Apprentice Clinical Physiologist in Neurophysiology

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The successful post holder will:

• Be a full time integrated team member of the Neurophysiology Department at Luton and Dunstable Hospital/Bedford Hospital, Bedfordshire Hospitals Foundation Trust
• Follow the curriculum at the University of the West of England attending block training, undertaking virtual training and work placements as set out in training programme
• Complete and pass appropriate academic modules to the required breadth and depth of underpinning knowledge
• Undertake work based training in conjunction with the Practitioner Training Programme supported by the Academy of Healthcare Science
• Gain practical understanding and experience over the whole range of Neurophysiological procedures by undertaking training within the Department of Neurophysiology in order to become a qualified clinical physiologist who:
  • Performs a range of neurophysiological investigations such as inpatient and outpatient EEG and Evoked Potentials.
  • Performs a range of tests on patients of all ages and all abilities (including neonates, children, young adults)
  • Produces high quality and detailed factual reports in EEG and Evoked Potential studies
  • Interprets and acts upon results of tests, investigations, and measurements in accordance with departmental policies, procedures, and quality systems.
  • Liaises with and works collaboratively with other staff on a daily basis to ensure the service needs are met.
  • Acquires and maintains a high level of professional competence in the performance of all tests, investigations and measurements carried out.
  •  Communicates face to face and on the telephone with patients, members of the public and staff in a friendly, professional and courteous manner.
  • Participates in CPD, audit and research.
  • Participates in the training of trainee physiologists and other professionals if applicable
  • Works within established policies and protocols.
  • Ensures personal compliance with regards to mandatory, professional, and personal development.

The programme aims to develop competent practitioners who can work independently within the neurophysiology department

The post holder will, over the course of 3 years complete an undergraduate degree level course in BSc Healthcare Science – Neurophysiology, following which they will complete a portfolio and pass the standalone EEG exam overseen by ANS.

Following successful completion of all exams (inclusive of the ANS standalone Part 1 exam), the post holder might be offered a full time Band 5 position at Bedfordshire Hospitals subject to available position and funding at the time.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To participate in the departmental activities and work based learning under appropriate supervision while gaining education and skills required.
• To study and gain formal qualification in BSc Healthcare Science neurophysiology through the Healthcare Science Practitioner Training Programme, following time scales set out by the UWE and Department of Neurophysiology
• To be able to balance the commitments of working and studying
• To undertake all mandatory training
• To maintain a professional and courteous attitude
• To operate in accordance with Good Scientific Practice
• To conduct safe working practices applying risk management and health and safety principles, following Trusts and local policies and procedures
• To work safely specifically with regard to radioactive, biological and chemical hazards in accordance with current legislation
• To use computer systems and software appropriate to their work
• To operate medical equipment, performing calibration, equipment quality assurance and equipment quality control
• To maintain appropriate records
• To communicate effectively with stakeholders
• To prepare equipment and procedure rooms. This will include restocking of all consumables as necessary, in order to perform the appropriate test
• To learn, perform and interpret routine neurophysiology investigations including but not limited to: electroencephalography, home video telemetry, evoked potentials, nerve conduction studies
• To learn writing up factual reports and mark them appropriate for urgency
• To prepare and reassure patients undergoing tests as appropriate for skill level
• To communicate with patients, relatives, carers; medical (internal and external), nursing (internal and external), hospital, administrative and clerical staff as appropriate for skill level
• To work within dedicated (department) and non-dedicated environment (wards, critical care units)
• To assist during medical emergencies
• To observe and assess the patient mental and physical health at all times.

• To undertake other duties as may be required by the Department of Neurophysiology to achieve the Trust’s objectives, commensurate with the grading of the post

The post holder:

·         Should be physically capable of maintaining correct posture for long periods of time whilst scanning, moving and positioning of patients and equipment often in a restricted environment.

·         Must be capable of dealing with stress

·         Must be capable of working extended periods in a darkened environment.

·         Must be capable of being in close contact with infectious patients, contact with bodily fluids, vomit and poor hygiene

·         Might be exposed to contact with verbally and physically aggressive patients

·         Must be able to work with VDU equipment used daily for data acquisition, data entry and report writing

·         Must comply with all trust policies relating to data protection

·         Must maintain absolute confidentiality and information security in line with Data protection Act 1998 and Computer misuse act (Any disclosure of patient identifiable data, staff data or other personal information is a dismissible offence. The unauthorised disclosure of information could also result in a prosecution under the data protection act 1998)

This job description is not an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities and the post holder may be required to undertake other duties to meet the changing needs of the service

The job description is intended as a guide to the general scope of duties and is subject to change over time in line with changing needs of the service. This description may be subject to review by the Neurophysiology manager in conjunction with the post holder