INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES
POST OF: Resuscitation Officer
BASE:
University Hospital Crosshouse
REF NO: N/582/13
Thank you for applying for the above post with NHS Ayrshire & Arran. This information
sheet summarises the terms and conditions related to the post.
Please note if you provide us with an email address on your application form any future
correspondence regarding this post will be emailed to you. If you do not wish to receive
this correspondence by email then please contact us as soon as possible.
A job description and person specification for the post are attached.
This post is Fixed Term/Secondment for 6 months.
The salary for the post is based on the Band 7 salary scale which is currently £30,764 to
£40,558 per annum (pro rata for part time posts).
The hours for the post are 22.5 per week.
GENERAL CONDITIONS:
Conditions of Service - The conditions of service are those laid down and amended from
time to time by the appropriate negotiating bodies e.g. NHS Staff Council/NHS Pay
Negotiating Council.
Annual Leave – The leave year runs from 1 April to 31 March. Annual leave entitlement
for full time staff on appointment is 202.5 hours (27 days), with 217.5 hours (29 days)
upon completion of 5 years NHS service and 247.50 hours (33 days) after 10 years NHS
service. Entitlements for part time will be pro rata.
Public Holidays – Public holiday entitlement for full time staff is 60 hours based on the 8
designated Public Holidays per annum, and on a 5 day week working 7.5 hours per day.
The 60 hours entitlement is due to all whole time staff irrespective of work pattern. For
part time staff, this will be applied on a pro rata basis and also allocated in hours.
KSF - The NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework is essentially a development tool but
will also contribute to decisions about pay progression. It will promote equality for and
diversity of all staff, having the same opportunities for learning, development and review.
It will promote effectiveness at work – with managers and staff being clear about what is
required within a post. It will support effective learning and development of individuals –
with all members of staff being supported to learn throughout their careers.
Pensions - Employees are automatically opted into the NHS (Scotland) Superannuation
Scheme. Contributions are at the rate of 9%
Employees may opt out by obtaining and completing the relevant Opt Out form from the
Scottish Public Pensions Agency website.
Disabled Applicants - A disability or health problem does not preclude full consideration
for the job and applications from people with disabilities are welcome. All information will
be treated as confidential. NHS Ayrshire & Arran has been approved, by the Employment
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Services Department, as an Equal Opportunities employer with a positive policy towards
employment of disabled people. NHS Ayrshire & Arran guarantees to interview all
applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the post.
You will note on our application form we ask for relevant information with regards to your
disability. This is simply to ensure that we can assist you, if you are called for interview, to
have every opportunity to present your application in full. We may call you to discuss your
needs in more detail if you are selected for interview.
Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 and 2004 (Section 8) - The Asylum and Immigration
Act 1996 and 2004 requires employment checks to ensure that all employees are legally
employed in the United Kingdom. Candidates will be asked to provide relevant original
documents prior to an offer of employment being made. Any offer of employment will only
be made when the organisation is satisfied that the candidate is the rightful holder of the
documents and is legally eligible for employment within the United Kingdom.
Medical Examination - Any offer of employment is conditional upon a satisfactory
medical report from our Occupational Health Services. You may be offered employment
conditional on confirmation that you are medically fit for employment. A commencement
date for employment will only be agreed following this confirmation.
Policy Relating to Staff with Bloodborne Virus Infection - Candidates for posts which
involve exposure prone procedures will not be allowed to commence employment until
they have been assessed as fit to perform EPPs by Occupational Health. The preemployment screening must be completed prior to any job offer being made. Where a
candidate is not able to perform EPPs, Occupational Health will notify the appropriate
manager that the candidate is ‘fit with restrictions’ and is unable to perform EPPs. The
health status of the individual will not normally be notified to management. Where the
restrictions recommended by Occupational Health are unable to be accommodated due
to the clinical duties of any of the posts within the staff groups specified in the policy, an
offer of employment to the post will not be made.
Candidates who are not offered employment due to being deemed unfit to undertake
EPPs as an essential requirement for a post, may be offered the opportunity to apply for
another advertised vacant post and be considered with other applicants. The preemployment screening for EPP posts above do not apply to staff undertaking non-EPP
posts who could have direct contact with blood, bloodstained body fluids or patients’
tissue in the course of their work activities. These staff will be offered and strongly
advised to be immunised against Hepatitis B in line with the Immunisation Policy including
recall for boosters and further antibody checks.
