Fertility Nurse/Sonographer - 12 Month Fixed Term Contract

Job Description

We at TFP are looking for brilliant minds and passionate hearts to help us shape the future of fertility. We are one of the largest fertility service providers in Europe, operating IVF clinics and egg/sperm freezing banks in the UK, Poland and the Netherlands. We have embarked on the mission to use technology to provide patients with a memorable, best‑in‑class fertility journey that leads to the best outcome in starting a family!

At TFP, we offer all our patients the care, understanding and expertise that help bring dreams to life. We are passionate about what we do, which reflects our commitment to creating lives and changing lives.

Science research and innovation are key to how we work and have led to pioneering fertility treatment for more than 35 years. Many of our clinicians are internationally renowned specialists and we regularly share knowledge across our clinics to further improve our success. Join us at TFP Fertility, where your passion and expertise can contribute to our legacy of excellence.

The Role

An exciting opportunity for an experienced sonographer or a fertility nurse with sonography experience has become available within our team. In this role you would work as part of the clinical team undertaking ultrasound scans for follicular tracking, diagnostic AFC scans, and pregnancy scans. Treatments include IVF and ICSI, ovulation induction, egg donation and sharing, egg reception, and surgical sperm retrieval.

This role is full time – 37.5 hours per week – weekends on rotation are required

The position is available as a 12‑month fixed‑term contract

Location

Nurture Fertility was established in 1991 and, due to the passion, expertise and reputation of our team, has grown into a leading fertility clinic. We provide treatment to both NHS and private patients, performing approximately 700 fresh cycles and 500 frozen cycles per year. Offering a full suite of treatment and diagnostic services, including PGT, we are conveniently located on the outskirts of Nottingham, adjacent to junction 25 of the M1. There is ample free parking for staff and patients at the front of the building. Our state‑of‑the‑art laboratory was purpose‑built in 2014 and is equipped with the latest equipment and monitoring systems that support us in achieving excellent outcome KPIs. Nurture Fertility also has a 5/5 inspection rating from the HFEA.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop a satisfactory level of clinical competence in ART skills, e.g., plan and co‑ordinate treatment cycles and undertake specific investigations such as endocrine profiles.
• Assist in the management and support of sub‑fertile couples before, during and after treatment cycles, developing a therapeutic environment to meet individual needs.
• Undertake patient consultations before, during and after treatment cycles.
• Ensure that informed consent is given and the appropriate unit and Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority consent forms are completed for the treatment cycle, discussing the risks associated with ART and potential use of gametes for research.
• Demonstrate excellent communication skills, providing information and implications counselling to enable couples to make informed choices regarding their treatment.
• Support patients and families in highly stressful situations (e.g., breaking bad news, diagnosis of ectopic or miscarriage, managing bereavement and anger) both face‑to‑face and over the telephone.
• Ensure through the process of implications counselling that all couples are aware of risks such as ovarian hyper‑stimulation, multiple pregnancy (with risk of prematurity and death) and the complex issue of research on gametes/embryos and the ethical and moral issues that this raises.
• Explain and complete consent forms for the storage of frozen gametes and posthumous use for all couples freezing spare gametes, including implications of disposal of property in the event of separation or divorce.
• Keep accurate records for each patient of all communication and clinical activity relevant to their treatment, in line with NMC regulations. Help with the production of written information to meet the changing expectations of couples/patients.
• Assist with the collation of all data resulting from procedures and transfer this to the records on the computer and into patient notes to satisfy HFEA regulations.
• In conjunction with senior nursing staff, be responsible for the booking of patients’ treatment cycle, planning drug prescribing and liaising with GPs.
• Explain the individualised treatment schedule, potential side effects of drug treatment and demonstrate injection technique with a subcutaneous injection pen.
• Provide ultrasound services to the highest quality.
• Perform ultrasound examinations and compile concise and comprehensive reports.
• Work with other team members to ensure the smooth functioning of the ultrasound service.
• Be able to clearly explain the sonography procedure to patients and make them at ease.
• Be able to independently perform diagnostic monitoring scans during IVF treatment and early pregnancy.
• Co‑ordinate oocyte retrieval and embryo transfer/intrauterine insemination, donor insemination, providing appropriate counselling, support and advice with cycle outcome.
• Demonstrate skill at interpreting complex clinical information/data, anticipating potential problems, taking action to prevent/minimise these, responding to any changes promptly and effectively and developing specialised plans of care following the relevant protocols.
• Demonstrate dexterity, accuracy and attention to detail in preparing specialist equipment for procedures, adhering to local policies (e.g., intravenous drug administration, taking blood samples, catheterisation) and ensuring staff are trained and supported.
• Promote the highest standards of cleanliness and sterility of all equipment used in IVF‑guided egg retrieval, saline ultrasound, embryo transfer and intra‑uterine insemination procedures in line with HFEA practice.
• Supervise and assist in the preparation and care of the patient and her partner before, during and after the above procedures.
• Demonstrate initiative and provide support in assisting medical staff with procedures (e.g., performing trans‑vaginal ultrasound‑guided oocyte retrieval).
• Work within the legal framework as laid out by the 1990 Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act of Parliament and Care Quality Commission.
• Manage difficult situations with competence, taking appropriate action, utilising relevant protocols and supporting the patient, relatives and members of the multidisciplinary team as required.
• Ensure procedures/policies are in place so that emergency/crisis situations are managed with competence and that patients, relatives and staff members are adequately supported during and after the event.
• Ensure COSHH, Infection Control, Risk Management and maintenance of health and safety within the department are implemented according to unit policy and that every effort is made to identify and minimise potential risks/hazards.
• Ensure that all record keeping on the unit is accurate and legible and maintains patient confidentiality according to Trust and HFEA policy.
• In conjunction with senior nursing staff, ensure all complaints and grievances are dealt with competently and effectively in line with the unit’s complaints procedure.
• Support senior nursing staff with the maintenance of the pharmacy drug stores, including controlled drugs, in line with Trust policy and Home Office legislation.

Experience

• 1st level registration with NMC.
• Signed‑off as a USS trainer with the BFS and/or other significant organisation (e.g., university).
• Venepuncture/cannulation.
• Saline sonography & HyFosy.
• USS machine servicing, maintenance and audit.
• Interest in women’s health.
• Computer skills.
• Phlebotomy.
• Theatre and recovery.

Job Requirements

• 1st level registration with NMC.
• Signed‑off as a USS trainer with the BFS and/or other significant organisation.
• Venepuncture/cannulation.
• Saline sonography & HyFosy.
• USS machine servicing, maintenance and audit.
• Interest in women’s health.
• Computer skills.
• Phlebotomy.
• Theatre and recovery.

Salary: Competitive (depending on experience)

Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday) – weekends required at a 1:4 rotation.

Pension: Dual contribution pension scheme.

Holiday Entitlement: 27 days + bank holidays (pro‑rata).