Respiratory Therapist Registered

Pulmonary Function Technician

Works under the leadership of the Manager, Sleep/Neuro/PFT and according to established procedures, performs a variety of routine pulmonary functioning tests in order to provide data used by physicians in diagnosing lung disease and determining need for surgery. Arranges testing equipment, explains test procedures to patients and operates equipment. Assesses calculations of test results and routes results to physicians for interpretation. Assists in maintenance of Respiratory Care equipment.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Confers with patients in order to gather pertinent patient information including history of respiratory problems, reason for test, current medications and documents in patient records.
• Explains test procedures to patients and/or family members to allay fears and elicit cooperation then administers tests according to unit/age specification.
• Observes patients during testing and notifies physician and/or other appropriate personnel of patient distress.
• Performs a variety of routine pulmonary function tests according to established procedures including bronco provocation, tidal volume, oxygen-consumption tests, maximum breathing-capacity and force expiratory vital-capacity tests in order to provide data used in diagnosis and treatment of respiratory disease/ailments, and to assess patient risk pre-operatively.
• Administers medication to aid in the diagnostic process and delivers interpreted tests in a timely manner.
• Assesses calculations of test results utilizing such factors as patient's age, weight, height, and sex using established formulas, post results in the patient's chart and routes results to physicians.
• Inspects all pulmonary function testing equipment regularly, following prescribed quality control procedures and preventive maintenance plans, to ensure proper operation and integrity of test results. Makes minor adjustments to equipment and notifies the Manager of more extensive repair needs.
• Performs miscellaneous clerical duties including answering telephones, taking and relaying messages, scheduling appointments, filing records and preparing patient charges, reviewing PFT's performed by the Respiratory Care department.
• Assists the Manager in the research and evaluation of new equipment needs for Pulmonary Diagnostics and Respiratory Care.

Qualifications Required:

• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. This may include explaining clinical, technical and diagnostic procedures to patients and their families. Able to interact with individuals for staff or physician cooperation. Able to cope under stress and handle emergency situations with patients of all ages.
• Computer skilled with Word, Radnet, Outlook, Encompass, and HBOC.
• Proficient with all age groups within defined patient populations. Demonstrates sensitivity when interacting with diverse ethnic groups.
• Ability to exchange information on factual matters, record pertinent information in patients charts, greet visitors, explain hospital policies, and/or relay patient's needs to appropriate personnel. This type of interaction requires courtesy and tact when dealing with patients and their families, visitors, and/or other hospital employees.
• Graduate of two year AMA accredited School of Respiratory Care.
• Successfully completed the NBRC RRT/CRT exam.
• State of Michigan License.
• BLS Certification.
• Two years of practical experience as a Licensed Registered Therapist preferred but not required.