Position overview

The cardiology department at Canberra Hospital provides both inpatient and outpatient services to the ACT and surrounding region. The coronary care unit manages approximately 2,000 acute admissions annually. The department also provides approximately 7,000 occasions of service per year to outpatients, including medical clinics, nursing clinics and cardiac diagnostic investigations and therapeutic interventions (including electrophysiology and cardiac CT). The department provides a 24/7 service for primary PCI for acute ST elevation myocardial infarction for the region. Clinical cardiac electrophysiology services commenced in April 2019 with complex ablation procedures, an arrhythmia clinic and cardiac device clinics.

An exciting opportunity exists for a cardiac scientist to become a part of the cardiology allied health team. This position requires knowledge and competency to work autonomously to independently conduct routine, and assist in complex, cardiac physiology diagnostic investigations and therapeutic interventions according to procedures and published standards. The role includes supporting the operational and quality management requirements of the service with the provision to educate and train staff and students. The role requires participation in and contribution to continual professional development of the cardiac physiology group. This role will involve participation in an on-call roster.

Within CHS, the cardiac science profession is part of the Clinical Measurement Science (CMS) disciplines. The CMS disciplines are cardiac, neurophysiology, respiratory and sleep sciences. Scientific staff employed across CMS work under a collective vision; Clinical Measurement Science professionals deliver compassionate service through collaboration and excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Independently conduct routine, and assist in complex, cardiac physiology diagnostic investigations and therapeutic interventions according to procedures and standards for adult and paediatric populations.
2. Conduct research, quality management and change management projects that have a positive impact on patient outcomes.
3. Maintain and develop evidence-based, and patient-centred clinical practice, including continuing professional development (CPD) programs within the cardiac scientist group and the development of clinical guidelines and procedures.
4. Provide clinical supervision and education to staff and students.
5. Proactively develop your own knowledge and expertise required to perform the functions of the role.
6. Undertake other duties appropriate to this level of classification which contribute to the operation of the organisation.

Competencies

Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to the following.

• Strong organisation skills with a high degree of drive.
• Adaptability and flexibility to accommodate change and provide responsive services to meet client’s needs.
• Demonstrates high-level communication and interpersonal skills with a proven ability to build and maintain effective professional relationships.
• Displays critical thinking skills and forms defensible conclusions based on evidence and sound judgement.
• Displays behaviour consistent with CHS’s values of reliable, progressive, respectful and kind.

Qualifications

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following.

Essential

• Bachelor of Science/Applied Science, or equivalent
• Be registered under the Working for Vulnerable People Act.

Desirable

• Hold a driver’s licence
• A member of Professionals in Cardiac Sciences Australia (PiCSA) and/or affiliate member of Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand.
• Be eligible for accreditation with the Australian Council for Clinical Physiologists (ACCP).
• Have an understanding of how the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) indicators align with this role.

Experience

Essential

• Minimum of 12-months’ post-qualification experience working professionally in invasive and non-invasive cardiology.
• The successful applicant will need to be available for after hours on-call.

Desirable

• Experience or knowledge of the CHS Exceptional Care Framework, and all other related frameworks.

Prior to commencement

Appointment to this position is conditional on being granted and retaining appropriate clearances:

• Pre-employment National Police Check.
• Current registration issued under the Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Act 2011 is required.
• Comply with Canberra Health Services Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination policy.
• Comply with CHS credentialing and scope of clinical practice requirements for allied health professionals.

Important information

All employees are required to:

• Adhere to the Canberra Health Services Values and the ACT Public Service Code of Conduct.
• Act in accordance and comply with all relevant Safety and Quality policies and procedures.
• Comply with all relevant clinical and/or competency standards.
• Be available for weekend and/or after-hours work.

CHS is leading the drive to digitally transform health service delivery in Australia through the implementation of a territory wide Digital Health Record. Computer literacy skills are required which are relevant to this role as you will be responsible for completing required documentation and becoming a proficient user of the Digital Health Record and/or other Information Technology systems; once proficient, you will need to remain current with changes, updates, and contingencies.

What you Require (Key Selection Criteria)

These are the key selection criteria for how you will be assessed in conjunction with your resumé and experience.

1. Proven expertise in the theoretical, technical application and clinical analysis involved in cardiac diagnostic testing, including CRMD implantation and testing, cardiac catheterisation laboratory procedures and non-invasive electrocardiography-based testing.
2. Demonstrated organisational and problem-solving skills including capacity to manage competing priorities to efficiently achieve service delivery whilst maintaining high quality care as part of a member of a multi-disciplinary team.
3. Demonstrated commitment to continuing professional development and education, for self and others.
4. Demonstrated well-developed written, oral and interpersonal communication skills including rapport building, to effectively engage with patients and staff with empathy and clarity while maintaining client confidentiality and keeping appropriate clinical records.
5. Demonstrates understanding of, and adherence to, safety and quality standards, work health and safety (WH&S) and the positive patient experience. Displays behaviour consistent with CHS’s values of reliable, progressive, respectful, and kind.

Work environment description

The following work environment description outlines the inherent requirements of the role and indicates how frequently each of these requirements would need to be performed. Please note that the ACT Public Service is committed to providing reasonable adjustments and ensuring all individuals have equal opportunities in the workplace.