References - Two satisfactory written references must be obtained prior to any offer of
employment being made. These should include current and previous employers as
requested in the job application form. This is in line with the Recruitment and Selection
Policy.
YOUR APPLICATION:
Informal Enquiries - Informal enquiries welcome to Michael Canavan, Lead Resuscitation
Officer on 01563 825716/825703.
Closing Date - Your completed application form should be submitted by Tuesday 1st
October 2013 via the online application form on the SHOW website. Alternatively your
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completed application form can be returned to the address below or can be e-mailed to
caroline.mccluskey@aaaht.scot.nhs.uk
Department of O&HR Development
63A Lister Street
University Hospital Crosshouse
KILMARNOCK
Ayrshire
KA2 0BE
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JOB DESCRIPTION TEMPLATE
1. JOB IDENTIFICATION
Job Title:
RESUSCITATION OFFICER
Responsible to (insert job title):
RESUSCITATION OFFICER
Department(s): Ward / Dept
Directorate:
Operating Division:
Nursing, Practice Development
NHS Ayrshire and Arran
Job Reference:
No of Job Holders:
1
Last Update (insert date):
May 2005
2. JOB PURPOSE
In collaboration with the Lead Resuscitation Officer, the post holder will be accountable for
the provision of specialist knowledge, expertise and training in all aspects of adult and
paediatric resuscitation to all clinical and non-clinical staff within NHS Ayrshire and Arran
working within the professional standards held in the NMC Code of professional Conduct.
In collaboration with the Resuscitation Groups and the Lead Resuscitation Officer, the post
holder will work to ensure cohesive and consistent training standards throughout NHS
Ayrshire and Arran
To participate in a Clinical Skills Training Programme for Junior and Undergraduate Medical
Staff when necessary.
3. DIMENSIONS
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The department comprises 1 x 1.0 WTE Lead Resuscitation Officer, 4 x 1.0 WTE
Resuscitation Officers and 1 x 0.8 WTE departmental secretary:
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Providing a resuscitation training service across multiple sites throughout the whole
of NHS Ayrshire and Arran.
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Providing a clinical skills training programme for nursing, junior and undergraduate
medical staff throughout NHS Ayrshire and Arran
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4. ORGANISATIONAL POSITION
Senior Nurse – Medicine GHD
Area –wide Resuscitation
Group Chairman
Director of Nursing CHD
Lead Resuscitation Officer
POST HOLDER
Resuscitation Officer –
G Grade
POST HOLDER
Resuscitation Officer –
G Grade
POST HOLDER
Resuscitation Officer –
G Grade
Departmental Secretary
5. ROLE OF DEPARTMENT
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The overall role of the department is to provide a comprehensive and cohesive
Resuscitation Training Programme to clinical and non-clinical staff throughout NHS
Ayrshire and Arran.
This training programme involves imparting highly specialised theoretical and
practical knowledge to all levels of clinical and non-clinical staff up to and including
Consultant level.
To encourage and promote a standardised approach to the management of clinical
emergencies adhering to recommended National Guidelines.
The department operates as an integral part of NHS Ayrshire and Arran, promoting
patient centred services, based upon local and National strategies, taking account of
the Board’s clinical, corporate and staff governance agenda.
Working collaboratively the department assesses, plans, implements and evaluates
each training programme provided.
To provide Nationally Approved Courses for Medical Staff, Nursing Staff and Allied
Health Care Professionals e.g. Advanced Life Support, Advanced Trauma Life
Support, Immediate Life Support, Generic Instructor Course, Care of the Critically Ill
Surgical Patient, One-day ALS Recertification Course.
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6. KEY RESULT AREAS
Clinical
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There is a daily expectation for the post-holder to respond as an active member of
cardiac arrest team whenever possible, to support, lead or participate as a team
member following current Resuscitation Council (UK) Guidelines.
To provide highly specialist knowledge, expertise and training on a daily basis, in the
clinical management of medical emergencies, peri-arrest situations and cardiac
arrest.
Occasional assessment of individual patient care needs and the planning,
implementation and evaluation of care, ensuring all forms of care/ instructions are
understood and carried out, in emergency situations.
