Fertility Nurse/Sonographer - 3 Month Fixed Term Contract in Chelmsford

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 range from IVF and ICSI, Ovulation Induction, Egg donation and Sharing, Egg Recipiency, and Surgical Sperm Retrieval.

This role is part-time working 6 hours per day, 3 days a week. The position is available as a 3 month fixed term contract.

Simply Fertility was established in 2013, and due to the passion, expertise and reputation of our team, has already grown into a leading fertility clinic, providing treatment to both NHS and private patients. Conveniently located on the outskirts of Chelmsford, adjacent to junction 17 of the A12, there is ample free parking for staff and patients at the front of the building. Simply Fertility also has a 5/5 inspection rating from the HFEA.

• To develop a satisfactory level of clinical competence in ART skills e.g. plan and co-ordinate treatment cycles, to undertake specific investigations such as endocrine profiles.
• To assist in the management, and support of sub-fertile couples before, during and after treatment cycles, developing a therapeutic environment to meet the individual needs of the couples.
• To undertake patient consultations before, during and post treatment cycles.
• To ensure that informed consent is given and the appropriate unit and Human Fertilisation Embryology Authority consent forms are completed for the treatment cycle, discussing the risks associated with ART and potential usage of gametes for research.
• To demonstrate excellent communication skills, providing information and implications counselling to enable couples to make informed choices regarding their treatment.
• To demonstrate use of excellent communication skills to support patients and families in highly stressful situations (e.g. breaking bad news, diagnosis of ectopic or miscarriage, managing bereavement and anger management) both face to face and over the telephone.
• To ensure through the process of implications counselling that all couples are aware of the risk of iatrogenic disease 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.
• To explain and complete consent forms for the storage of frozen gametes and the posthumous use thereof for all couples freezing spare gametes with the implications of disposal of property in the event of separation or divorce.
• To keep accurate records for each patient of all communication both and clinical activity relevant to his/her treatment, in line with NMC regulations.
• To help with the production of written information to meet the changing expectation of the needs of the couples/patients.
• To assist with the collation of all data resulting from the procedures and transfer this to the records on the computer and into the patient notes to satisfy HFEA regulations.
• In conjunction with senior nursing staff to be responsible for the booking of the patient’s treatment cycle, planning drug prescribing and liaising with GPs.
• To explain the individualised treatment schedule including the potential side effects of the drug treatment and demonstration of injection technique with the use of 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 sonography procedure to patients and making them at ease.
• Be able to independently perform diagnostic monitoring scans during IVF treatment and early pregnancy.
• To co-ordinate oocyte retrieval and embryo transfer/intrauterine insemination, donor insemination, provide appropriate counselling, support and advice with cycle outcome.
• To 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.
• To demonstrate dexterity, accuracy and attention to detail in the preparing of specialist equipment for procedures to be undertaken within the unit/ward whilst adhering to Local policies e.g. intravenous drug administration. Taking blood samples, catheterisation etc and to ensure that staff are trained and supported to develop these skills.
• To promote the highest standards of cleanliness and sterility of all equipment used in the IVF guided egg retrieval, saline ultrasound, embryo transfer and intra-uterine insemination procedures in line with HFEA practice.
• To supervise and assist in the preparation and care of the patient and her partner before, during and after the above procedures.
• To demonstrate initiative and provide support in assisting medical staff with procedures e.g. performing transvaginal ultrasound guided oocyte retrieval.
• To work within the legal framework as laid out by the 1990 Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act of Parliament and Care Quality Commission.
• To manage difficult situations with competence, taking appropriate action, utilising relevant protocols and supporting the patient, their relatives and members of the multidisciplinary team as required.
• To ensure that 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.
• To ensure COSHH, Infection Control, Risk Management and maintenance of health and safety within the department is implemented according to unit policy and that every effort is made to identify and minimise potential risks/hazards.
• To 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 to ensure all complaints and grievances are dealt with competently and effectively in line with the unit’s complaints procedure.
• To support senior nursing staff with the maintenance of the pharmacy drug stores including controlled drugs in line with Trust policy and Home Office legislation.

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