diploma is a necessity. The post holder must be able to drive and have a clean driving licence with business insurance and access to a car.
Key Responsibilities
1. Observe and care for patients under investigation, liaising with administrative staff, porters, nurses and medical staff as appropriate in the best interest of the patient and any escorts.
2. Deal with anxious patients and their relatives or carers with tact, persuasion, patience and discretion.
3. Carry out other duties in accordance with the current guidelines and project protocol including obtaining informed consent.
4. Work alongside, supervise and support other screening staff involved with the clinics and office.
5. Keep the Programme Manager, QA Lead and CST informed of any difficulties arising, seeking advice where necessary.
6. Report any compliments, complaints or comments to the programme Manager and work with them to explore ways to improve the service.
7. Use excellent communication skills and be confident in using telephone, email, and face to face communication.
Knowledge, Training & Experience
1. Use knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the abdominal aorta to identify the area to be scanned.
2. Apply specialist training and experience to manipulate ultrasound machine controls.
3. Organise and carry out ultrasound scans of the abdominal aorta in accordance with current guidelines.
Physical Skills
1. Manipulate and calibrate ultrasound equipment with a high degree of accuracy.
2. Safely manoeuvre equipment and patients for ultrasound scans.
3. Be able to sit and stand for prolonged periods.
4. Work in darkened and confined spaces.
Patient Care
1. Undertake ultrasound scanning on patients in accordance with protocols.
2. Ensure the safety, privacy and dignity of the subjects.
3. Work as an autonomous practitioner with access to guidance when necessary.
Analysis & Judgement
1. Analyse scan data to ensure the quality meets with agreed protocols.
2. Download data electronically and inspect for abnormalities.
3. Record accurate clinical measurements and other information as required.
Planning & Organisation
1. Organise and carry out ultrasound scans of the abdominal aorta.
2. Ensure that scan results are despatched as soon as possible.
3. Deal with medical patient enquiries as appropriate.
Education and Training
1. To attend for re-accreditation annually.
2. Provide support to other team members.
3. Undertake all mandatory training.
Policy and Service Development
1. Take responsibility for ensuring own knowledge of NAAASP and local policy is current.
2. Participate in service reviews and actively put forward suggestions for improvement.
Financial Responsibilities
1. Ensure the safe use of expensive ultrasound equipment.
2. Monitor equipment used in the course of the role.
Research and Audit
1. Participate in the extraction of local clinical data for research purposes.
Other Duties
1. Maintain clinical skills and knowledge.
2. Attend meetings, training sessions and tutorials as required.
Mental and Emotional Effort
1. Use mental concentration for long periods requiring a high level of accuracy.
2. Use care, compassion and self-awareness to deal with anxious subjects.
This post may be subject to changes/review as the needs of the service change.
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