Position overview
The Medical Imaging Department at CHS operates 24 hours, seven days a week, providing a wide range of diagnostic imaging services. The service provides state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging, interventional radiology and nuclear medicine services to patients in Canberra and the Southeast Region of NSW. The service is committed to providing patients with contemporary diagnostic and interventional radiology, as well as molecular imaging services with a strong commitment to research and training in advancing the use of imaging for diagnosis and treatment of disease.
The Medical Imaging Department forms part of the CHS Medical Services Group which also includes Pharmacy, Healthcare Technology Management, the Prevocational Education and Training, the Medical Officer Support, Credentialling, Employment and Training Unit (MOSCETU), the GP Liaison Unit (GPLU), ACT Blood Counts Program and the CHS Library and Multimedia.
The Canberra Hospital Ultrasound department is spread across two areas on campus, consisting of 8 scanning rooms. Sonographers work collaboratively to manage workload and maintain sonographer health and safety. The predominant workload is general, paediatrics, small parts, gynaecological, MSK and vascular studies. Regular mobile scans are performed in both NICU and ICU.
The MI2 Trainee Sonographer position is both a clinical and theoretical role. The trainee is responsible for the provision of ultrasound services, under direct supervision of Accredited Medical Sonographers, whilst also conducting in educational study through an accredited undergraduate or post graduate ultrasound course. Daily operations include the management of patient scheduling, throughput and care as well as immediate staff and clinical contact.
The Trainee Sonographer will be required to undergo trainee placement across Medical Imaging CHS.
This merit selection process may be used to create a merit list for future appointments within Medical Imaging CHS.
Key Responsibilities
Under limited direction and supervision of the Clinical Educator Ultrasound you will;
- Perform Ultrasound examinations under the direct supervision of Accredited Medical Sonographers within Medical Imaging CHS.
- Reach agreed levels of competency from organisation (Medical Imaging CHS) and tertiary education provider.
- Participate in feedback and liaise with Clinical Educator Ultrasound and tertiary education provider.
- Ensure that equipment is used and maintained in a safe manner.
- Participate in Quality Assurance and Quality Control programs.
- Undertake other duties appropriate to this level of classification which contribute to the operation of the organisation.
Competencies
Specific competencies include but are not limited to the following:
- Strong interpersonal skills including, but not limited to, communication and social intelligence.
- Competent both independently and as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.
- Strong organisational skills to ensure scanning hours / numbers are completed in conjunction with meeting tertiary requirements.
- Work under direct supervision and guidance to undertake routine ultrasounds against clearly defined protocols.
- Have responsibility for completion of allocated tasks within time limits established with Clinical Educator.
- Identify and manage risks that have to do with day-to-day tasks.
- Ability to adapt to varying situations.
Qualifications
Specific qualifications include, but are not limited to, the following.
Essential
- Medically based undergraduate course completed or undertaking undergraduate Ultrasound course.
- Eligible for enrolment in an ASAR accredited course for Ultrasound.
- Eligible for Category 2A ASAR accreditation.
Desirable
- Qualification in Diagnostic Medical Radiation Science (Radiography or Nuclear Medicine).
- Have an understanding of how the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) indicators align with this role.
Experience
Specific experience includes but is not limited to the following.
Essential
- N/A
Desirable
- Prior experience in a medical imaging department will be highly desirable.
- Prior experience working in a hospital environment will be highly 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:
- Undergo a 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.
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.
- Demonstrates strong academic record in relevant formal education i.e. Ultrasound or Medical Radiation Science (Radiography or Nuclear Medicine).
- Demonstrated desire to pursue a career in Ultrasound including any informal exposure or personal research into the field.
- Demonstrates patient-focused approach to care, combining empathy and professionalism to provide effective communication and education. This includes the ability to adapt to individual patient needs and prioritise patient safety.
- Demonstrates high quality organisation, communication, and interpersonal skills, including a proven ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary team.
- Demonstrates understanding of, and adherence to, safety and quality standards, Work Health and Safety 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.
| Administrative | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Telephone use | Frequently |
| General computer use | Frequently |
| Extensive keying/data entry | Occasionally |
| Graphical/analytical based | Occasionally |
| Sitting at a desk | Frequently |
| Standing for long periods | Frequently |
| Psychosocial demands | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Distressed People e.g. Emergency or grief situations | Frequently |
| Aggressive & Uncooperative People e.g. drug / alcohol, dementia, mental illness | Occasionally |
| Unpredictable People e.g. Dementia, mental illness, head injuries | Occasionally |
| Restraining e.g. involvement in physical containment of clients/consumers | Occasionally |
| Exposure to Distressing Situations e.g. Child abuse, viewing dead / mutilated bodies; verbal abuse; domestic violence; suicide | Occasionally |
| Physical demands | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Distance walking (large buildings or inter-building transit) | Occasionally |
| Working outdoors | Never |
| Manual handling | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Lifting 0 - 9kg | Frequently |
| Lifting 10 - 15kg | Occasionally |
| Lifting 16kg+ | Occasionally |
| Climbing | Never |
| Running | Never |
| Reaching | Frequently |
| Kneeling | Occasionally |
| Foot and leg movement | Frequently |
| Hand, arm and grasping movements | Frequently |
| Bending/squatting | Frequently |
| Bend/Lean Forward from Waist/Trunk twisting | Frequently |
| Push/pull | Frequently |
| Sequential repetitive movements in a short amount of time | Frequently |
| Travel | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Frequent travel – multiple work sites | Occasionally |
| Frequent travel – driving | Occasionally |
| Specific hazards | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Working at heights | Never |
| Exposure to extreme temperatures | Never |
| Operation of heavy machinery e.g. forklift | Never |
| Confined spaces | Occasionally |
| Excessive noise | Occasionally |
| Low lighting | Frequently |
| Handling of dangerous goods/equipment e.g. gases; liquids; biological. | Occasionally |
| Slippery or uneven surfaces | Never |
Directorate: Canberra Health Services
Division: Medical Services
Business Unit: Medical Imaging
Position number: P70178
Position title: Trainee Sonographer
Classification: Medical Imaging Level 2
Location: The Canberra Hospital, Garran
Reporting relationships: Direct Manager: Clinical Educator Ultrasound
Manager +1: Ultrasound Modality Manager
Canberra Health Services (CHS) is focussed on the delivery of high quality, effective, person-centred care. We provide acute, sub-acute, primary and community‐based health services, to the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and surrounding regions. More information can be found on the CHS website.
Our Vision: creating exceptional health care together
Our Role: to be a health service that is trusted by our community
Our Values: Reliable, Progressive, Respectful and Kind