Job Overview
An opportunity has arisen to join the Radiology Nursing Team at West Suffolk Hospital. The team comprises Nurses and Imaging Assistants who provide support and care to patients attending the Radiology department for various diagnostic procedures and complex Interventional Procedures performed in Interventional Theatres. Staff are provided with opportunities to gain new knowledge and skills, including roles as scrub nurses in Interventional Theatres and administering conscious sedation, all under the guidance of senior nursing staff. Staff complete a detailed set of competencies and are encouraged to participate in regular training to enhance their professional development.
Main Duties of the Job
Key Tasks & Responsibilities
- Participates in providing patient care and support across the radiology department, including CT/MRI/Plain Film and Nuclear Medicine, responding to deteriorating patients or those experiencing allergic reactions/anaphylaxis by initiating assessment and treatment while waiting for the outreach/resuscitation team.
- Takes responsibility for the clinical assessment and management of outpatients experiencing unexpected clinical events, ensuring appropriate care is provided and concerns are escalated.
- Monitors and supports patients undergoing complex interventional radiology procedures, acting as scrub or circulating nurse following the completion of competencies.
- Manages the booking, pre-assessment, and preparation of patients undergoing interventional procedures after completing induction.
- Liaises closely with multidisciplinary teams across the trust to ensure timely interventions.
- Prepares, provides care for, and discharges patients admitted to the Interventional Radiology Day Unit for day-case procedures following induction.
Working for the Organisation
West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust is a busy, rural NHS Trust that provides high-quality care and compassion to over a quarter of a million people in West Suffolk. Care and treatment are delivered in hospitals, homes, and community settings.
The West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds offers acute and secondary care services, including emergency care, maternity, neonatal services, day surgery, and specialist units. The trust also provides adult and paediatric community services in partnership with West Suffolk Alliance, ensuring a wide range of nursing, therapy, and rehabilitation services are accessible.
The Trust values diversity, inclusivity, and teamwork, striving to make the organisation a great place to work. It offers nearly 5,000 staff the opportunity to be part of a supportive and innovative healthcare community.
Detailed Job Description and Main Responsibilities
Communication and Team Working
- Ensures effective communication with patients, relatives, and staff.
- Engages and communicates effectively with the inter-professional team and external agencies.
- Provides support to bereaved and distressed patients and relatives.
- Resolves informal complaints appropriately and addresses patients’ concerns.
- Assists in teaching junior staff and learners, acting as a mentor when required.
- Supervises and supports non-registered skilled workers and participates in staff induction.
- Leads in teaching and assessing learners, encouraging critical reflection.
- Demonstrates clear and accurate communication, both verbal and written.
Leading/Managing Care
- Assesses, plans, and supervises nursing care within an allocated timeframe.
- Organises and deploys staff according to workload, ensuring appropriate cover and escalating deficiencies.
- Supervises the delivery of care to maintain agreed standards.
- Works collaboratively with the inter-professional team and monitors the quality of care.
- Ensures the efficient use of resources, including the safe maintenance and storage of equipment.
Delivery of Care
- Carries out patient assessments and plans individual care programmes using a holistic approach.
- Administers prescribed drugs and treatments, maintaining accurate clinical observations.
- Evaluates the effectiveness of care interventions and updates care plans as needed.
- Provides patient and family education, ensuring understanding and evaluating its effectiveness.
Leadership and Management
- Assists in the professional development of staff and non-registered workers.
- Participates in appraisals and ensures staff are adequately trained and supported.
- Supervises learners and encourages reflective practice.
Professional Conduct and Development
- Exercises professional accountability, respecting patients’ rights and dignity.
- Maintains high standards of care and works collaboratively with patients to achieve positive outcomes.
- Engages in professional development, training, and evidence-based practice.
Person Specification
Education and Qualifications
- Essential: NMC Registration, BLS certification, evidence of ongoing professional development.
- Desirable: Conscious sedation training, PILS/ILS, or willingness to undertake.
Experience and Knowledge
- Essential: Competence in nursing skills within an acute setting and an understanding of the Interventional Radiology Nurse role.
- Desirable: Experience in Radiology Nursing and willingness to take on teaching responsibilities.
Skills and Abilities
- Essential: Strong communication skills, adaptability, and the ability to work under pressure.
- Desirable: Certification in cannulation or willingness to undertake.
Personal Qualities
- Essential: Flexibility, good time-keeping, and a team-oriented mindset.
- Desirable: An ability to respond positively to change and innovation.
Employer Certification/Accreditation
- NHS Pastoral Care Quality Award
- Disability Confident Employer
- Armed Forces Covenant
Want More Information About This Role?
Reach out to the Radiology Nurse Manager
Name: Sandra Forde
Job Title: Radiology Nurse Manager
Telephone: 01284 713095
Qualified and ready to apply now? Click the APPLY NOW button below.
