The Respiratory Therapist/PulmonaryTech acts as a supervisory member of the patient care team within the Pulmonary Function Lab, coordinating and collaborating fully with the other care team members in assuring continuity of care for their patients. The Respiratory Therapist/PulmonaryTech promotes a philosophy of patient/family-focused care in all interactions with patients, families, and hospital personnel and focus on understanding and meeting customer needs.
- Working closely with the Lab Manager and Medical Director, the Respiratory Therapist/Pulmonary Tech is responsible for technical training/competencies & equipment troubleshooting.
- Perform diagnostic pulmonary testing to include spirometry, body plethysmography, DLCO, muscle forces, oximetry at rest & exercise, bronchial provocation testing, phlebotomy (arterial, venous, and finger stick), blood analysis.
- Maintenance & calibration of various PFT equipment
- Responsible for observing, validating & documenting initial and annual competencies for technical skills.
- Primary contact for equipment troubleshooting, working closely with outside vendor.
- Responsible for tracking PAR levels of disposable supplies and accessories.
- Ensures a clean and safe environment for testing by following all cleaning, disinfecting and infection control policies.
- Assess patients who come to the clinic with respiratory complaints. Gather information about the patient's medical history and current symptoms.
- Provide patient education regarding pulmonary conditions, treatment options, tracheostomies, and management strategies.
- Provide patient teaching on proper use of inhalers, CPAP/BiPAP equipment, and other devices.
- Provide guidance on lifestyle changes, such as smoking cessation.
- Administer nebulizer treatments.
- Miscellaneous duties as assigned.
Education Qualified candidates must be graduates of an Co ARC approved respiratory care program with a minimum of an Associate's degree - Bachelor's Degree is preferred. Licensure Qualified candidates must have a valid MA respiratory care license in good standing. Candidates must be registered respiratory therapists (RRT) through the NBRC. Experience Respiratory Care 0-1 year preferred
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Must possess strong interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with patients and promote interdisciplinary collaborative teamwork, including in emergent situations. Maintains effective working relations and communication with department and other hospital personnel.
- Must possess strong analytical and organizational abilities necessary to perform multiple diagnostic tasks.
- Must be able to prioritize multiple responsibilities encompassed within the position. Must have the ability to adapt to changing pace within the department.
- Must be able to promote a customer/patient-oriented philosophy among all staff within the area.
- Must use independent judgment and initiative in a variety of situations when assisting with patient procedures.
- Must be able to work under stressful conditions.
- Must be able to understand and operate required equipment and information systems.
- Must be physically capable of lifting (linen, supplies, patients, etc).
- Must be aware of hazards within the department; adhere to safety standards established by the Hospital and other regulatory agencies.
- Must have ability to work with adult, elderly patients, and critically ill patients. Must have ability to work productively in emergency situations.
- Must be able to effectively train and evaluate individuals.
- Always maintains a high standard of professionalism.
- Demonstrates proficiency in all technical and interpersonal competencies as determined by PFT lab and Pulmonary leadership.
Physical Requirements
Standing Frequently (34-66%) Walking Frequently (34-66%) Sitting Occasionally (3-33%) Lifting Frequently (34-66%) 35lbs+ (w/assisted device) Carrying Frequently (34-66%) 20lbs - 35lbs Pushing Occasionally (3-33%) Pulling Occasionally (3-33%) Climbing Rarely (Less than 2%) Balancing Frequently (34-66%) Stooping Occasionally (3-33%) Kneeling Occasionally (3-33%) Crouching Occasionally (3-33%) Crawling Rarely (Less than 2%) Reaching Frequently (34-66%) Gross Manipulation (Handling) Frequently (34-66%) Fine Manipulation (Fingering) Frequently (34-66%) Feeling Constantly (67-100%) Foot Use Rarely (Less than 2%) Vision - Far Constantly (67-100%) Vision - Near Constantly (67-100%) Talking Constantly (67-100%) Hearing Constantly (67-100%)
The General Hospital Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.
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