Assistant Practitioner

The qualified Assistant Practitioner (AP) will work as part of a team, planning, delivering and evaluating healthcare that focuses on the direct care of patients. The role will entail carrying out specific clinical tasks and responsibilities as delegated by a registered Nurse ensuring the highest standard of care is achieved whilst supporting patients, family and carers and the multi-disciplinary team. The Assistant Practitioner has a required level of knowledge and skill beyond that of the traditional Nursing Assistant role. The Assistant Practitioner will be able to deliver elements of health and social care and undertake clinical skills in domains that have previously been the remit of registered professionals., The Assistant Practitioner will work with minimal supervision as part of the Radiology US Team. The team consists of Consultant Radiologists, Radiology Registrars, US Superintendent Radiographers, Sonographers and Radiology Assistants. The Assistant Practitioner will work within agreed protocols to assist the US team to perform a range of diagnostic US examinations and to support the safety of the patient. The Assistant Practitioner is responsible for their clinical work and professional development and will be required to provide support to colleagues undertaking US imaging.

The post holder will be expected to display a pleasant and caring approach in line with the Trusts commitment to Delivering Compassionate Excellence. As a member of the Radiology Team, in this enhanced role you will support and work closely with Radiologists, Registered Nurses, Radiology Assistants and Clerical/Administration personnel to deliver a high standard of care to patients in a caring and safe environment with minimal supervision.

You will develop skills to assist the clinical team in the assessment, monitoring and treatment of patients by undertaking specific clinical activities, performing and accurately recording appropriate tests, as per protocol for which you will have received training and be deemed competent., · Works within the clearly defined accountability frameworks, recognising at all times the boundaries to the remit of the Assistant Practitioner role.

· Comply with and adhere to the Ionising Radiation Regulations, (IRMER17) and work within the Locals Rules for the area.

Be responsible for designated aspects of care for a defined group of patients of all genders and to assist them if required with mobility issues post procedure.

· Assess and monitor the patient's skin integrity and to report and document immediately any changes or concerns in their condition.

· Demonstrate initiative and the ability to recognise/identify changes in a patient's condition/treatment and seek advice and expertise from registered practitioners in accordance with Trust policy.

· Perform, accurately record and interpret patient observations on SEND and EPR (following appropriate assessment of competence) and escalate any concerns appropriately to a registered practitioner.

· Perform additional tasks and clinical skills as directed by the registered staff following completion of relevant competencies.

· Actively participate in the handover process to ensure continuity of care and to accurately feedback to a registered practitioner, the care given, procedures performed guided with which scan, post procedure instructions and any significant changes in the patient's condition.

· Undertake patient transfer and escort duties between departments as appropriate following risk assessment and relevant policy.

· Recognise when a patient is deteriorating and ensure escalation of care.

· Recognise where a patient or family member/carer is becoming agitated, disorientated or appears non-compliant with care or treatment, support colleagues with such patients and report immediately to a registered nurse.

· Respond swiftly to individuals who require immediate assistance, are in pain, distressed or using their call bell; where required report to a Registered Nurse.

· Demonstrate awareness to the patient's environment and aim to minimise challenges such as dimming bright lights, ensuring privacy to preserve dignity.

· Ensure that prior to using any specific medical device you have been trained and deemed competent that is documented. Report any concerns immediately and any faults to the relevant department and ensure it is removed from service.

· As required undertake equipment checks and update records and restock items as required.

· Engage in reflective practice including management of self and reflection on own reactions, asking questions and reflecting on answers given.

· Demonstrate good understanding of principles of verbal consent and ensure valid verbal consent is obtained prior to undertaking nursing and care procedures.

· Demonstrate good understanding of Safeguarding Children, the Mental Capacity Act/Deprivation of Liberties and apply principles to everyday practice seeking advice/ guidance from the Registered Nurse or registered care professional as required.

· Ensure the collections of specimens are requested as per protocol and Trust policy. These include all tissue samples such as biopsies, fine needle aspirations and collection of ascitic fluid & urine. These require accurate labelling requested from EPR by the Radiologist/Radiographer as per Trust Policy.

· Assist the CT team to prepare and perform all the CT examinations carried out at the John Radcliffe Hospital., · Use paper and electronic systems to retrieve and record patient information in line with Trust documentation standards and operational systems, these include Cris, SEND, EPR and scan it. Ensure information is accurate and securely maintained.

· Apply the principles of information governance and patient confidentiality to all aspects of your role.

· Obtain age/capacity appropriate consent from the patient/family or their carer/guardian before any clinical intervention is undertaken; where this is not given report this to a registered practitioner.

· Participate in discussions about patient care at hand over and departmental meetings.

