Cardiac Physiologist Review

I work both independently and alongside my colleagues to help care for cardiac patients. This involves sometime providing a service and mainly being supernumerary to be able to learn. We see patients from being outpatients all the way up to those who are critically ill and dealing with cardiac arrest situations.

Everything I have done whilst working at wythenshawe has been a new skill. I can now complete an ECG, Holter monitor, analyse tapes, exercise testing and assist effectively in the cath lab. My skills are constantly developing with the continued support of all my colleagues - everyone is always learning as i will continue to do.

I am so interested and keen to learn i find that time flies so quickly at work so i have a huge level of enjoyment. The uni course itself is also interesting however some of the modules aren’t that relevant or applicable to our everyday jobs as trainee cardiac physiologists in the hospital.

The layout for each year is structured well with 4 x 6 weeks however the communication between the university and apprentices is something which could be improved. As we work 9-5 most days, time to plan ahead is extremely useful and sometimes things can be very last minute ie not finding out until the day.

My line manager at Wythenshawe is extremely supportive and will help out with anything that she can. She gives us study time for exams and assignments that we have to do. She also checks in on us regularly to see how both university and working life are going which gives us time to organise everything better.

A huge amount of support is on offer in the work place from both bosses and colleagues. Everyone is extremely approachable and willing to help out. My Boss is always interested in our progress and is wanting to help us progress both as individuals and at university with our course.

Going to university alongside being in the hospital environment gives me the knowledge i need to back up my clinical skills and clinical practice. Knowing the actual science and physiology behind different anatomies and also techniques is extremely beneficial when trying to piece different things together in the hospital environment.

This has been difficult due to covid but we have had a christmas party.

Yes

The NHS is an extremely rewarding place to work in terms of individual progress and what you get back from helping people. Combined with the university course I have felt extremely supported throughout.

Work experience is extremely important. It shows a willingness to learn.