About this role
Job summary
We are seeking Advanced Practice Sonographers (band 8a) to join the Ultrasound leadership team in Derriford Hospital, Plymouth.
The Advanced Practice Sonographer will be leading a team who shares the values of kindness, respect, honesty, professionalism, support, hardworking, teamwork, learning and teaching. The post holder should have a self awareness of their own unique strengths to bring out the best in themselves, and each member of the ultrasound team, to deliver excellent care to our patients. They should also be aware of how to use these strengths to navigate challenging situations.
The Advanced Practice Sonographer must fulfil the Multi Professional Framework for Advanced Clinical Practice in England, and evidence advanced clinical practice, education, research, leadership and management skills.
Candidates who do not meet all of the criteria in the job description may be appointed as Trainee Advanced Practice Sonographer (band 7) with the expectation that all elements are met in 3 years.
We welcome informal discussions and/or visits. This can be arranged by contacting Qiqi Lam, Superintendent Sonographer using email [email protected].
***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***
Main duties of the job
- Work in accordance with the Multi-professional Framework for Advanced Clinical Practice in England (HEE, 2017) and University Hospitals Plymouth (UHP) Trust Framework for Advanced Practice.
- Utilise advanced clinical skills within an interdepartmental and/or multidisciplinary team to ensure that patients within the Ultrasound service receive holistic, timely and high quality care.
- Exercise autonomous clinical expertise, high levels of judgement, discretion, and decision- making in care, in accordance with their scope of practice.
- Draw on expertise utilising the four pillars of advanced practice to lead and influence improvements to standards of care.
- Develop a culture of organisational learning to inspire future and existing staff.
- Influence and lead on the improvement of care though clinical governance, audit, quality improvement and research in collaboration with clinical and academic colleagues.
- Demonstrate compassionate leadership in daily working.
For further details please see attached job description.
About us
We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment manager for this post who will put you into contact with the recruitment team. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.
Job description Job responsibilities
Clinical Practice
To possess a scope of clinical practice within legal, ethical, professional and organisational policies, governance and procedures, with a focus on managing risk and upholding safety.
*Advanced Practice Sonographers in General Ultrasound (non MSK) must be expert, being able to teach and provide second opinion where appropriate, in all these areas: abdominal, gynaecology, testicular, DVT, paediatric and neck ultrasound, including fine needle aspirations. The post holder needs to also be expert at least one of the following areas: contrast enhanced ultrasound studies, neonatal ultrasound or HyCoSy.
*Advanced Practice Sonographers in MSK Ultrasound must be expert, being able to teach and provide second opinion where appropriate, in upper limp, lower limp, lumps, groin and abdominal wall ultrasound, and be able to perform ultrasound guided injections and aspirations. The post holder must also be experienced in abdominal, gynaecology, testicular and DVT ultrasound.
Leadership and Management
Participates in the investigation of clinical incidents and serious incidents.
Leads and facilitates others to share lessons learned adapt systems and processes accordingly.
Support team members from a managerial perspective including direct line manger responsibilities, such as sickness management, appraisals and conduct management.
Education
Actively contribute to regular image review meetings within Ultrasound and contribute content for CME programmes for Ultrasound team.
To oversee the preceptorship programme in ultrasound team.
Act as a role model, educator, supervisor, coach and mentor, seeking to instil and develop the confidence of others.
Research
Develop a knowledge rich enquiry culture where research values are promoted and encouraged.
Lead and participate in quality improvement projects within Ultrasound and Imaging.
Contribute towards the research culture in the Ultrasound team and support sonographers who undertake research projects and colleagues undertaking the Masters qualifications.
Please refer to job description for full details.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Level 7 Post Graduate Diploma in Medical Ultrasound, or DMU, or equivalent. Masters Degree in Advanced Practice or equivalent Statutory Professional Registration
Desirable
Leadership/Management qualifications/course Education/Mentorship/Supervision/Coaching qualifications/course
Knowledge and Experience Essential
Extensive demonstrable experience within general/non obstetric ultrasound and/or MSK ultrasound, including with acute patients. Management ability and leadership demonstrable experience Excellent clinical and practical skills Demonstrable experience of education and supervision Recent demonstrable experience in clinical audit and quality improvement Influencing policy and clinical guidance Proven evidence of practice in line with the HEE (2017) multi-professional framework
Desirable
Recent extensive, substantive demonstrable NHS experience. Implementing policy and clinical guidance Appraisal skills Multi-professional supervision Change management skills Demonstrable experience of conducting audits and research
Aptitude and Abilities Essential
Ability to recognise and analyse complex situations and take appropriate action. Proven evidence of relevant, recent study and continuing professional development Ability to work independently and as a team member, whilst adapting to changes
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Address Derriford Hospital
Derriford Road
Plymouth
PL6 8DH
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)