Trainee Echocardiographer

Purpose The Trainee Echocardiographer will be employed for a fixed term of 18 months during which time they will work through a programme of learning. In conjunction with and supported by the Designated Training Officer, the Trainee Echocardiographer will be responsible for their own progression through the training programme, completing a mixture of work based competence and experience in NHS scientific departments, completing the learning outcomes as outlined in the Curriculum Library, undertaking the complementary academic Post Graduate Certificate in Clinical Echocardiography and preparing for and completing the BSE Transthoracic Accreditation process. The post holder will be expected to undertake a range of scientific and clinical functions initially under supervision. A major part of the training and development will take place within a specified host NHS organisation and is integrally linked to the knowledge and applied learning that forms part of the nationally recognised BSE accreditation programme.

Post holders will also be expected to undertake mandatory training as deemed necessary by their host NHS Organisation. At all times the Trainee Echocardiographer is expected to work within standard operating policies and procedures of the host department and NHS organisation and adhere to high standards of professionalism, health and safety, risk reduction, confidentiality, patient care and dignity, and respect for equality and diversity as set out in the NHS Constitution. The Trainee Echocardiographer will be employed by the host department for a fixed term of 18 months during which time they will work through a programme of learning. This will be combined with an academic programme at Post Graduate level over the first year of the programme.

Main duties and Responsibilities Scientific and Clinical Practice Undertake a range of clinical and scientific investigations as appropriate to the role. Acquire and maintain a high level of professional competence in the performance of all tests, investigations and measurements carried out. Interpret and act upon results of tests, investigations and measurements in accordance with departmental policies, procedures and quality systems. Comment and advise on new proposals and protocols, especially for service improvements.

Assist in the provision of advice to medical, nursing and other healthcare staff on the optimal and safe use of scientific procedures and highly complex equipment, including assisting in the design of new facilities. Assist with the procurement, acceptance and use of medical devices and consumables. Be responsible for the safe use of complex scientific and medical equipment, including recording all maintenance and calibration procedures performed and any corrective actions undertaken. Use reagents, consumables, hazardous materials and equipment safely and in accordance with Health and Safety policies.

Participate in risk management procedures including risk assessment and the investigation and reporting of adverse incidents. Participate in internal and external audit processes and quality systems Undertake R&D within the department as an integral part of training and acquire relevant skills to undertake clinical audit. Assist with supervision and training of support staff, students and new appointees, and participate in departmental seminars and scientific meetings to disseminate knowledge acquired through study or research. Education and Learning Successfully complete the training and assessment programme in conjunction with the local Training Coordinator and designated Academic institution to achieve certified competence awarded by the BSE.

Undertake suitable training within the host department and other placements to successfully acquire core competencies and thereafter maintain the required standards of competence when undertaking duties. Take responsibility for own learning and development by recognising and taking advantage of all opportunities to learn, including appraisal, supervision, academic course and problem based learning and maintaining a personal portfolio of learning. Ensure that own learning needs, identified with the Training officer and reflecting the requirements of the curriculum, are met. Retain sufficient flexibility and adaptability in learning in order to ensure full contribution to improving services in response to changing health care needs.

The trainee will work in specified areas of the department and be responsible to the Designated Training Coordinator/Officer for their own work and progression through the scheme. All trainees will be expected to travel to national academic and other courses regularly throughout their training. In some cases this may involve overnight and/or residential stays. Trainees will undertake a Post Graduate Certificate in Clinical Echocardiography at a designated academic institution specific for the training pathway.

Trainees will mainly be based in the host department, but may nee