Job overview

The post holder will work within NMC Professional Codes of Conduct and Professional Guidelines to assist Consultant Radiologists, other specialist clinicians, and fellow nursing professionals during Diagnostic, Interventional, and Therapeutic procedures, maintaining care and dignity of patients at all times.

You will provide nursing care, advice, and information regarding procedures/treatment with patients attending the department, also explaining alternative treatment available. Act as an advocate for staff, patients, and relatives at all times. You will be required to complete a competency framework, gaining knowledge and skills in the clinical area. Once deemed competent, the post holder will be able to scrub independently.

With the relevant training, you will assist during diagnostic, interventional and therapeutic procedures. You will undertake observations of patients receiving Radiology procedures, acting on any changes or deterioration in patient condition. During examination procedures, you will administer any additional sedation or other appropriate medication under the direction of the Radiologist. Assist in therapeutic treatments, with limited supervision. Carry out subcutaneous and intramuscular injections, intravenous drug administration, and cannulation.  You will be attending emergency procedures/treatment and providing specialist advice to patients, relatives, and other healthcare staff regarding clinical procedures and interventions within Radiology. 

Main duties of the job

You will be expected:

• To plan your own day to day activities and allocate tasks to Healthcare Support Workers and Radiology Helper staff within the Department.
• Provide help and instruction to other members of staff within the Directorate, being approachable, empathic and supportive. 
•  Assist the Clinical Nurse in investigating complaints and concerns. 
• Identify and record any untoward or clinical incidents, using DATIX system in a timely manner. 
• Participate in auditing, supporting and implementing any necessary changes in relation to patient care by participating in research and evidence-based practice. 
• Share own judgmental skills in the delivery of patient care, making suggestions towards service improvement.
• Communicate with ward staff about preparation procedures before examinations, ensuring the instructions are conveyed clearly and understood.
• Relay confidential patient condition related information to colleagues, other hospital Departments and, on occasions, external organisations.
• Communicate sensitive information about clinical procedures to patients, providing reassurance as you explain what will happen throughout the procedure.
• Patients may be hard of hearing, elderly, confused or have learning difficulties, and the post holder will need to overcome these barriers using tact, empathy and negotiation skills.

Working for our organisation

Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties.

We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services.

We work in partnership with the three local authorities, as well as public, private and third sector colleagues, including our valued team of volunteers.

Our services are provided in:

• Four main hospitals: Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth; Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen; Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli; and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest
• Five community hospitals: Amman Valley and Llandovery hospitals in Carmarthenshire; Tregaron Hospital in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire hospitals in Pembrokeshire
• Two integrated care centres: Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion, and several other community settings
• 47 general practices (six of which are health board managed practices); dental practices (including four orthodontic); 99 community pharmacies;
• 43 general ophthalmic practices; and 8 ophthalmic domiciliary providers
• Numerous mental health and learning disabilities services