· Escalate concerns regarding practice through the appropriate route with regards to behaviour and practice.

· Maintain professional boundaries and working relationships with patients, relatives and colleagues.

· Ensure patients and their relatives or carers are kept informed of delays with their treatment, investigations and clinic times in a professional manner.

· To liaise with the wards, in a timely manner, to arrange US examinations for in-patients at the JR Hospital.

· Prepare in-patients by completing a pre-procedure checklist and check the patient is following any bowel preparation regime.

· Assist in the organisation and coordination of Radiology US appointments for outpatients., · Demonstrate knowledge and appreciation of the Assistant Practitioner role within the multi- disciplinary team and be able to articulate the role and range of activities explaining underpinning rationale to a range of people.

· Participate in a yearly appraisal and assessment of training needs, undertaking any further training for continuous professional and personal development as identified.

· Maintain current continuous professional development, (CPD), including statutory and mandatory training.

· Maintain a personal portfolio of competence.

· Acquire, maintain and improve the knowledge and skills required to perform all agreed health care activities competently. This involves undertaking additional in-house training as agreed with the department manager.

· Promote and practice evidence based care.

· Support the development of others including induction, monitoring, teaching and assessing of new junior staff following appropriate training, e.g. Care Certificate.

· Access and promote Radiology's educational resources and Trust's extensive library facilities.

· Actively participate and contribute to local research and/or projects that enable development of staff and raise profile of the Department.

· Be able to acknowledge limitations to competence and not act outside of these.

· Act as a role model at all times, by supporting junior staff & colleagues

· To be actively involved with appraisal of Radiology Assistants.

· To gain and maintain competence in IV Cannulation according to OUH Procedure.

· To support Radiology Assistants in cannulation training as required.

· Demonstrate effective communication skills including managing conflict when dealing with patients, relatives/carers and members of the multidisciplinary team utilising sensitivity, empathy and using a range of skills including interpersonal, oral, written and information technology.

· Communicate factual information both formally and informally, recognising and managing any obstacles by using effective communication with Radiologist's, Registrars, Nurses, Radiographers & clerical. Where there are barriers to understanding, as required arrange/ access to information, support and other services to aid effective communication.

· Supervise and liaise with radiology assistants ensuring adequate cover and assistance is provided in all modalities

· Demonstrate the ability to reflect on own communication skills and modify behaviour and practice accordingly.

· Maintain a high standard of personal behaviour and ensure effective communication with all members of the multidisciplinary team, patients, carers and relatives. Develop strong interpersonal relationships with colleagues ensuring collaborative working and a good team spirit at all times., · Completion of a Foundation Degree in Health & Social Care or equivalent., Sexual Safety Charter: In 2023 NHS England launched its first sexual safety charter, and our Trust proudly signed it. We pledge zero tolerance for inappropriate sexual behaviour and commit to the ten core principles

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the country. It provides a wide range of general and specialist clinical services and is a base for medical education, training and research.

The Trust comprises of four hospitals - the John Radcliffe Hospital, Churchill Hospital and Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Headington and the Horton General Hospital in Banbury.

Our values, standards and behaviours define the quality of clinical care we offer and the professional relationships we make with our patients, colleagues and the wider community. We call this Delivering Compassionate Excellence and its focus is on our values of compassion, respect, learning, delivery, improvement and excellence., Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has a rich tradition of developing nursing and midwifery practice and of delivering excellence in patient care. Whilst proud of the heritage, the focus is the future and central to the vision is providing evidence-based individualised care to the people cared for within the Trust., Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the country. It provides a wide range of general and specialist clinical services and is a base for medical education, training and research. The Trust comprises four hospitals - the John Radcliffe Hospital, Churchill Hospital and Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Headington and the Horton General Hospital in Banbury.

Our values, standards and behaviours define the quality of clinical care we offer and the professional relationships we make with our patients, colleagues and the wider community.

We call this Delivering Compassionate Excellence, and its focus is on our values of compassion, respect, learning, delivery, improvement and excellence.

These values put patients at the heart of what we do and underpin the quality healthcare we would like for ourselves or a member of our family. Watch how we set out to deliver compassionate excellence via the OUH YouTube channel.

In 2023 NHS England launched its first sexual safety charter, and our Trust proudly signed it. We pledge zero tolerance for inappropriate sexual behaviour and commit to the ten core principles

Oxford University Hospitals promotes a safe, respectful hiring environment.

If you want to make a difference with us, come and join our team. Together, we will uphold the highest standards of care and professionalism., Oxford University Hospitals promotes a safe, respectful hiring environment.

If you want to make a difference with us, come and join our team. Together, we will uphold the highest standards of care and professionalism.