RRT

Respiratory/ Pulmonary Function Therapist

Boston Medical Center (BMC) is more than a hospital. Its a network of support and care that touches the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in need each year. It is the largest and busiest provider of trauma and emergency services in New England. Emphasizing community-based care, BMC is committed to providing consistently excellent and accessible health services to all and is the largest safety-net hospital in New England. The hospital is also the primary teaching affiliate of the nationally ranked Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) and a founding partner of Boston HealthNet an integrated health care delivery systems that includes many community health centers. Join BMC today and help us achieve our Vision 2030 which is a long-term goal to make Boston the healthiest urban population in the world.

Position: Respiratory/ Pulmonary Function Therapist

Department: Respiratory Therapy

Schedule: Full Time 40 hours

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Respiratory Care Department Clinical Coordinator, performs a variety of technical duties involved in the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary disease, along with the delivery of Respiratory Care Services to ensure the quality care received by patients. Conducts Respiratory Care services according to department policy and procedure, as assigned, to ensure the quality of care provided to patients.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:

• Conducts Pulmonary Function testing according to department policy and procedures and physician orders.
• Schedules Pulmonary Function tests in accordance with hospital/departmental policies.
• Reviews physician consults on request and performs Pulmonary Function tests in a timely fashion. Assists physician with bronchoscope. Prepare patient for procedure.
• Delivers aerosolized medication treatment when requested by physician for testing.
• Prepares medication and other solution to be used by physician during bronchoscopy.
• Obtains arterial blood for measurement of blood gases when requested by physicians. Arranges for analysis of blood, records results, and notifies physician when results are abnormal.
• Evaluates results and submits billing information on the day of testing.
• Administers Pulmonary Function tests, including spirometry, lung volumes, diffusing capacity, flow/volume loops, pre and post bronchodilator medication, plethysmography, methocholine challenge and maximum volume ventilation, helium dilution, maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressures and exercise oximetry.
• Prints results of tests and submits results for Pulmonary Physician interpretation. Sends and/or faxes final results to referring physician in a timely manner. Submits billing information on day of testing.
• Maintains Pulmonary Function Therapy (PFT) Laboratory in clean and organized manner.
• Monitors respiratory status of patients during bronchoscopy. Responsible for troubleshooting equipment used during bronchoscopy. Makes arrangements for repairs as directed by the Clinical Coordinator.
• Assures billing information is submitted on the day of bronchoscopy testing. Maintains log book of bronchoscopies.
• Insures cleaning is done of bronchoscopy equipment after use. Maintains and monitors glutaraldehyde solution and documents results according to Infection Control Policy.
• Monitors vital signs of patients during bronchoscopy procedures. Documents results according to hospital policy. Assist in transport of patients receiving IV conscious sedation.
• Oversees care of specimens obtained during bronchoscopy.
• Assists physician in Cardiopulmonary Exercise Stress testing.
• Assures Cardiopulmonary Exercise Stress testing equipment is functioning properly.
• Prepares patient for testing and assists physician with Cardiopulmonary Exercise Stress testing protocol.
• Monitors ECG, oximetry and vital signs of patient during Cardiopulmonary Exercise Stress testing.
• Participates in Pulmonary Rehab program staffing as needed.
• Prints reports at end of Cardiopulmonary Exercise Stress test. Submits billing information on the day of the test.
• Ensures accuracy of equipment in Pulmonary Function Therapy Laboratory.
• Maintains calibration of equipment according to manufacturer specification. Maintains documentation of calibration results.
• Performs Electrocardiograph tests to discover variations in the heart muscles electrical activity associated with disease state in accordance with departmental practices and procedures and manufacturers procedures.
• Prepares patient for Electrocardiograph testing by explaining what is to be done. Loads graph paper or tape.
• Attaches electrode to specified areas of the patients forearm, calves and chest. Administers test of operating Electrocardiograph.
• Removes and identifies tracings after the test and makes up a charge ticket to bill the patient. Performs tests in the patients ward using portable Electrocardiograph unit.
• Reviews the patient chart and accurately interprets the physicians orders.
• Sets up appropriate equipment and medication needed for each test and therapy correctly.
• Administers all tests, treatments and therapy as ordered. Such therapy will include oxygen administration, humidity therapy, airway management, resuscitation mechanical ventilation, and Electrocardiograph testing.
• Documents every patient administered in patient charts, noting response to therapy as evidenced by review of patient documentation.
• Delivers, sets up, and safely operates mechanical ventilators and monitors patients receiving mechanical ventilation. Performs endotracheal suctioning and tracheal suctioning as needed.
• Makes patient rounds according to assigned department schedules. Observes patient condition, checks operation of equipment, and makes adjustments as necessary. Resolves problems and discontinues therapy as ordered.
• Removes equipment from patient rooms and dissembles equipment following department procedures.
• Recognizes medical problems (i.e., adverse reactions to therapy), discontinues treatment if indicated, and notifies physician immediately. Applies emergency protocols as needed, and alerts Respiratory Care Supervisor.
• Proceeds to location and assists physician with establishment and maintenance of patient airway, in the event of cardiac arrest.
• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age groups of adolescent, adult and geriatric patients regularly served.
• Notifies supervisor when patients in age groups not regularly served are present, and seeks assistance from individuals with the knowledge of the specialized needs of such patient age groups.
• Maintains clinical competency in areas of Respiratory Care to ensure ability to utilize up-to-date methods in care giving.
• Maintains current Massachusetts license as a Respiratory Therapist.
• Attends, as directed, and completes Advanced Cardiac Life Support training.
• Attends all mandatory continuous education classes as assigned during the year.
• Participates in non-assigned service related continuing education classes to ensure professional development and licensure requirements.
• Attends all scheduled staff meetings, or, if unable, accepts responsibility for reading staff meeting minutes.
• Maintains membership in professional organizations.
• Accepts membership in all assigned department or hospital committees or task forces.
• Demonstrates knowledge of patients clinical needs and contacts appropriate personnel to meet identified needs as documented by problem reporting and QI system.
• Maintains bronchoscopy, pulmonary function and exercise rooms. Orders supplies for each area including narcotics for bronchoscopies. Monitors narcotic log book for accuracy and compliance. Maintains narcotics in secure manner according to hospital policy.
• Evaluates new products and equipment for each area as directed. Report results and recommendations to Clinical Coordinator.
• Assists in training of personal as directed in policies and procedures related to bronchoscopy, pulmonary function and exercise areas. Assists in development of policies and procedures as directed.
• Utilizes hospital's Values as the basis for decision making and to facilitate the division's hospital mission.
• Follows established hospital infection control and safety procedures.

OTHER DUTIES:

Performs other duties as needed.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:

• Completion of a two year AMA approved program in Respiratory Therapy.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:

• Registration by the National Board for Respiratory Care. Current license from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a Respiratory Therapist.

EXPERIENCE:

• Requires at least three to five years of directly related experience.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Requires knowledge of Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, Pulmonary Physics, Pulmonary Pathophysiology, advanced respiratory care, mathematics, blood gas chemistry, and pharmacology at a level generally acquired through completion of a two year AMA approved program in Respiratory Therapy.
• Analytical ability necessary to review and evaluate various laboratory results, conduct respiratory assessments, and properly operate highly technical respiratory equipment.