Location: On site / Waterford, Ireland
job type: Permanent / Full-time
Sector and subsector: Medical & Healthcare | General

Salary: Competitive Salary

Overview:

This busy Cardiology Department provides a comprehensive range of invasive and non-invasive diagnostic examinations at both inpatient and outpatient level. The Cardiology Department Team is dedicated to the highest standard of healthcare provision. We maintain a high level of patient activity whilst maintaining the highest standards of care.

The Cardiac Department carries out a wide range of diagnostic investigations which include the following:

ECG recording/interpretation and highlighting any abnormal findings.
24 / 72 Hour Ambulatory E.C.G. monitoring and analysis
24 ABP monitoring and analysis
Cardiac Physiologist managed EST and reporting
ICD/CRT/PPM implant, follow up , troubleshooting and reporting
Remote monitoring and reporting of Cardiac implantable loop recorders
Transthoracic Echocardiography (scanning and reporting)
Transoesophageal Echocardiography
Cardiac resuscitation.
Cardiac Catherisation to include angiography and PCI procedures, right heart catheterisation, IVUS, FFR/iFR, IABP
DC Cardioversions
January 2024, will see the commencement of Electrophysiology Studies, Mapping and Ablation to include FARAPULSE PFA (Pulsed Field Ablation) Technology

The Candidate will be obliged to undertake both in house and external training courses for further CPD. The hospital will provide the Cardiac Physiologist with the practical and in-service training required at higher level. Some theoretical tuition will also be given by qualified Chief 1staff in UPMC Whitfield Hospital.

There is a strong, dynamic, and enthusiastic multidisciplinary team in the Cardiology Department in UPMC Whitfield Hospital. An open communication structure is encouraged for further learning/education using case studies

The candidate will be given every opportunity to excel in all cardiac diagnostic investigations. There is a strong emphasis on learning and CPD and study/examinations in all areas are strongly encouraged/facilitated.

The candidate will gain valuable experience and exposure within the multidisciplinary team to a wide range of conditions/pathologies.

This department has an advanced clinical cardiology management system for immediate physiologist report post diagnostic examination.

Duties and Responsibilities

Professional / Clinical / Technical

The Senior Cardiac Physiologist will:

Perform the following procedures:

Resting ECG,
Exercise treadmill testing, both medical and Physiologist led,
Fit and analyse of ambulatory ECG and BP recordings,
Pacemaker and ICD/CRT follow-up,
Transthoracic echocardiography and report on same,
Assist with transoesophageal echocardiography,
Independently Assist with Diagnostic and interventional procedures in Cath. Lab to include electrophysiology studies
Assist with pacemaker and implantable defibrillator procedures,
Report procedure findings and highlighting abnormal findings.
Be expected to take part in any on-call rota/change in rostered hours e.g. 8-8pm shift roster that may be or become part of their department hours.
Be responsible for the maintenance of standards of practice of self and staff appointed to clinical / designated area(s).
Be responsible for managing own caseload and for assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of cardiac diagnostic services for service users according to service standards and best practice.
Supervise staff, prioritising and allocating work and promoting positive staff morale and team working in conjunction with the Chief II Cardiac Physiologist.
Foster and maintain professional working relationships with colleagues, front line managers, and other healthcare personnel in the team.
Ensure the quality of documentation of reports is in accordance with local service and professional standards.
Communicate verbally and / or in writing results, data interpretation and reports to the relevant team and consultants in accordance with service policy.
Participate as part of a multi-disciplinary team as appropriate, communicating and working in co-operation with other team members.
Ensure that staff in the department arrange and carry out duties in a timely manner, and in line with local policy guidelines.
Be responsible for adhering to existing standards and protocols and for the development and maintenance of standards / strategies for quality improvement and outcome measurement.
Ensure that professional standards are maintained in relation to confidentiality, ethics and legislation.
Operate within the scope of practice and in accordance with local guidelines
Carry out their duties, adhering to all policies, procedures and guidelines and legislation as directed by the Chief II Physiologist and as required by the Cardiac Department and UPMC Ireland
Observe and maintain strict confidentiality of patient records and staff information.

Health & Safety

The Senior Cardiac Physiologist will:

Be aware of and implement agreed policies, procedures and safe professional practice by adhering to relevant legislation, regulations and standards.
Actively participate in risk management issues, identify risks and take responsibility for corrective actions.
Report any adverse incidents in accordance with organisational guidelines.
Ensure the safety of self and others and the maintenance of the environments and equipment used in the workplace in accordance with the Health and Safety and Welfare at work Act, 2005 and local policies and procedures.
Be familiar with Hospital and Department Disaster plans and their implementation.
Ensure that heightened protective care is taken in any patient case with communicable disease.
Adhere at all times to Fire Safety Regulations and assist with fire tests, and check access to fire escapes, if required.
Report accidents and incidents. Participate in the investigation and remedial action.
Take the appropriate timely action to manage any report any risks, incidents or near misses within the service as per the Hospitals risk management processes.
Be responsible for the safe and competent use of all equipment and appliances both by clients and staff under their supervision.
Have a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority 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 protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role.
Participate in any relevant investigation as required.

