Radiology Assistant, Twilight Shift - UPMC Whitfield Hospital

Location: UPMC Whitfield Hospital
Job type: Permanent

Overview of role:

UPMC are hiring a Radiology Assistant ,Twilight to join the Radiology team at UPMC Whitfield Hospital, Waterford. This role will be primarily focused on the twilight shift which runs from 6pm to 12am Monday to Friday. The Diagnostic Imaging Department provides a service to both Inpatients and Outpatients. It includes General Radiography, Theatre Imaging, Ultrasound, DEXA, MRI, PET CT, CT and CathLab services. The holder of this post will work as part of the Multidisciplinary team in the Radiology Department and assist in providing a high-quality service to patients in assigned areas. The Role includes clinical and administrative duties that support Radiographers in providing a high-quality service to users. The successful candidate will be rostered in the Radiology department and will assist the Radiographers and Radiologists in the areas of MRI, Ultrasound, CT, Image management, and General Radiography.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

General & MRI Duties:

Welcome patients and their guardians to the imaging service in a professional manner. escort patient and relevant paperwork to MRI Suite.
Escort patient and relevant paperwork to MRI Suite.
Check labels have been printed for, iv gad & Buscopan patients.
Always demonstrate respect for the patient and be aware that any information discussed with the patient during the examination is private and confidential.
Assist Radiographers during all Diagnostic Imaging. examinations, including changing, moving and lifting of patients & equipment.
Assist patients in completing consent forms for procedures.
Check patient screening form:
Check patient Name / DOB / Address (tick for completion).
Discuss with patient if there is any history of metal in eyes?
Confirm Patient has signed the forms.
Change patient into gown, remove jewellery and lock away belongings.
Give brief outline of MRI procedure and the use of the call bell & headphones.
Give Ear plugs to patient.
Ensure scan / examination rooms are tidy and that stock is replenished prior to commencement of morning and afternoon sessions.
Assist the Radiographer in Coil & Patient set up for scan.
Scan paperwork / complete Insurance details on forms.
Check emails / Teams and complete any outstanding issues regarding Insurance queries. Share correspondence for any outstanding queries.
Assist Patient off the scanner / out of the Dept and room clean down / prep for next patient.
To monitor stock levels of consumables and highlight need to re-order where necessary under agreed processes.
Restock cannulation trolley, gloves, syringes, needles & dressings.
Replenish consumable i.e. gowns, couch rolls, incontinence sheets.
Empty all linen bins in Radiology Dept. at end of shift.
Liaise with wards to ensure the timely transfer of patients to and from the department.
Direct patients to changing cubicles for x-ray examinations and assist with changing if required.
Reassure patients in general waiting areas when examinations are delayed and give a reasonable estimate of when examination will be completed.
Assist in transferring patients from trolleys/ wheelchairs to examination tables when required including training in use of hoists (if required).
Supervise and assist patients as needed, e.g. toileting.
Rotation areas may include MRI, CT, Ultrasound, General X-ray & Theatres, and the PACS department. These areas may develop in the future.
To assist with any other work in the Radiology Department which may be required at times, on instruction from the Radiography Service Manager/CSR or designate.

RIS / PACS Office Support:

When required, assist with all queries regarding image / CD requests and Image transfer via BEAM.
Keep appraised of the relevant documentation / procedures as relevant.
Maintain accurate up to date filing systems and records (computerised / paper copy).
Undertake any other administrative support and assignments as directed.
Understand the importance of data quality and integrity in relation to everyday work and ensure that work is carried out to agreed standards.
Assisting the RIS/PACS/BEAM Administrator in the monitoring of the cd requests.
Ensuring that GDPR and confidentiality guidelines are adhered to at all times when dealing with patient data.

