Radiotherapy Advanced Practitioner: Jennifer Thompson

Qualifications: BSc Hons Radiotherapy and Oncology. Currently studying a Masters in Advanced Clinical practice Radiotherapy and Oncology

Career journey: When I qualified, I took a post at Nottingham city hospital as a therapeutic radiographer. I enjoyed rotating half the year in the planning department and the other half on the treatment machines. After a few years I joined the information and support team as a specialist information and support radiographer. My main duties were looking after and supporting lung cancer patients on radiotherapy treatment and managing clinics in the department. During this time I dealt with daily enquiries regarding side effects of radiotherapy, helping patients, carers, family etc manage the patients side effects. I found this role so rewarding in helping patients through their treatment, being able to spend more time with patients and working more closely with the clinical team. Within the year I gained promotion as a radiotherapy advanced practitioner. There are two groups of patients I look after those with breast cancer and those with upper oesophageal cancer. Reviewing patients on treatment is also one of my main job roles I have my own radiographer review clinic where I review prostate cancer patients and breast cancer patients. As an advanced practitioner my work is set around the four pillars of practice which are clinical, education, research, and leadership.

Over the last few years my clinical expertise has grown, last year I completed a non-medical prescribing module which means I can now prescribe medication if required to help patients manage their side effects. In my workplace I am the first radiographer in the trust to prescribe hormone therapy for a patient!

My story: I came into this career late as in my 30’s! Went to a career talk about radiography which was in the radiotherapy department and was amazed at the equipment there that I wanted to find out more about radiotherapy. It took seven years later before I spent the day at the radiotherapy centre to see if it was the career for me, thought it was too late to change careers, how wrong was I! I wish I hadn’t waited that long; it is so interesting with the technology that you use which is always advancing. This is what attracted me to this career as well as the interaction with patients and working as part of a team. Never did I think I would be doing a masters and the opportunities that are available to extend my role. I have amazing colleagues and a supportive manager who help me push the standard boundary role of a therapeutic radiographer whilst working in my scope of practice.

Advice: Don’t dither like I did! If you have an interest in technology and enjoy working with people, this job is great. Want to make a difference in cancer care? this career is so rewarding. Once you have your degree there are so many other specialist roles in the radiotherapy world open to you.

Macmillan Consultant Radiographer (Prostate Cancer) and Oncology Clinical Director: Tracey Ellis

Qualifications: MSc, NMP, BSc.

Career Journey: I completed my BSc Therapeutic Radiography degree in 1998 and began my career as Therapeutic Radiographer in a new department. Over a period of approximately two years, I had the opportunity of working in 3 radiotherapy centres where I commenced my senior role within the pre-treatment area of the department. In 2004, I was able to develop the role of Therapeutic Radiographer led on treatment review service, which I carried out alongside my pre-treatment team leader role. This allowed the administration of medication under patient group directions (PGD’s). During this time I was able to gain expert knowledge and experience of uro-oncology. I completed my MSc in Radiotherapy and Oncology in 2009 focusing my dissertation on leadership skills development in Therapeutic Radiographers. I qualified as a supplementary prescriber in 2014 when I was working as an acting up Consultant Therapeutic Radiographer in Prostate Cancer. I was formally appointed this role in 2015 and due to a legislation change regarding medication prescribing I qualified as an independent prescriber shortly after.

Within my consultant role I am responsible for my own cohort of patients, from receiving referrals from the multidisciplinary team, carrying out assessment and management plans, prescribing hormone treatment and Radiotherapy to follow up arrangements. In April 2019, I was appointed as the Oncology Clinical Director and continue to work as a Consultant within Prostate Radiotherapy.

My Story: I was introduced to Therapeutic Radiography at a young age as my mother was a Therapeutic Radiographer. During the 30 years from the start of my career as a Therapeutic Radiographer, there have been significant changes and technical developments, although the basic principles still apply. Therapeutic Radiography as a career has provided numerous exciting developments and opportunities, the more recent of them being hard to believe at times! I have been the lucky recipient of many awards and accolades with the most recent being a Macmillan Fellowship award. Within Radiotherapy there are niche areas and development opportunities for every one including, patient assessment, treatment, holistic care, technical developments, information technology, education and training, quality and governance and so much more!

Advice: For anyone considering a Therapeutic Radiography as a career choice, I would say “don’t hesitate”! Embrace the diversity of such a special job, making a difference to the lives of those diagnosed with cancer and their families. Don’t be frightened to push beyond the boundaries of tradition. Therapeutic Radiographers are equipped with diverse skills that set them apart from all others – we are a unique breed!