Practice Educator in Obstetrics & Gynaecology UltrasoundNHS

Job summary

Join us as a Practice Educator Sonographer and put your specialist skills at the centre of a service that truly values professional and patient centred compassionate care. We're looking for confident, highly trained professionals with a PG Certificate/Diploma in Medical Ultrasound (Obstetrics & Gynaecology) from a CASE-accredited institution, with the experience and enthusiasm to train a new generation of sonographers.

You'll use your expertise to independently perform and report a wide range of maternity and gynaecology scans, working within a team where clinical excellence is the standard. Our sonographers are supported by fetal medicine specialists, obstetricians, early pregnancy experts, and gynaecologists, giving you direct access to multidisciplinary insight and ongoing professional development.

You will provide guidance and support to both existing staff as well as trainee sonographers to meet their CPD requirements.

We're a small, committed team with a strong learning culture, high clinical standards, and a genuine appreciation for specialist skill. With flexible working options and full-time or part-time contracts, you can shape a role that fits your life as well as your ambitions.

If you want your skills to be recognised, supported, and put to meaningful use, we'd love to hear from you.

Main duties of the job

Job Purpose

• The postholder will function as an effective member of the Ultrasound team, providing a high quality, comprehensive and efficient Ultrasound service to patients and referring clinicians; to include the timely issue of diagnostic reports, based on Ultrasound findings

The postholder will undertake all aspects of work in the Ultrasound Department, as appropriate to grade.

• The postholder will exercise autonomy within professional and managerial boundaries.

They will facilitate and maintain an effective learning environment within the clinical setting, both overseeing and participating in the teaching, training and mentoring of Ultrasound staff

The postholder will be responsible for the development of training materials and programmes for all Ultrasound staff. To include qualified sonographers & Student sonographers.

• The postholder will undertake regular training needs analyses with sonographers to identify opportunities for career and service development.
• The postholder will be required to work collaboratively with the relevant Higher Education Institutes to ensure effective delivery of post graduate training

Job description

1. process, with support from the Directorate Manager or Deputy as appropriate; ensures that Trust targets for completed appraisals are met. Assists the Lead sonographer in performing staff appraisals under the Trusts Values in Action

2. Supports the Lead sonographer in undertaking the first stages of performance management in line with Trust policy; escalates issues to the Directorate Manager / Deputy as necessary

3. Assists in the recruitment and selection of staff within own area of responsibility; actively promotes diversity in the recruitment, management and development of staff. Ensures relevant paperwork is completed for new starters, leavers etc.

4. Contributes to strategic planning and service development in conjunction with the Lead sonographer.

5. Contributes to the development and implementation of Clinical Governance processes relevant to own area of responsibility.

6. Supports the Quality Manager in the development and production of Ultrasound documentation relevant to area of responsibility; ensures all documentation meets the relevant Quality Standards for Imaging (QSI) standards

Clinical: 7. Independently undertakes general ultrasound sessions, providing comprehensive and accurate computerised reports on all examinations

8. Performs and reports a wide range of ultrasound examinations. Recognises the sonographic characteristics of normal and abnormal tissues; adjusts scanning technique to optimise image quality

9. Demonstrates the professional knowledge and skills necessary for the interpretation and reporting of a range of patient conditions; provides an authorised report of clinical findings to the referring clinician

10. Is able to interpret complex data in order to ascertain and identify any observable pathological or incidental findings, including those with diverse or complex presentations/multiple pathologies

11. Evaluates referrals with respect to appropriate clinical details and gathers relevant information from the patient or their representative. Uses such information to develop or adapt the procedure to optimise the diagnostic outcome

12. Discusses incomplete or inappropriate referrals with Consultant Radiologists and/or requesting clinicians as soon as possible to ensure prompt and correct clinical management

13. Identifies any contraindications to the procedure such as clinical condition, medication, insufficient patient preparation or any inability or unwillingness on the part of the patient to tolerate the procedure

14. Is aware of current literature regarding the potential hazards of diagnostic ultrasound and the need to minimise doses at all times

15. Is responsible for the clinical management and care of the patient ensuring patient safety, privacy and dignity is maintained at all times. To include movement or transfer on and off the ultrasound couch using safe handling devices (i.e. hoists) where necessary

16. Communicates with the patient or their representative the purpose of the ultrasound examination and where applicable the significance of the results. Is aware of barriers to understanding and is able to present and explain clinical information

17. Has the empathic skills necessary to handle potentially stressful, upsetting or emotional situations in an appropriate and compassionate manner

18. Obtains informed consent from patients prior to undertaking procedures, as appropriate to individual circumstances (which may be of an intimate and personal nature). Offers chaperone support as required or at patient request

19. Is responsible for the care, cleanliness and superficial maintenance of ultrasound equipment and accessories, with particular reference to intra-cavity probes. Follows manufacturers guidelines and local infection control procedures at all times

20. Has a sound knowledge of ultrasound equipment technology; is able to identify and rectify minor faults. Is fully conversant with local processes for reporting and logging faults

21. Ensures own work area is kept clean and tidy at all times; maintains professionally high standards in appearance, hygiene, manner, punctuality, attendance and competence

22. Participates in the provision of 7-day and/or extended day clinical services, as required

Teaching, Training & Research:

23. Has lead responsibility for the education, training and development of obstetric and gynaecology sonographers at the Royal Berkshire Hospital NHS FT

24. Coordinates and delivers the learning experience of student sonographers undertaking the Post graduate Certificate in Medical Ultrasound. Is fully conversant with the programme curriculum and design

25. To foster a positive educational environment of learning providing clinical expertise and knowledge across all areas of obstetric and gynaecological ultrasound

26. Understands the standards and achievements expected at each level of training and has a clear understanding of the learning outcomes expected of each student

27. Participates in the delivery of skills teaching across relevant curricula frameworks

28. Identifies and supports developments and initiatives in the practice setting to underpin the educational programme.

29. To lead inductions and develop learning programmes for newly qualified and newly recruited staff.

30. Assists in the training Medical staff in specialised areas of the service

31. Keep up to date with all relevant mandatory training and department protocols. Advise lead sonographer of any identified potential protocols changes that may be required due to change in National guidance.

32. Coordinating, organising and performing clinical competency assessments, as required by education providers. Ensuring the provision of robust assessment, clear feedback and remedial support mechanisms as required.

33. Actively pursues training courses/study days applicable to own role in order to maintain a high level of expertise and current knowledge

About us

Diversity makes us interesting... Inclusion is what will make us outstanding.

Inequality exists and the journey to eliminate it is not easy. Every step we take will be a purposeful step forward to deliver a truly inclusive culture where all our people are enabled to deliver outstanding care, where background is no barrier, and where everyone can be their authentic self and we truly represent our patient community.

We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics. Reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled applicants where possible. All applicants who have a disability and meet the minimum criteria for the post can opt for a guaranteed interview.

If you need additional help with your application please get in touch by calling the recruitment team on 0118 322 6997 or 0118 322 5342.

Our primary method of communication will be via email. However, if you would prefer to be contacted through a different method, please inform the recruitment team.