Ultrasound Department:

Escort patients to and from the ultrasound examination rooms.
Assist the Sonographer/Radiologist with their workload, including managing the daily patient list and assisting with sterile procedures.
Monitor Ultrasound vetted in-patient list on RIS system and liaise with wards re patient transport and preparation for ultrasound examination (e.g. ensuring full bladders prior to
pelvic scans) in consultation with the Sonographer.
Ensure in-patient transfers are made in a timely fashion from wards and other departments as directed by the sonographers.
Liaise with the appropriate staff to arrange appropriate patient transport for examinations.
Assist patients changing into gowns and any other patient needs as directed by the sonographers.
Assist with lifting, moving and positioning patients and moving trolley/ beds.
Chaperone for intimate ultrasound examinations and whenever requested.
Follow correct hospital infection control procedures when dealing with infectious patients.
Sterilise the Ultrasound probes in the unit post procedure, and following isolation cases.
Carry out general housekeeping in the Ultrasound Department.
Monitor and replenish stocks and consumables in the ultrasound rooms on a daily basis.
Maintain professional standards in relation to consent, confidentiality, ethics and legislation.

Routine Maintenance of Equipment:

To assist the Radiation Protection Officer or Radiographer with Quality Assurance duties.
Assist the radiographers with any equipment breakdowns.
Report any faults or problems encountered to the Radiography Service Manager or deputy.

Administrative:

Carry out the administrative and clerical duties required to support the Radiographer staff and the Radiography department e.g. scan paperwork, completion of Insurance documents, system close out etc).
Registration of requests (as and when required) onto the RIS (Radiology Information System).
Answer the telephone, take and pass on accurate messages to the appropriate member of staff and make calls as required.
Maintain stock and supply records and liaise with radiography staff re stocks and supplies.
Contribute to the planning and development of the Radiography Service and participate in service improvements, in conjunction with the Radiographers.

Education and Training:

To take advice and training where required.
Assigned dedicated time to participate and undertake Departmental Audit.
Participate in team-based development, education, training and learning.
Participate in the induction of new staff as directed.
To develop and maintain a high level of knowledge of the following and always practice within the guidelines and policies written at both unit and Hospital level:

Clinical risk reporting policy
Occupational Health
Facilities Management
Patient Moving and Handling
Resuscitation / Basic Life Support
Health and Safety
Departmental Financial & Budgetary Controls
Patient Complaints procedure
Falls Management programme

Information Resources:

To be an efficient user of the Radiology Information System (RIS) and the PACS system and any other systems required to fulfil the duties on a daily basis.

Health and Safety:

Ensure that work is carried out in a safe manner in accordance with the provisions of the Health, Safety and Welfare at Work Act and/or other related legislation.
All staff are responsible for identifying, assessing, and reporting all risks and for contributing to the management and review of all risks.
Observe all rules relating to Health and Safety and Conduct at Work and use any equipment provided in a safe and responsible manner.
Report to the Radiography Services Manager / Deputy any matter relating to Health and Safety within the designated work area.
Report any accidents, near misses to the person in charge and ensure completion of incident / near miss electronic forms.
Wear appropriate clothing, in particular personal protective equipment and including high filtration masks that may be necessary.
Do not undertake any duty related to patient / service user care for which he/she is not trained.
Have a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc. and comply with associated UPMC protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role.
To be familiar with regulations and local procedures such as fire regulations and emergency plan regulations.
Support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient UPMC service.

The above Job Specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

Qualifications & Experience:

Minimum Requirements:

A Fetac/QQI Level 5 in Health/Social Care is essential
Previous experience in a Radiography Department is desirable
Excellent interpersonal and team building skills.
Strong communication skills and clinical skills.
Fluency in English, both written and spoken.
Must be computer literate.
Flexibility and excellent use of initiative.
The ideal candidate should be capable of working on their own initiative and as part of a team.
Have a keen interest in a caring profession.

