Having recruited Radiographers in England and Australia, I was recently offered the opportunity to spend a day in a radiography department. Clare Thatcher, a long-term client of mine and Unit Manager for Ashford, St Peter's and West Middlesex Hospitals, and I had actually joked about me coming in to one of her departments for quite some time, when the offer became serious I jumped at the opportunity and decided to bring along a colleague, Callam Walters, and our Marketing Manager, Alex King.

After arriving at Alliance Medical Ashford & St Peters, Clare took us on a tour of the building introducing us to all of the staff in the department as well as catching up with Yemi, an MRI Radiographer I recently found a radiography job for in the department.

After the meet and greet, Clare took us over to the MRI scanner to observe a patient being prepared. I was amazed by the level of compassion put in to the preparation. Patient care is at the forefront of all medical professions and building a strong rapport with all patients is part of that.

I then observed the radiographer undertake an MRI scan of the patient’s head to diagnosis the causes of their stroke.

After scan completion, I observed the aftercare of the patient including the radiographer removal of the patient’s cannula, post processing the patient details on the CRIS/ RIS and had a lovely picture taken at the scanning control panel.

After lunch I experienced a patient pathway. This was interesting as it provided me with valuable insight as to the importance of patient care and compassion in the role of a radiographer and the little things that radiographers can do to add the personal touch which separates the “good radiographers” from the “excellent”. This completed my ‘day in the life of a radiographer’.

The experience I gained from “a day in the life of a Radiographer” was invaluable as a recruiter.

I now have a far better idea of the enjoyable, yet hard work that they do and also how rewarding it can be when you see the thanks they get from patients of all ages.

Observing an MRI scan on a patient’s head, neck and shoulders has given a real insight. Moving forward I now feel I will understand every clients desire to obtain radiographers with both excellent patient care and technical skill.

On the candidate side of the things, I can now relate to the needs and requirements of the roles they perform and understand the importance of working in a desirable environment.