Pulmonary Technologist

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE :

Graduate of an AMA program for respiratory care or satisfies the requirements as outlined in the admissions policies of the NBRC for registry examinations and/or two years experience in a Pulmonary Lab with certification and registry eligibility. One to two years of work experience in a Pulmonary Lab and/or Respiratory Care Department preferred.

LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION, and/or REGISTRATION:

Certified Pulmonary Function Technician (CPFT) within 6 months of hire and Registered Respiratory Therapy (RRT) by the National Board of Respiratory Care. Licensed to practice as an RCP in the applicable state. Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT) by the National Board of Respiratory Care preferred.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Adheres to the general hospital standards to promote a cooperative work environment by utilizing communication skills, interpersonal relationships and team building
• Obtains arterial blood gases for acid-base and oxygenation status which aids in diagnosis and treatment
• Calibrates all equipment on a daily basis to ensure calibration within standard deviation of equipment specifications
• Ensures quality improvement activities to uphold standards of the laboratory
• Provides a clinical experience for students to enhance their knowledge and clinical skills.
• Administers pulmonary function testing, including spirometry, flow volume loops with and without bronchodilator
• Administers six minute walk test, pulse oximetry studies, oxygen therapy and nebulizer treatments
• Provides diagnostic testing obtaining optimal patient effort and results
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge
• Administers medications/drugs during testing and procedures in accordance with protocols and departmental policies/procedures
• Ensures age/developmentally appropriate patient care is provided in accordance with Age-Specific Care Guidelines for the specific age groups served

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

Communicates on a professional level with physicians, nurses and other ancillary staff

Provides quality results for diagnostic testing

Provides a teaching environment for students

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Occasional work with toxic chemicals

Subject to long, stressful hours

Comfortable climate, well lit

Frequently exposed to the risk of droplet and bloodborne diseases in collecting patient's specimens

Occasionally exposed to radiation.

Potential exposure to airborne pathogens (TB)