What can you expect?
Each trust is unique and will help smooth your transition in different ways. However, here are some of the ways they will support you:
- A structured induction and supervision for new members of the team.
- Some trusts offer a 'buddy' system, where an existing member of staff will help you navigate the organisation and answer your questions.
- Career development opportunities are often available. Some trusts will allow you to shadow and try out other modalities.
We have all been there! Joining a new team as a newly qualified member of staff can be daunting, however, it is important to remember that all Radiographers have been in your shoes and understand the importance of getting off to a good start. You will be warmly welcomed into the team and encouraged to ask any questions about your new role, team and organisation. You will also work alongside highly skilled and professional Radiographers who are more than willing to share their expertise and help build supportive working relationships.
Charlotte Parkes, Workforce Project Manager. Read more from Charlotte below about how we'll help you find your feet.
Start your journey today
We've made it simple to join us. Simply complete the form below to tell us a bit about yourself and where you would like to work, and we will get in touch.
West of England and PenRAD Imaging Networks are working in partnership with trusts in the region to offer students support through the recruitment process.
Complete this form to register your interest
Where can I work?
Pick from any of the acute hospital trusts in the locations shown on the map. Please note that available roles and vacancies will vary between sites, and we will discuss that with you when you register.
We also offer a range of webinars to help registered students with the application process.
Your #SWRadLife starts here.
Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly
- Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (Truro)
Devon
- University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (Plymouth)
- Torbay & South Devon NHS Foundation Trust (Torquay)
- Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (Barnstaple, Exeter)
Somerset
- Somerset NHS Foundation Trust (Taunton, Yeovil)
Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire
- University Hospitals Bristol & Weston NHS Trust (Bristol and Weston-super-Mare)
- North Bristol Hospitals NHS Trust (North Bristol)
Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire
- Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust (Bath)
- Great Western Hospitals NHS Trust (Swindon)
- Salisbury NHS Trust (Salisbury)
Gloucestershire
- Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Cheltenham, Gloucester)
Getting to know us
The first few days - As a newly qualified member of the team, you will likely have lots of questions. During this period, you will learn about your organisation, your department, your role and your patients. That is a lot of information to process! You will be offered a comprehensive induction to the trust and to the department, for instance through a preceptorship programme. This will allow you protected time where you can reflect on your experience, identify any learning needs you may have and ensure you are supported in having those needs met.
Under their wing - You are an extremely valued member of the team and can expect to be working alongside experienced Radiographers during your first few days. Some trusts offer a buddy system where new starters will be allocated a 'buddy' who they can go to with any questions. This contact can be really useful in understanding pay dates, booking annual leave, e-learning or even suggesting local venues to check out!
Onwards and upwards - At some point in your career, you will identify your strengths, interests and areas you wish to develop. Perhaps you want to develop your career clinically so that you have an enhanced or advanced skill set, or maybe you are more suited to operational management where you influence the way the service runs. There are plenty of career development opportunities that will help you along your way. In need of inspiration? Check out our careers pages to see where your career could take you.
Working to live, not living to work - We understand that your first few months as a Radiographer can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, but when it comes down to it, what is really important? The South West has a special way of reminding people what life is all about. Whether it is thriving cities or picturesque coastal towns, there is a place that speaks to everyone. Immerse yourself in the region and explore all that it has to offer.
Part of a wider team - Ensuring quality imaging service provision for patients is a key priority and we believe workforce is essential to this. Whatever stage of journey you are at, perhaps you have an idea that would improve patient care, want to share good practice, or need some guidance or advice, the PenRAD and West of England Imaging Networks want to hear from you!
