Detailed job description and main responsibilities

A dynamic and energetic resuscitation officer to join a team of 5 existing resuscitation officers providing clinical and education support across all specialities in acute and community settings. 

Will have a minimum of ALS/APLS instructor status and be willing to work towards to national course instructorship and directorship.

In conjunction with the lead resuscitation officer, and the resuscitation committee the resuscitation officer will develop aspects of the resuscitation service supporting the Lead resuscitation officer to provide a comprehensive service to the trust.

To lead and participate in delivering training programs in resuscitation practices to clinical practitioners in conjunction with the lead resuscitation officer.

To be a clinical member of the resuscitation team and whilst attending clinical emergency calls across the Trust, providing expertise to the team and where necessary lead the team to ensure the best evidenced based care and outcome to the patient.

Deliver simulation and practical procedure-based training events in the simulation suite or in situ using electronic simulation manikins.

Willingness to develop to national course instructor and director.

Main duties and responsibilities:

 To provide Whittington Hospital NHS Trust with the highest possible level of specific training and education in resuscitation thus, enabling practitioners to perform effectively therefore improving patient care and reducing clinical risk.

To undertake risk assessments to provide the Trust and lead Resuscitation Officer with accurate information regarding resuscitation related risks.

To undertake trust wide audit of resuscitation training, practice and equipment to highlight areas for service improvement.

To assist on the development of resuscitation related policy’s in conjunction with the resuscitation committee and the Lead Resuscitation Officer.

Raise the profile of resuscitation issues amongst all staff caring for patients within the Trust.

Clinical responsibilities

Provides clinical expertise and support to the clinical emergency team and where necessary leads the team under supervision of the Lead Resuscitation Officer to ensure best evidenced based practice and patient outcome.

The  Resuscitation officer will provide professional advice as needed in conjunction with the Lead Resuscitation officer , senior resuscitation officer and resuscitation committee.

Debrief staff and relatives as necessary following all very stressful and distressing resuscitation attempts.

Participate in ensuring members of the cardiac arrest teams are fully conversant and competent in advanced resuscitation techniques.

Attend when possible and on duty all resuscitation attempts, supporting, facilitating, and debriefing the team and family as appropriate.

Maintain and develop clinical skills, credibility, and expertise by working clinically in appropriate practice areas with due regard to service priorities and needs as negotiated with Lead Resuscitation Officer.

Is accountable for his or her practice and takes every reasonable opportunity to sustain and improve his or her knowledge and professional competence.

Practices in accordance with NMC code of professional conduct or equivalent regulatory bodies.

Participate in the duty resuscitation officer rota providing trust wide support in resuscitation issues and providing feedback of these to the resuscitation team.

Participate in the major incident on-call rota to provide a expert support in the event of a major incident. Attends the Trust in the event of a major incident and performs actions as dictated by the relevant action card. Participates as part of a MERIT team if needed as directed by Silver Commander at the time.

Educational responsibilities

Participate in the development and delivery of innovative resuscitation training programmes for all levels of staff caring for patients, as delegated by the Lead Resuscitation Officer.

Deliver training in a variety of settings covering most clinical areas and environments as dictated by the development strategy, training needs and risk assessments.

Plan and co-ordinate the development and delivery of nationally accredited courses in resuscitation as delegated by the Lead Resuscitation Officer.

Maintain own national instructor status by adherence to code of conduct, attendance at national instructor events and teaching on courses within the Trust, in other Trusts and educational institutions to maintain credibility and strengthen clinical networking.

Ensure all resuscitation training is based on the latest evidence base and adheres to European and Trust guidelines for resuscitation.

Participate in the development of the Trust cascade Trainers programme.

In conjunction with other clinicians and the Lead Resuscitation Officer participate in the planning of resuscitation services within own Trust areas.

Develop skills and experience in Clinical simulation within the Whittington Simulation Centre and within Clinical areas utilising high and medium fidelity Simulators and equipment.

Self management

Organise and plan own workload effectively.

Act as an effective role model to colleagues and other members of staff.

Provide Resuscitation Committee and Lead Resuscitation Officer with clear strategy for delivery of own projects and complete by designated deadlines.

Maintain own professional development and take every opportunity to further own clinical, educational and managerial level of competence utilising local resources and through clinical networks.

Contribute to the implementation of the Trust’s Strategy.

To represent the resuscitation service locally and nationally as necessary.

Keep accurate records of all training delivered in liaison with the Resuscitation Services Administrator.

To adhere to and assist with, the development and implementation of the mission statement and philosophy of the resuscitation service with regards to resuscitation.

Undertake duties required during a designated major incident as detailed on the appropriate action card in the hospital or at the scene.

Have a flexible approach to working patterns and be willing to work outside normal hours as required including weekends, early mornings, and late nights and nights depending upon contingencies of the service and Trust needs. Participates in the resuscitation service on call rota for major incidents and audit of cardiac arrests.

Human Resource management

Participate in the induction of newly appointed Resuscitation Officers.

Safeguard the health, safety and welfare of staff, patients, clients and visitors in line with local policy and statutory obligations.

Initiate preliminary corrective action in accordance with Trust policies and guidelines where necessary to maintain safety of patients and staff reporting such actions to the on call manager. 

Exercise a cost effective approach to patient care.

Ability to analyse and monitor activity and financial information and provide such details to the Lead Resuscitation Officer as necessary in relation to resuscitation.

Anticipates and identifies staff shortages and arranges replacement cover as necessary in conjunction with the Lead Resuscitation Officer.

Maintain, build and strengthen communication between key stakeholders , resuscitation and emergency departments and relevant national bodies for resuscitation.

Communicate effectively with all members of staff at all levels using negotiation and motivational techniques to encourage learning and education and to ensure adoption of evidence based practice and facilitate the delivery of high quality care.

Communicate empathetically skilfully utilising counselling skills to debrief staff and relatives following distressing resuscitation situations.

Clinical Governance, audit and research

To adhere to the Trust strategy relating to clinical governance

To act as Trust expert, to ensure trust wide review, audit and standardisation of resuscitation equipment for patients in conjunction with Lead Resuscitation Officer and the Resuscitation Committee ensuring cost effective use of resources.

Undertake investigation into resuscitation related adverse incidents reporting to the Trust Resuscitation Committee and Clinical Risk Managers.

Ensure regular audit and equipment checking systems are in place in accordance with Trust policy.

Maintain databases for audit of clinical resuscitation attempts, DNAR and trauma.

Provide accurate records and evidence for Trust assessments and strategy development in collaboration with the Lead Resuscitation Officer.

Identify areas of resuscitation research and actively participate in such studies. Act as a resource to key investigators as necessary.

Advise Resuscitation committee and practitioners on adoption of research findings in resuscitation techniques and therapies.

Participate in production of reports, policies and risk assessments in resuscitation for the Resuscitation Committee and Trust’s clinical boards in conjunction with the Lead Resuscitation Officer and clinical risk managers as necessary.