Demonstrate expert clinical knowledge and skill with continuous professional
development to maintain high levels of clinical practice.
To maintain highly developed skill levels for the regular teaching of extended scope of
practice e.g. manual/automated defibrillation, intubation, cannulation, IV drugs.
To perform highly developed skills (manual/automated defibrillation, intubation,
cannulation, IV drugs) during clinical emergencies.
Continuous participation in the development of clinical guidelines and policies,
working with and advising the local and area-wide Resuscitation Groups.
Proactive in raising awareness and bringing about change with regard to appropriate
policies e.g. Organisational Resuscitation Policy
Provide information and advice on resuscitation policies
Contribute beyond our own area of activity to identify a need for policy development,
working with other departments.
Involved in new policy development which impact on other disciplines to facilitate
improved clinical services
Participate in determining requirements for and choice of resuscitation equipment for
use at clinical emergencies
Participate in ensuring that appropriate resuscitation drugs and resuscitation
equipment is standardised and available within each clinical area
Observe clinical practice in order to identify training needs, skills deficits and to
support staff.
Providing positive reinforcement and constructive advice during and following clinical
emergencies,
Evaluate practical application of knowledge and skills, during clinical emergencies, to
assess efficacy of training programmes.
Participate in clinical trials and disseminate findings to improve practice development.
Influencing change to ensure evidence based practice in accordance with current
National Guidelines and current research.
Provision of training and assessment of Medical Students during placement
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Management
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Promote, encourage and adhere to all General Hospital Division/Community Health
Division policies and procedures.
Undertake health and safety responsibilities identified within the Safety, Health and
Environment Policies, implementing policy where appropriate.
Maintain knowledge of current Local and National Guidelines.
Identifying, minimising and reporting interpersonal conflict, maintaining the trust and
support of the team.
Report all incidents as per incident reporting policy.
Develop, structure and schedule a training diary, taking account of training needs of
staff, within area of responsibility
Effective time and workload management
Management of all training and equipment resources to ensure availability and
appropriate use for all training
Maintenance of accurate training records for all training sessions
Collation of appropriate data and provision of regular training reports to relevant
heads of department
Manage change in clinical practice through modification of training programmes and
dissemination of information, in accordance with up-to-date research findings.
Professional/Educational
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The maintenance of a high standard of conduct and dress to promote public
confidence.
Ensure that the NMC Code of Professional Conduct is adhered to at all times.
Take an active role in self-development, extending knowledge and skills as
opportunities arise.
Actively seek opportunities for audit / research of practice within area of responsibility
and evaluate findings.
Responsibility to maintain awareness and be responsive to relevant Local and
National Guidelines.
Maintenance of highly developed knowledge and skills through scheduled clinical
practice.
Ensure training programmes are delivered professionally, responsively and
appropriate to individual needs
Maintain Personal Development Profile in conjunction with Lead Resuscitation Officer
including personal and professional learning needs/goals.
Three yearly validation of Resuscitation Council (UK) ALS Instructor Status
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7a. EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY
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The post holder is expected to have a comprehensive knowledge of the use,
cleaning and maintenance of the following:
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Adult Advanced Life Support manikins and skillmeters
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Paediatric Advanced Life Support manikins and skillmeters
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Basic Adult and Paediatric resuscitation Manikins
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Cannulation and venepuncture arms and equipment
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All Training Areas
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The postholder will be familiar with and regularly use the following equipment:
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Telephone/voicemail
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Paging systems
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Email systems
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Intranet/Internet
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Computer systems: Word, powerPoint, Excel data base, Empower data base,
Resuscitation training manikin software
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Data Projectors, slide projectors, overhead projectors
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Equipment for use in resuscitation – oxygen delivery devices, suction devices,
airway management devices, difibrillators (bi-phasic, monophasic, manual and
automated), cardiac monitors, oxygen saturation monitors, 12lead ECG, IV
access equipment
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Utilise computer systems and visual aids to enhance training programmes and
presentations
7b. SYSTEMS
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Direct responsibility to maintain accurate training records, training delivered and
attendance at training.
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Responsibility to co-ordinate training sessions around the annual training calendar,
available training venues and other responsibilities
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Responsibility for the identification of necessity to adapt information systems to
provide accurate reports on an ongoing basis.