Educational

The Senior Cardiac Physiologist Senior will:

Participate in mandatory training programmes.
Participate in continuing professional development including in-service training, attending and presenting at conferences / courses relevant to practice, contributing to research etc. as agreed by the Chief II Cardiac Physiologist.
Manage, participate and play a key role in the practice education of student cardiac physiologists. Take part in teaching / training / supervision of other students and attend practice educator courses as appropriate.

Managerial

The Senior Cardiac Physiologist will:

Promote and facilitate the preparation and implementation of service plans, operational plans, practices and procedures which are quality driven, patient focused, and which help to improve efficiency and effectiveness of services and raise and maintain standards and reduce costs.
Implement HR processes and procedures in accordance with hospital policies.
Understand and promote the Hospitals commitment to a continuous quality improvement.
Ensure that the highest possible standards of treatment and care are provided to the patient and to ensure that the quality of patient’s services is a prime concern of all staff members.
Ensure the development of cardiac diagnostic investigations/services and policies in conjunction with the Chief II Cardaic Physiologist and Cardiology Users group
Ensure accurate patients records and departmental statistics are kept, using computerised systems as appropriate and have these statistics and records available as required.
Be responsible for supervision, training and appraisal of staff with the aim of maintaining good staff relations, improving staff development and the retention of staff.
Have responsibility for reporting failures of equipment, liaising closely with Biomedical team, facilities team and external company service departments.
Demonstrate the use of highly advanced communication skills and maintain a high level of professionalism when potentially distressing or upsetting situations arise, manage any issues of conflict promptly and effectively to support and promote effective working.
Maintain and work to set standards of care and promote the team to adhere with all the policies including infection control, manual handling, health and safety, uniform policy & other UPMC Whitfield Hospital policies as appropriate.
Motivate team members on a day-to-day basis by agreeing goals and objectives.
Lead and co-ordinate cardiac physiologists within this area. Ensure that tasks are allocated according to the relevant priority and apply maximum delegation.
Be responsible for the co-ordination and delivery of a quality service in line with best practice.
Lead the development and evaluation of relevant protocols, guidelines and policies based on current evidence/research and facilitate/support other staff to do the same.

Administrative

The Senior Cardiac Physiologist will:

Promote good working practice and uniformity of standards of best practice.
Oversee the upkeep of accurate records in line with best clinical governance, organisational requirements and the Freedom of Information Act, and render reports and other information / statistics as required.
Represent the department at meetings and conferences as appropriate in the absence of the Chief II Cardiac Physiologist.
Liaise with the Chief II Cardiac Physiologist regarding the needs, interests and views of Cardiac department staff.
Promote good team working, and a culture that values diversity.
Participate in the management of stock and equipment as directed by the Chief II Cardiac Physiologist.
Engage in IT developments as they apply to service users and service administration.
Keep up to date with developments within the organisation and the Irish Health Service.
Perform such other duties appropriate to the office as may be assigned by the Chief II Cardiac Physiologist.
Support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.

Qualifications / Education/Experience:

Essential Statutory Qualifications & Experience:

Possess the BSc in Clinical Measurement from Technology University Dublin or Dublin Institute of Technology.

Possess an equivalent relevant scientific qualification (Level 8) as confirmed by the Irish Institute of Clinical Measurements Physiology (IICMP).

OR, if qualified in or prior to 2005;

(a) Possess the Certificate in Medical Physics and Physiological Measurement (MPPM) from Dublin Institute of Technology

(b) Possess an equivalent relevant scientific qualification as confirmed by the Irish Institute of Clinical Measurement Physiology (IICMP).

And

Candidates must have a minimum of 3 years satisfactory post qualification relevant experience.

And

Candidates must have the clinical, managerial and administrative capacity to properly discharge the functions of the role.

