Senior Technical Instructor – Cardiothoracic/Surgery

at  University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Clinical To be accountable for own clinical practice and caseload management. To work without direct supervision but under the direction of the qualified staff in the performance of specific tasks for cardiothoracic and surgical patients, as part of their treatment and rehabilitation programmes. Duties may include: Initial assessment, treatment of post-operative cardiothoracic and surgical patients, in accordance with established protocols, scope of practice and competence. Development and Implementation of critical care rehabilitation treatment programmes.
To understand and communicate complex cardiothoracic and surgical information in simple and clear terms to patients, relatives, carers and other members of the MDT. Develop person specific goals for individuals and their carers Training and education of critical care staff in the delivery of rehabilitation exercise programmes. Positioning advice and care Conduct basis physiotherapeutic respiratory assessment. Recognise acute and chronic deterioration and modify treatment accordingly.
Assessing performance of activities of daily living Teaching use of specialist rehabilitation equipment Carry out level 1 & 2 psychological interventions e.g. active listening To understand, provide, receive and exchange complex condition related information with patients and relatives, who may have communication difficulties. Patients may have complex acute or long term communication difficulties following trauma or long term ventilation e.g. tracheostomy patients.
To be actively involved in the communication of information regarding patients conditions and any other useful information to the physiotherapists and other members of the multidisciplinary team. To communicate effectively with patients and carers. Communication skills of persuasion, motivation and explanation will be needed. Barriers to communication may include loss of hearing, altered perception, pain and language disorders associated with brain injury.
To be aware at all times of the needs of patients during illness or disability and to promote and encourage independence and restoration of function. Be aware of the entire critical care pathway, including hyper acute / acute / rehab phases and the implications of this on standards of therapy care. Plan and manage own patient caseload across critical care areas. To work independently, but under the direction of a Physiotherapist to perform procedures and treatment plans for an individual or group of patients, as part of their treatment and rehabilitation programmes.
To write treatment notes in a concise, accurate and timely manner in line with departmental standards. These notes do not require qualified staff countersignature. To be involved in the induction, training, development and supervision of students and Therapy / Rehabilitation Assistants. To undertake any non-clinical / clerical duties as necessary.
This may include maintaining stock levels, ordering equipment, and filing, dealing with telephone calls, and cleaning. Represent Physiotherapy service and /or individual patients at the multi-disciplinary team meetings, to ensure the delivery of a co-ordinated multidisciplinary service, and integrate physiotherapy treatment into the treatment programme. This will include discussion of patient care, patient progress and involvement in discharge planning. To be involved in the delivery, collection, cleaning and maintenance of therapy equipment.
To participate with seven day working rotas, inclusive of bank holidays. SKILLS / KNOWLEDGE To actively participate in the Trusts Personal Development Programme (PDP) and have a positive approach to continual professional development. The post holder will demonstrate skills and knowledge regarding Cardiothoracics and specialist rehabilitation therapy beyond that of a therapy assistant. These skills and knowledge will be gained through specific advanced training, experience or formal qualifications to NQV 3 / equivalent or higher levels.
The post holder will demonstrate specialist critical care rehabilitation / therapeutic moving and handling skills for specific patient conditions. The post holder will demonstrate skills and knowledge regarding cardiothoracic conditions, assessment, treatment and appropriate referral onto community services. Organisational To attend organised training sessions, including annual fire lectures, cardiac resuscitation lectures and any in-service training arranged by the Physiotherapy staff. To abide by the CSP Physiotherapy Assistants Code of Conduct.
To comply with Trust and departmental policies and procedures. To be aware of the Health and Safety aspects of your work and abide by policies including the prompt recording and documentation of incidents and accidents. Participate in the staff appraisal scheme as an appraisee and be responsible for complying with your agreed personal development programmes to meet set knowledge and competencies. To participate in the appraisal system and Personal Development Programme and act as an appraiser for physiotherapy assistant staff.
Any other duties which may be considered appropriate by the qualified staff or the physiotherapy manager. To undertake as directed the collection of data for use in service audit. Be responsible for the safe and competent use of rehabilitation equipment by patients, through teaching, training and supervision of practice

Please refer the Job description for details