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Frequent ordering of supplies for the department using a paper based, stock control
system.
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Maintenance of accurate time sheets and expenses records.
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8. ASSIGNMENT AND REVIEW OF WORK
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Workload is generated by the mandatory training programme, Corporate Induction,
medical student placements and annual training updates for all relevant staff.
Work is generated by service developments, advances in practice and research.
Workload will in the future be influenced by Clinical Governance Standards set down
by QIS
Requests for relevant ad-hoc training sessions
Annualised training of all Dental Practice Staff across Ayrshire and Arran
Review will be annually by formal performance appraisal, personal development plan
and objective setting.
Peer group review.
Relevant resuscitation Groups
9. DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS
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Post holder is accountable for demonstrating excellence in resuscitation procedures
Responsibility to make judgements and contribute toward clinical decisions during
complex situations to ensure appropriate outcome/action.
Post holder has discretion to work within agreed parameters including the application of
Human Resources policies, Health and safety policies and risk management strategies
Provision of professional advice to all clinical staff and students and an ability to
recognise own limitations and the requirement for appropriate referral.
Participation in the development of appropriate resuscitation policies within the
GHD/CHD.
Participation in the development of appropriate resuscitation training policies within the
GHD/CHD.
Make decisions about competence of all staff attending training and during clinical
emergencies
Make decisions regarding reporting of inappropriate and/or incompetent practice
Make decisions regarding appropriate use of time and resources
In collaboration, assess, prioritise and make decisions regarding number, frequency and
types of training sessions.
10. MOST CHALLENGING/DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB
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Identifying and reporting interpersonal conflict/and or poor performance of individuals
Ability to prioritise own workload under continually increasing demands and limited
resources i.e.training areas, IT facilities.
Ability to continually change and adapt to new situations and strategies.
Being responsive to new practices and communicate these to all relevant staff
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Driving/ leading change to improve quality of clinical care for patients
Recognising and responding to the needs and feelings of others
Supporting staff and relatives at clinical emergencies, particularly when outcome is
not favourable
Following up on clinical emergencies where problems have been identified
Ensuring the resuscitation training programme reflects and meets the needs and
demands of the service
Lack of availability of appropriate training accommodation
Lack of availability of appropriate office accommodation and IT facilities
Movement and transfer of resuscitation training equipment for off-site training
No adjacent access/parking for loading and offloading equipment for off-site training
Co-ordination of training programmes to coincide with annualised training calendar,
other departments and individual needs.
Ensuring
reliable
and
consistent
data
collection
following
clinical
emergencies/cardiac arrests
11. COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS
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Highly developed communication strategies with a wide range of personnel to ensure
effective delivery of resuscitation training programmes and management of clinical
emergencies, working formally and informally with:
 All Medical Staff including medical students
 Nurse managers
 Nursing and Midwifery Staff
 Heads of departments
 Resuscitation Groups
 All Health Care Professionals
 Non-clinical Staff
 Community Dental Staff
 Medical Physics
 Clinical Effectiveness Department and Clinical Governance
 Clinicians and colleagues in other NHS areas throughout Scotland and the UK in
relation to resuscitation practice and training
 Nursing and Midwifery Training and Development Department
 Post Graduate Dean
Use appropriate negotiation, motivation and persuasive skills to achieve optimum
outcomes for service users.
Maintenance of effective communication with the multi-disciplinary team.
Provision of regular training reports to relevant resuscitation group.
Post holder will be expected to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with
the multi-disciplinary team, colleagues, patients, relatives, carers and senior staff.
Ability to liase effectively with external agencies.
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Attendance and participation at relevant meetings.
Adhere to the Divisions policy on confidentiality including the requirements of the data
protection act and Caldicott guidelines
Demonstrate empathy, sensitivity, support and reassurance when communicating
with patients, relatives and staff, particularly in relation to breaking bad news and
dealing with emotionally challenging situations.
The main purpose of communication would be in the tuition of clinical and non-clinical
staff in all matters of resuscitation.
Expectation to communicate with the Lead resuscitation Officer regarding relevant
team issues.
Contribute toward effective departmental communication systems to promote a
cohesive, productive and creative department
The ability to handle sensitive information in a manner not liable to offend or
antagonise.