Post Specific Requirements

Essential to the post, the candidate must hold experience in the following areas:

Performing, interpretation and reporting of 12 lead ECGs
Performing, interpretation and reporting of Cardiac physiologist led Exercise ECG (Stress) Tests
Performing, interpretation and reporting of ambulatory ECG and BP monitoring

And experience in one or more of the following areas

Performing and troubleshooting of Cardiac Catheterisation haemodynamic monitoring , PCI / IVUS/ FFR/ IABP procedures
Echocardiography performing and reporting.
Cardiac implantable device implantation and follow up
Electrophysiology Studies, mapping and ablation

Recognised Echo proficiency accreditation (EACVI/ BSC) or BHRS accreditation or IBHRE/NASPE exam

Job Specific Competencies and Knowledge

Professional Knowledge & Experience

Demonstrate knowledge in the following non-invasive and invasive diagnostic areas:
ECGs, Holter Monitoring and Event Monitoring,
24-hour BP Monitoring,
Exercise Stress testing both medical and Physiologist led,
Transthoracic Echocardiography, including Transoesophageal Echo. (Scanning and reporting)
Independently Assist with Diagnostic and interventional procedures in Cath. Lab to include PCI/ IVUS/ FFR and IABP
Independently assist during the implantation with all implantable cardiac devices to include Loop recorders/PPM/CRT/ICD/SICD with troubleshooting and reporting of same.
Lead the Cardiac device management follow up clinic.
Report procedure findings and highlighting abnormal findings.
Demonstrate evidence of computer skills including use of Microsoft Word, Excel, email, and hospital information systems, NIMIS etc.
Demonstrate willingness to attend course/conferences, undertake relevant exams and to keep abreast with new developments.
Demonstrate the necessary experience and knowledge to carry out the duties of the role in a competent and safe manner.
Demonstrate a commitment to maintaining and enhancing professional knowledge and skills.
Demonstrate a commitment to providing a quality service in an effective and resourceful manner.
Demonstrate an awareness of the primacy of the patient in relation to all hospital activity and the importance of providing a high quality, person-centred service.
Demonstrate team skills and leadership skills including the ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team (particularly in the context of a changing clinical and technical environment).
Demonstrate a willingness to share knowledge and/or new ideas with staff and colleagues.
Demonstrate innovation including the ability to effectively challenge existing practices and procedures in developing and improving services to patients.
Demonstrate flexibility and openness to change.

Planning & Managing Resources

Demonstrate effective planning and organising skills including the ability to meet deadlines, work on own initiative and multi-task.
Demonstrate evidence of excellent organisational and time management skills, and ability to deliver objectives within an agreed timeframe.
Demonstrate evidence of the ability to work effectively in a multi-task environment.
Demonstrate evidence of the ability to adapt and respond positively in a rapidly changing environment.
Demonstrate evidence of effective planning skills including awareness of resource management and importance of value for money.
Demonstrate the ability to apply a fair, consistent and objective approach to their work practices.

Building and Maintaining Relationships including Managing People

Demonstrate evidence of leadership and team management skills including the ability to work with multi-disciplinary team members.
Demonstrate evidence of ability to create and support an atmosphere of cohesiveness and cooperation within the department, encouraging teamwork and open communication between all levels of staff.

Ensuring High Standards in the Service of Today including Managing Change

Demonstrate a quality focus approach to all activities and work practices.
Demonstrate a proactive approach to quality control and making improvements in efficiency and effectiveness of service.
Demonstrate an ability to plan, introduce and adapt to change.

Evaluating Information and Judging Situations

Demonstrate the ability to gather and analyse information from a variety of sources before evaluating the benefits and consequences of decisions.
Demonstrate the ability to make decisions and solves problems in a timely manner.
Good problem solving and decision-making skills and the ability to develop solutions to complex situations.
Demonstrate evidence of gathering interpreting and analysing information to make informed decisions.
Display evidence based clinical knowledge in making decisions regarding client care.

Communication / Interpersonal Skills

Demonstrate effective communication skills both verbally and in writing including: the ability to present information in a clear and concise manner; the ability to facilitate and manage groups through the learning process; the ability to give constructive feedback to encourage learning; the ability to be assertive.
Demonstrate evidence of ability to empathise with and treat patients, relatives and colleagues with dignity and respect.
Demonstrate the ability to deal confidently and professionally with all patient groups and their families.
Possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to present information in a clear and concise manner.

This job description is intended to be an outline of the areas of responsibility. As UPMC Whitfield Hospital and the post holder develop, this job description may be subject to review in light of the changing needs of the Centre.

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:

A $26 billion healthcare provider and insurer, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based UPMC is inventing new models of patient-centred, cost-effective, accountable care. Working in close collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, UPMC shares its clinical, managerial and technological skills worldwide through its innovation and commercialisation arm, UPMC Enterprises, and through UPMC International.

Providing 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 at UPMC Whitfield and in Cork, the UPMC Sports Medicine Clinic at SETU Arena, Waterford, TUS Moylish Campus, Limerick, TUS Thurles Campus, Tipperary, and the UPMC Concussion Network. The UPMC Institute for Health is located in Mayo and the Global Technology Operation Centre is based in Kilkenny. UPMC is the Official Healthcare Partner of the GAA and GPA.

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Senior Grade Cardiac Physiologist