Pulmonary Function Tech

Overview SUMMARY: Under the general supervision of the Director of Pediatric Pulmonology, and following standard policies and procedures, performs a variety of diagnostic pulmonary function tests on patients using spirometers, gas analyzers, oximeters, and other equipment to evaluate and test for lung disease. When assisting a physician, obtains washing samples, tissue samples, and performs other procedures within the lung using bronchosopes, biopsy forceps and other instruments. Brown University Health employees are expected to model the organization’s values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence in daily interactions with patients, customers and colleagues. Responsibilities Testing : Receives orders from physicians for pulmonary function tests (PFT) to be performed on patients. Reviews patient medical records, informing physician of any previous difficulty with testing. Explains procedures and gives instructions on breathing maneuvers to patients to obtain accurate results. Records data and reads graphical data from tests and performs routine mathematical calculations. Performs a variety of diagnostic pulmonary function test procedures on patients including: Routine pulmonary function studies using spirometer, body box and gas analyzer to measure flow rates. Drawing arterial blood gas Measure peak cough flow, FeNO Methocholine challenge test Perform impulse oscillometry and infant stress oximetry Advanced testing such as measurement of carbon monoxide diffusing capacity, lung volumes and respiratory muscle pressures. Monitors patient during six-minute walk test tcPO2 monitoring Assist in other procedures as needed, including bronchoscopy Lab Management : Maintain supplies in PFT lab. Clean equipment following Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Infection Prevention and Control guidelines; HEPA filtration unit maintenance. Calibrate and maintain testing equipment; identify and resolve technical problems. Maintain oxygen e-Cylinder for PFT lab. Maintain portable suction machine (check daily, stock supplies). Maintain a clean work environment. Testing Equipment : Calibrate and maintain spirometer/laptop. Troubleshoot as needed for the Respiratory and Immunology Center (RIC) and the satellite offices. Maintain spirometer supplies by ordering and restocking. General Respiratory Care : Obtain sputum samples (tracheal aspirate, throat swab, induction). Assist in Respiratory Care for VIP clinic, CF clinic (including yearly evaluation of all patients), Pediatric Pulmonology clinic, and Asthma allergy clinic. Maintain medication supply (bronchodilators, mucolytics, hydration, provocholine). Assist providers with bronchoscopy procedures (procedure room, OR suite, PICU) by preparing equipment, assisting with taking samples, cytological washings and tissue biopsy using bronchoscope and biopsy brush. Obtain equipment and supplies from various departments, maintain clean storage area, track cleaning and disinfecting of scopes prior to use, maintain bronchoscope travel bag packed with supplies. Order medium for transporting biopsies or cytology washings. Order equipment as deemed necessary for the procedure (scissors, clamps). Educate Patients and Families : Act as respiratory therapy liaison for pulmonologists and other medical staff regarding inpatient care/equipment or testing as needed. Provide education on proper use of inhaled medications and multiple devices for delivery. Explain order of inhaled medications in conjunction with airway clearance. Describe airway clearance techniques (Chest PT, Autogenic Drainage, PEP/OPEP devices,Vest therapy systems, etc.). Provide information on high-tech equipment (mechanical ventilators, CPAP/BiPAP machines, cough assist devices) and tracheostomy care. Use pulse oximetry. Create cough assist care plans for patients. Complete annual visits for CF patients, update care plans and provide airway clearance and equipment guidance. Teach cleaning and disinfection of devices/equipment for home and hospital use. Educate co-workers/nurses in airway clearance, medication delivery and devices. Perform clinical administrative functions as requested (manage patient test results, document and scan, assign to interpreting provider, send results to ordering provider as needed in EMR). Participate in quality improvement (QI) and other projects within the department or for special groups. Develop and present educational tools to staff and patients. Attend national/regional conferences and staff or administrative meetings as needed. Performs other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Completion of High School plus an AMA-approved Associate Degree in Respiratory Therapy. Certification or Registry required. Licensed as a Respiratory Care Practitioner in the State of Rhode Island. Maintain BLS certification. Knowledge of test procedures and reactions of patients undergoing test procedures. Demonstrated knowledge and skills to provide care considering aging processes, human development stages, and cultural patterns in each step of the care process. Experience One year of related experience preferred. Work Environment and Physical Requirements Works in a patient care environment where both physical and mental effort are required to interact with patients, families, and hospital staff at all levels. Pay Range: $34.01-$55.55 Equal Opportunity : Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment. Location: Rhode Island Hospital - 593 Eddy Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02903 Work Type: M-Saturday 8A-6P as scheduled Work Shift: Day Driving Required: No Union: United Nurses And Allied Professional #J-18808-Ljbffr