Communication of new research developments, guideline changes throughout the
Organisation, in order to ensure evidence based practice.
12. PHYSICAL, MENTAL, EMOTIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
Physical
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Occasionally working in highly unpleasant working conditions such as having contact
with un-contained body fluids, foul linen, during clinical emergencies.
Potential exposure to hazards such as verbal and physical aggression.
Prolonged light to moderate physical effort, including bending, walking, lifting, pushing
and operating equipment is required on most shifts.
Occasional short periods of moderate physical effort, such as lifting patients with
mechanical aids or hoists, when involved in medical emergencies
Required to work within limited spaces,
Required to be able to initiate appropriate emergency care.
Daily movement of resuscitation manikins of various sizes and resuscitation
equipment, before, during and after training sessions
Movement of manikins and resuscitation equipment off site (lifting in and out of cars,
on and off trolleys, up and down stairs) e.g. dentists, community hospitals, GP
Surgeries, schools.
Organisation and preparation of resuscitation equipment for nationally approved
resuscitation and other courses ensuring safe transportation and return of large
amounts of equipment between course venues
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Mental
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Daily requirement to concentrate on the delivery of any aspect of resuscitation
training; this may be a full day of training to small and large groups of staff, or
several shorter sessions within the day, delivered to a wide range of candidates
with differing levels of expertise and experience.
Responsible for participating in the delivery of an effective resuscitation training
programme across NHS Ayrshire and Arran.
Required to use own initiative and be able to make decisions with minimal
supervision.
Required to use own judgement whilst observing patient’s condition and should
report any changes to the relevant disciplines.
There is a requirement for high levels of intense concentration and for absolute
accuracy during various training sessions
There is a requirement to deal with challenging behaviours
At all times maintain safety of staff, patients, carers and self.
Expected to be able to lead and manage a team of healthcare professionals in the
management of a patient in cardiac arrest whenever necessary
Expected to carry out intricate/dangerous clinical interventions during clinical
emergencies which require intense concentration
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Emotional Effort/Skills
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There is a requirement to deal with distressed and anxious patients, carers and staff
in a professional and sensitive manner during clinical emergencies.
There is a frequent requirement to work in highly emotive atmospheres, which may
necessitate sensitive and appropriate management e.g. training personnel who have
themselves been involved in resuscitation of family member/friend.
There is a requirement to manage a variety of emotional situations following the
identification of incompetent and/or weaker candidates during in-house and national
training courses.
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13. KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB
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Post holder will be a Registered Nurse with current NMC registration.
Substantial post registration experience in acute area of Nursing i.e. ITU,CCU, A&E,
HDU
Degree/specialist qualification or equivalent experience
Current Certificates in ALS
Current Instructor Certificate in ALS
Ability to keep relevant skills / knowledge updated and documented.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
A commitment to lifelong learning and demonstrates evidence of continuing
professional development.
Excellent teaching and presentation skills
Ability to work autonomously
Positive attitude
Excellent organisational skills
14. JOB DESCRIPTION AGREEMENT
A separate job description will need to be signed off by each jobholder
to whom the job description applies.
Job Holder’s Signature:
Date:
Head of Department Signature:
Date:
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NHS Ayrshire and Arran
Person Specification
Post Title Resuscitation Officer
Post Reference Number N/582/13
Selection Factors
(Person Specification)
QUALIFICATIONS &
TRAINING
EXPERIENCE
Criteria
Essential
Registered Healthcare Professional
Current Instruvtor certificate in ALS
Desirable
Registered Nurses
Degree/Specialist qualification or equivalent experience
Current Instructor Certificate in Paediatric Resuscitation
Substantial Post Registration experience in acute area of healthcare: ITU, CCU, A&E, HDU
Ability to work autonomously
Essential
Desirable
KNOWLEDGE
Essential
Substantial knowledge of issues related to Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.
Desirable
COMPETENCIES &
SKILLS
Essential
Applied competence in resuscitation skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Excellent teaching and presentation skills
Desirable
PERSONAL
CHARACTERISTICS AND
OTHER
Essential
Trustworthy, dedicated, enthusiastic, lifelong learner, exemplary attendance record, interactive, committed
work ethic, sense of hunour
Desirable
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