Pulmonary Function Technologist

Pulmonary Diagnostic Technician

This position, independently or in consultation with a physician, administers medications and performs various pulmonary diagnostic testing for and of the cardio-pulmonary system.

Responsibilities:

Performs various types of pulmonary diagnostic testing.

Maintains all appropriate records, performs patient education, and administers medications.

Other duties and responsibilities:

Performs result reporting.

Manages all aspects of patient prepping: including calling the patient prior to the test, and providing instructions on when they can/cannot take inhalers, smoke, etc.

Performs a 6 minute walk test and/or ambulation with pulse oximetry for outpatients.

Performs Quality control testing.

Performs special procedures such as: drawing/analyzing arterial blood gas samples for outpatients.

Performs daily PFT equipment calibration and maintenance.

Maintains a log of all the testing that is completed and clarifies physician orders for the PFT lab.

Obtains a patient history and rules out any contraindications prior to testing.

Monitors the patient throughout the test for any complications that may occur.

Provides appropriate interventions as appropriate. (Take patient to ED, or call a code blue).

Certifications and licensures:

BLS - Basic Life Support

NBRC - National Brd Respiratory Care

RPFT - Regist Pulmonary Function Tech

RRT - Reg Respiratory Therapist Required Equivalent Experience - Current State of Michigan License in Respiratory Care required.

Required education:

Associates Degree Equivalent Experience: Must be a graduate of a school of Respiratory Therapy with at least a 2 year associate's degree (exception: any therapist who has the RTT credential on or before July 1, 2004, is not required to have an associate's degree)

Other information:

Experience, training and skills:

Two (2) years clinical experience working in medical center or similar setting.

Ability to troubleshoot, calibrate and maintain the PFT system.

Interpersonal skills needed to communicate successfully with individuals and groups and interact with people at all levels to communicate ideas and concepts in a clear and understandable manner.

Mandatory Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training must also be completed annually according to the Exposure Control Plan.

Physical/mental requirements and typical working conditions:

Exposure to stressful situations, including those involving public contact, as well as, trauma, grief and death.

Able to wear personal protective equipment that includes latex materials or appropriate substitute if required for your position.

Is able to move freely about facility with or without an assisted device and must be able to perform the functions of the job as outlined in the job description.

Overall vision and hearing is necessary with or without assisted device(s).

Frequently required to sit/stand/walk for long periods of time. May require frequent postural changes such as stooping, kneeling or crouching.

Some exposure to blood borne pathogens and other potentially infectious material. Must follow MyMichigan Health bloodborne pathogen protocol.

Ability to handle multiple tasks, get along with others, work independently, regular and predictable attendance and ability to stay awake.

Overall dexterity is required including handling, reaching, grasping, fingering and feeling. May require repetition of these movements on a regular to frequent basis.

Physical Demand Level: Medium. Must be able to occasionally (0-33% of the workday) lift or carry 21-50 lbs., frequently 34-66% of the workday 20 lbs. and or Walk/Stand/Push/Pull of Arm/Leg controls and constantly(67-100% or the workday) 10 lbs.