Job overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated individual to join the Critical Care Scientist/Technologist (CCT) team. This person will provide specialist technical/clinical support to the expanding critical care service at University Hospital Southampton, on a permanent or 12-month secondment basis. This post is primarily focused on the 13 bedded Neuro Critical Care Department. However, exposure as well as rotations across other Critical Care areas is within the scope of the role due to the ongoing service evolution with Critical Care and Care Group workforce harmonisation.

The successful applicant will be involved in a broad range of technical/clinical activities mainly within the Neurosciences Intensive Care Unit. However, this may expand to other ICUs. They will be an integral part of the multi-disciplinary team. The role has a heavy emphasis and focus on physiological measurement (including TransCranial Doppler for ICU) and patient monitoring, Asset management, supporting the safe transfer of the Critically Ill patient; and the fulfilment of the intended role of the Critical Care Scientist 'to promote the safe and effective use of medical technologies'. 

Main duties of the job

Attached you will find the person specification document which provides more detail about the essential and desirable skills and experience needed for this role. We highly recommend you review this document and use it when completing your application as these criteria are used by hiring managers as guidance during shortlisting. 

For an overview of the main duties of the role please see the ‘Job Description and Main Responsibilities’ section below. To understand the day-to-day responsibilities in more detail please read the full job description document attached. 

Working for our organisation

As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to. UHS is rated ‘Good’ by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey, we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care. 

All non-clinical roles may involve a mixture of on site and remote working, Specific details and flexible working options can be discussed as part of the interview process. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.

Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 20% lower than London and 14 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The postholder must be able to work a mixture of shifts to perform the role. This includes Long Days/Nights to support 24/7 cover of the ICU. This will include weekends as well as Bank Holidays.

The postholder will support clinical aspects such as line insertions, TCDs, airway support, intrahospital transfer of the critically ill patient, whilst also provding clinical/technical support to nursing staff and doctors. The postholder will also support the insertion of ICP/EVD bolt technology and set up specialist patient monitoring systems specific to ICU. Further aspects of the role include liaising with Clinical Engineering relating to PPM, servicing or repair of specialist equipment.

A Driving License isn't specifically required for this particular position. However, it would be useful as part of the strategic plan for evolving current services.

Some of the skills within the Job Description are department/specialism specific (i.e. TCDs for Neuro, SORT for PICU), and are therefore not expected of all team members working within the role across all ICUs. However, re-allocation as well as workforce rotation is a possibility to meet service demands of the organisation.

The role is open to recognised Critical Care Technologists, Healthcare Scientists, Critical Care Nurses, Operating Department Practitioners, and those from a Clinical Engineering background who meet the requirements of the Person Specification and have experience with Critical Care devices.

Person specification

Trust Values

Essential criteria

• Patients First
• Always Improving
• Working Together

Qualifications / training required

Essential criteria

• BSc Clinical Physiology (speciality Critical Care) or other relevant Healthcare Science/Physiological Measurement at BSc level or equivalent
• Applicants must hold a full UK driving licence with no more than 3 penalty points
• Professional or voluntary registration with HCPC, SCCT or NMC.

Desirable criteria

• MSc Critical Care Science
• CGLI 752 or NVQ level 3 DipHe Operating Department Practice.
• Diploma or higher level in related critical care/operating department practice appropriate scientific field of study related to professional background
• Critical Care Course if applying from a Nursing background.
• ALS / APLS / EPLS or ILS certificate

Previous or relevant experience necessary

Essential criteria

• Experience in Critical Care environment
• Experience of teaching and developing staff
• Understanding of responsibility for professional accountability
• Continuous professional development

Desirable criteria

• Broad range of post qualification experience
• Expanded role skills to include cannulation and venesection

Aptitudes and skills required

Essential criteria

• Able to work independently using own initiative
• Computer literate with a working knowledge of word, excel and access
• Communicates effectively in both spoken and written English
• Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team
• Able to use initiative, solve problems and prioritise
• Able to work in a changing environment actively and promote planned change

Desirable criteria

• Advanced IT skills
• Proven ability to undertake and follow through with special projects

Special requirements of the post

Essential criteria

• Flexibility to accommodate 24 hour cover of the Critical Care environment
• Prepared to work weekend, night, and bank holiday shifts as required
• Willingness to undertake further training
• Able to contribute to the educational requirements of the department
• Able to form good interpersonal relationships with all members of the multidisciplinary team
• Willingness to participate in clinical research relevant to the Critical Care environment

Please be advised that this vacancy may close earlier than stated if large numbers of applications are received.

Due to the volume of applications we receive, we are unable to acknowledge receipt of your application. If you have not heard from us within four weeks of the closing date of this post, please presume that you have not been selected for interview.

Applicants from University Hospitals Southampton NHS Foundation Trust whose posts are considered to be ‘At Risk’ will be given prior consideration for this post

Our Trust runs the return to practice course each year for nurses who have been out of the profession and wish to return. To find out more please visit our website:

http://www.uhs.nhs.uk/WorkingHere/Typesofjob/Nurses/Returntonursing.aspx

http://www.discoversouthampton.co.uk/   Information on Southampton as a place to live and enjoy

https://www.uhs-vle.co.uk/   See what fantastic training and development we have on offer at UHS

http://www.youtube.com/user/SouthamptonHospitals learn about the Trust through visiting our YouTube channel 

Getting to Work

Application can be made for parking on site at UHS or through one of the park and ride schemes. This will be based on specific criteria to determine eligibility for site parking as this can be very limited.  UHS encourages staff to utilise other green methods of getting to work such as cycling or walking where possible. UHS is well connected through bus services to the city centre and other areas.

Please note that we will not accept any applications or queries via agencies, under any circumstances.

Our staff are positive about working at UHS and rate us above average compared to other NHS Trusts in the Staff Attitude Survey. We are rated strongly on a number of areas including teamwork, communication and engagement.

Equality remains at the centre of all Trust policy making, service delivery and employment practice with all employees being given equality of opportunity to develop, apply for promotion and have working arrangements that enable them to achieve a manageable work-life balance.

The Trust actively promotes a work environment free from harassment and discrimination and provides training for managers and staff to ensure this happens. The Trust also closely monitors recruitment activity, training and development and employment practices to ensure equality of practice with regard to race, colour, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, disability, marital status and age.

As a service provider the Trust ensures equality of access and delivery of our services through the provision of interpreter services, facilities for the disabled and sensitivity for patients ethnic and religious differences and needs.

Relocating to Southampton

If you are thinking of moving to the Hampshire area, please find below a link to our website which offers guidance on finding accommodation:

http://www.uhs.nhs.uk/relocating-to-southampton

The Trust is under a duty to protect the public funds it administers, and to this end may use the information you have provided on this form for the prevention and detection of fraud. It may also share this information with other bodies responsible for auditing or administering public funds for these purposes.