Associate Practitioner (Respiratory Physiology)
The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
An opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join the Lung Function Department at the Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Trust. Lung Function has departments in the Cardiothoracic Centre at the Freeman Hospital, the Chest Clinic at the Royal Victoria Infirmary and also the Great North Children's Hospital.
* Interview Date: Thursday 5 December 2024
NO AGENCIES PLEASE
Main duties of the job
We provide a comprehensive diagnostic service for a wide range of patients with respiratory or sleep related disorders. The postholder will work alongside qualified Respiratory Physiologists at the Freeman Hospital and the RVI. They will also need to cover at the new community diagnostic centre which has recently opened at the Metro Centre.
The successful applicant will perform a range of routine lung function tests including spirometry, flow volume loops, gas transfer, static lung volumes, pulse oximetry, respiratory muscle tests and field exercise tests. They will be expected to be involved with department infection control and quality control of equipment and also to take on administrative duties.
They will also take an active part in the sleep apnoea service including the setting up of diagnostic studies on an evening and attend outreach cystic fibrosis clinics out of hours.
We are seeking someone with a mature approach to work with excellent organisational and communication skills. Previous experience of working in a healthcare setting and knowledge of basic lung function tests would be advantageous but is not essential as training will be provided.
Job responsibilities
* The Associate Practitioner will function at a higher competency level than that of Assistant Technical Officers with responsibility for actively participating as part of the multidisciplinary team within Respiratory Medicine, to provide a seamless service to patients with minimal supervision from qualified respiratory physiologists.
* Participate in the delivery of a specialist clinical service and deliver a high standard of care to all patients.
* Perform a range of routine lung function tests including spirometry, flow volume loops, gas transfer, static lung volumes, pulse oximetry, respiratory muscle tests and field exercise tests.
* Participate in an out of hours rota for the diagnosis and treatment of sleep related breathing disorders and neurological disorders.
* Rotate through the Lung Function Department, including cross site working, to extend knowledge of lung function and sleep investigations.
* Continue theoretical and practical training in house training and by attendance on designated courses.
Person Specification
KNOWLEDGE
* Underpinning theoretical knowledge of routine respiratory investigations, procedures and associated pathology and physiology.
* Understanding of patient confidentiality and the Data Protection Act.
* Basic IT skills with knowledge of software programmes such as Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access.
* Good familiarity with medical technology.
* Knowledge and understanding of routine respiratory investigations and procedures.
* Knowledge and understanding of sleep investigations and CPAP.
SKILLS
* Clear communicator with excellent writing, data entry and presentation skills: capable of constructing and delivering clear information and instructions to other staff, patients and relatives.
* Ability to work under pressure in a busy working environment and able to multi-task.
* Ability to work alone and as a member of a team.
* Organisational and time management skills.
* Good analytical and judgement skills.
EXPERIENCE
* Experience of working with people ideally in a healthcare setting.
* Practical experience of undertaking routine respiratory investigations.
QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION
* Educated to NVQ 3 level in a relevant subject or equivalent level of qualification or significant equivalent previous proven experience, plus additional knowledge / training to diploma level.
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.
The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
#J-18808-Ljbffr