Fertility Care Assistant

Sims IVF

Sims IVF is one of the leading fertility clinics in Ireland. Since 1997, we have cared for thousands of patients needing treatment to realise their dream of having a baby and have helped pioneer IVF technology in Ireland. We strive to bring the joy of a family to those who need help with their fertility and to assist people in a confidential, professional, and caring manner. Our mission is to provide hope to all those that need help starting families.

Sims IVF became part of the Virtus Health family in 2014. As part of Virtus Health, one of the world’s leading fertility groups, we share experience and knowledge from around the world, ensuring you get access to the very best reproductive medical care.

Summary of Role

The main objective of the Fertility Health Care Assistant role is to work as a key part of a multidisciplinary IVF team to provide excellent patient care for individuals and couples in aspects of fertility treatment. Patient care must be the priority of every HCA working in Sims IVF clinic. The patient must be at the centre of everything the HCA does.

The role holder must achieve excellence in patient care, investigation consultation,

Phlebotomy, Cannulation, assisting at theatre procedure and pre/post-operative care in theatre/recovery and the scanning department.

The following key attributes should be demonstrated:

Active Listening

Good verbal and non-verbal communication

Respect and Empathy

Professionalism

Open-mindedness

Friendliness

Clinical / Technical Competencies

The Healthcare Assistant will demonstrate competence in the areas below with training provided for clinic variation.

[The Training Logbook will detail each level of competency required]

Information Technology

Competent in use of patient databases.

Legislative Requirements

Understands EU Cell and Tissue Directive and the clinic responsibility regarding screening couples.

• Data Protection/Confidentiality – understands and takes personal responsibility by

following established policies and procedures.

• Obtaining Consent – understands and takes personal responsibility by following

established policies and procedures.

Infection Control /Health and Safety

• Hand Hygiene
• Health and Safety
• Manual Handling
• Uniform and Grooming Standards
• Clinical Waste Management
• Clinical instrument disposal

Theatre

• Theatre Cleaning and stock ordering
• Assisting with care of a Couple before, during and after and IUI
• Assisting with care of a Couple before, during and after Embryo Transfer
• Assisting with care of Couple Before, During and After Egg Collection
• Assisting the Doctor at egg retrieval and IUI procedures
• Semen Collection
• Emergency procedures- CPR
• Cannulation and monitoring of patients requiring Intralipid infusions.

Scheduling

• Investigation Consultation- training will be provided for experienced HCA’s.
• Understand available tests and treatments.

Scanning

• Phlebotomy/ Cannulation
• Assisting at saline infusion sonography, ZFB’s & endometrial scratches

Key Behavioural Competencies

Personal Leadership

• Always acts with honesty and integrity.
• Has a realistic sense of self and impact on others?
• Demonstrates patience and perspective in dealing with difficult situations.
• Accepts ownership of role and accepts accountability of role objectives.

Communication

• Ability to deliver information/ instructions (e.g., discharge post SIS procedures) in a

constructive, clear, and sympathetic manner.

• Ability to adjust personal communication style to meet the circumstances/needs of

the patient receiving the information.

• Ability to demonstrate empathy and respect when communicating.

Patient Care/Customer Service

• Demonstrates an ability to deliver excellence in standards of service to

patients/clients.

• Presents a caring, engaging, and positive manner with patients/clients.
• Demonstrates an ability to obtain a clear understanding of patient/client needs.
• Let’s patient/client know he/she is willing to collaborate with them to achieve best

outcome.

Attention to Detail

• Ensures that one’s own and others’ work and information are complete and

accurate.

• Follows required procedures to ensure high quality of work.
• Verifies information.
• Carefully reviews and checks the accuracy of information provided by others.

Initiative

• Identifies what needs to be done and takes appropriate and assertive action within

the field of their training, before being asked or the situation requires it.

• Seeks out others involved in a situation to learn their perspectives.
• Takes action to ensure patients are processed as effectively and as speedily as

possible.

Teamwork

• Works co-operatively and effectively with colleagues from our own and other

departments with different skills and objectives to achieve the best outcome.

• Listens and respects other points of view.
• Open to learning and passing on better ways of doing things.
• Open to innovative ideas with an ability to follow and implement protocols and

procedures and clinic initiatives with his/her clinic colleagues.

Managing Change

• Demonstrates support for innovation and for organizational changes needed to

improve the organization’s effectiveness.

• Supporting and implementing organizational change

Physical requirements of the role of the role

Theatre/Recovery

• Moving/Pushing patient trolleys
• Removing/reattaching end of gynae bed
• On feet for most of shift including up and down the stairs multiple times
• Sitting during egg retrieval for intermittent to prolonged periods
• Leaning over patients for phlebotomy and cannulation

Scanning

• Sitting to standing frequently
• Leaning over patients for phlebotomy
• Sitting at computer screen
• Scheduling- Initial consults
• Leaning over patients for phlebotomy
• Sitting at computer for intermittent periods

Grooming Standards

Non-Clinical Area

• Staff should have excellent personal hygiene.
• Wearing appropriate uniform and name badge
• Uniform including shoe wear should fit appropriately.

Clinical Area

• Hair tied up.
• Nails trimmed and no nail varnish or acrylic nails.
• No jewelry from elbow except a plain band
• No long sleeves under uniform
• Hair net in theatre area/beard net for bearded employees
• No scented creams/perfumes in theatre area

Essential Criteria

➢ Educational- FETAC Level 5 in Healthcare Support or equivalent (at least two

modules required)

➢ Experience- 1 year experience in HCA role or relevant clinical experience

➢ Training: CPR / Manual Handling

➢ Languages -Fluency in English language –written and oral

Desirable

➢ Previous experience in Fertility.

Terms and Conditions of Employment

• Weekly Hours: 37.5 hours
• Working Day: 8-hour day - between the core hours of 7:00 and 18:00, Monday to Friday. Occasional weekend required.
• Location: Sims IVF Swords
• Salary: €28,000 to €35,000 (DOE)

Application Details

• Please submit a cover letter.
• Also, a copy of an up-to-date CV

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: €28,000.00-€35,000.00 per year

Experience:

• HCA role or relevant clinical: 1 year (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

• Level 5 Healthcare Qualification (preferred)

Work authorisation:

• Ireland (required)

Work Location: In person