Knowledge, skills & abilities:

To work in the Radiology Department on a day-to-day basis and be flexible.
Knowledge of radiographic equipment and procedures
Ability to follow instructions and protocols
Attention to detail and accuracy in positioning patients
Communication skills for interacting with patients and other healthcare professionals
Understanding of MRI and radiation safety protection measures
Ability to work in a fast-paced and high-pressure environment
Flexibility and adaptability to changing situations and patient needs
Computer skills for data entry and record keeping
Physical stamina and dexterity for standing and moving patients
Teamwork and collaboration with other healthcare professionals

Professional Knowledge:

Demonstrates a good understanding of the role of a Radiology Assistant.
Demonstrates an ability to understand and comply with health and safety requirements in work situations.
Demonstrates a willingness to engage with and develop Information Technology skills relevant to the role.
Planning and Organising Skills:

The ability to plan and organise effectively.
Demonstrates good time management skills in carrying out their clinical duties, including the ability to prioritise effectively and manage competing demands.
Demonstrates the ability to take initiative and to be appropriately self-directed.

Teamwork / Building Effective Working Relationships:

Demonstrates effective team skills, shows respect for other team members.
Participates in and contributes to the team, strives to foster good working relationships within the team.
Works collaboratively with others, can be flexible within one’s own role and responsibility.
Demonstrates the ability to react constructively to setbacks, is able to maintain professionalism and manage situations where conflict arises.

Commitment to providing a Quality Service:

Demonstrates a commitment to the delivery of a high-quality, person-centred service.
Treats all service users with dignity and respect and ensures that the welfare of the service user is always a key consideration.
Demonstrates the ability to respect and maintain confidentially.
Demonstrates an interest in contributing to alternative methods/new ways of working to improve service user care.
Demonstrates flexibility and an openness to change, has a positive attitude towards change. Engagement in shared communications for introduction or implementation of change - Feedback valued.

Evaluating Information and Judging Situations:

Reads situations quickly and responds appropriately; can find common ground and get co-operation with minimum upset.
Recognises and interprets an unsafe situation and takes appropriate action..
Knows when to ask for help / when to ask another team member to intervene.

Communications & Interpersonal Skills:

Displays effective communication skills (verbal & written).
Acts with professionalism and demonstrates empathy with others in undignified / stressful situations, retains composure.
Demonstrates understanding and appropriate responses to service users with varying degrees of need.
Demonstrates the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people, particularly in listening, giving explanations / directions and in reporting back on observations

Equal Opportunity Statement and Benefits

UPMC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

At UPMC we provide a total rewards program that is not only market competitive, but fair and provides growth opportunities for all our colleagues.

Compensation – Competitive pay for the work employees do – base pay, performance related pay and premium pay where applicable.

Benefits – Fully paid maternity and paternity leave for new parents. Competitive Pension Plan, company funded Death in Service Benefit x 3 times. Critical Illness cover for all employees up to the age of 66.

Performance and Recognition – Rewards for performance that supports the goals and mission of UPMC through our annual ACES programme.

Work-Life Balance – Enhanced annual leave up to a maximum of 27 days. Flexible working opportunities to support you to work around external family commitments.

Development and Career Opportunities – Opportunities for each employee to reach their career goals through continued learning and/or advancement.

About UPMC

UPMC is a renowned multinational academic medical centre committed to delivering people-focused care that’s close to home. Headquartered in Pittsburgh and affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, UPMC shapes the future of health through clinical and technological innovation, research and education. UPMC expands its expertise globally, bringing world-class care across continents through its UPMC International division — an owned and operated network of hospitals and ambulatory care centres in Italy, Ireland and Croatia. UPMC International brings new access to the signature specialty services of UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre, UPMC Sports Medicine and others to more people in more places around the world.

In Ireland UPMC has provided high-quality healthcare in the South East since 2006. UPMC’s operations in Ireland now include UPMC Whitfield Hospital in Waterford, UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic in Dublin, UPMC Kildare Hospital in Clane, and UPMC Aut Even Hospital in Kilkenny. Outpatient care is available at the UPMC Carlow Outreach Centre, UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre radiotherapy locations in Waterford and Cork, UPMC The 4th Practice in Mallow, and across UPMC Sports Medicine Clinics in Dublin, Waterford, Limerick, Tipperary, Cork, and Mayo. UPMC has also established a nationwide Concussion Network. UPMC's Global Technology Operation Centre is based in Kilkenny.

Radiology Assistant, Twilight Shift - UPMC Whitfield Hospital

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