Job overview
Are you a driven individual looking for a new challenge? Then look no further! We have an amazing opportunity for an Assistant Practitioner to join our hard-working team!
You must have significant knowledge and experience of working in a Hospital Clinical Microbiology Laboratory with NVQ Level 3 or equivalent qualifications in a relevant subject, preferably within the NHS.
This would include in- depth knowledge of the types of samples that are processed and the procedures that are used.
Main duties of the job
In addition to receipt, registration and processing of clinical microbiology samples, the Post Holder will be expected to be technically competent of performing a wide range of microbiology procedures and tasks that require precision and manual dexterity. You must have experience of UKAS accreditation to ISO15189 and knowledge and experience of health and safety practices relevant to Clinical Microbiology.
You will need to have a proactive approach to the role and well developed organisational skills. With good written and verbal communication skills, you'll be able to demonstrate flexibility and initiative in addition to excellent interpersonal skills, an aptitude for team working, and support the Trusts values and behaviours
You will be working in a UKAS accredited medical laboratory – working to a high standard which is evident in the quality service we give to our patients, and ensuring the diagnosis and treatment they require.
You play an essential role in excellent patient care, assisting Biomedical Scientists, who identify infectious organisms and determine the best treatment
Working for our organisation
Teamwork is important but the ability to work independently and use your initiative is a desirable attribute.
The Trust have 10,000 fantastic people working hard to deliver quality services to our patients. Whatever your role, you can help look after 370,000 people in our local area and give specialist care to 1.5 million people across Lancashire and Cumbria.
Working with us gives you the knowledge and sense of pride that every activity you do genuinely does make a difference to support our patients and staff, ensuring we keep thriving and delivering outstanding healthcare right across our local towns.
You will have access to varied development opportunities, learn new skills, meet great people and do things you would never have done. You will learn about working in a hospital, interacting with people from all different roles to build skills and enhance your career path.
You will make an impact, be challenged to think differently, be bold and help innovate to keep improving things. Everything we do centres around patient care which means your role is pivotal and something really to be proud of.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Duties to include but not limited to:
1. Is able to follow SOPS’s in order to perform work duties to the standards required.
2. Undertake the correct procedures for the handling of specimens, pre-analysis, analysis and post analysis.
3. Maintain, operate and troubleshoot equipment used in the preparation and analysis of specimens.
4. Perform a range of laboratory tests autonomously and demonstrate an understanding of the scientific basis for tests and the disease processes under investigation.
5. Demonstrate awareness of factors affecting sample integrity, risks associated with the sample reagents, or method and other tests indicated by the outcome of the analysis.
6. Use the hospital and laboratory computer systems in accordance with service requirements.
7. Participate in the calibration of equipment e.g. thermometers, pipettes.
8. Assist in statistical data collection as required
9. Performs work consistent with health and safety legislation, policies, procedures and assessment of risk
10. Ensures that all adverse incidents are reported to Datix in a timely manner
11. Correct and safe use and safety of equipment and physical environment.
12. Receipt, checking, preparation, safe handling, dealing with spillage and storage of biological samples for analysis.
13. Preparation, safe handling, dealing with spillage, storage and disposal of reagents and chemicals accordance with COSHH regulations.
Please see the job description for more information.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
14. Minimum level of education - NVQ level 3 in relevant subject ( e.g. science, or equivalent)
15. Uses continuing professional development as a means of self- development
Knowledge
Essential criteria
16. Evidence of significant training and development working in a clinical microbiology laboratory
17. Have working knowledge of microbiology including both practical and theoretical knowledge of the various methods employed
18. Understanding of health and safety legislation pertaining to clinical laboratories
19. Understand the quality systems in a laboratory.
Desirable criteria
20. Familiar with Pathology LIMS