Detailed job description and main responsibilities

As a vascular scientist you will be expected to carry out vascular ultrasound diagnostic investigations to the standards required by the department.

General duties will include:-

• Performing arterial and venous duplex scans to support DVT and stroke services, vascular surgery and other. 
• Ensuring high level of patient care.
• Prioritising workload by triaging in-patient requests.  
• Independent reporting of scans for consultants/DVT nurses, including appropriate communication of urgent findings.

You will also have the following responsibilities:-

• To explain to patients the nature of the investigation being sensitive to their needs, feelings and sensibilities throughout the procedure. To work closely with other members of the department to achieve best possible results.
• To select the appropriate investigations for each patient, based on the request form and discussion with the patient and to adjust standard procedures as necessary. To interpret findings for inclusion in verbal, written or diagrammatic reports. To be familiar with other modalities which may give similar or complementary information which may assist with the test performed.
• Prioritise & manage own work. To accommodate urgent requests without compromise on quality. Where demands exceed capacity to select investigations with the highest clinical priority.
• To assist with preparation, development and review of protocols for the investigations.
• To retain awareness of the costs of equipment & consumables, to assist with keeping equipment well maintained and clean.
• To participate in teaching & supervision of trainees and other staff. To attend MDT meetings to present findings from Vascular Ultrasound investigations. To participate in and maintain accreditation by performing CPD activities. To maintain awareness of appropriate technical & scientific developments and to attend seminars, courses & conferences as necessary.
• To document each investigation by making appropriate measurements & sketches and by recording appropriate images. To write concise reports with accompanying diagrams where needed. Criteria used must be in accordance with departmental protocols.
• To monitor the accuracy & usefulness of the service through audit and by discussion with colleagues & clinicians. To support and participate in research as agreed with Vascular Ultrasound Lead.
• Appropriate measures must be taken to maintain hygiene and to reduce the risk of cross infection.
• Be compassionate and understanding with patients and be able to deliver unfavourable results sensitively.  Be able to work under pressure and in a busy clinical setting.
• It will also be necessary to help patients to move between wheelchairs and couches as well as manoeuvring heavy equipment on occasion.
• Carry out investigations requiring long periods of concentration.
• You will be working independently for much of the time, often with an assistant but sometimes alone