Hyperbaric Tech/Safety Director (RN, LPN, CMA, NREMT)

Hyperbaric Safety Director

The rewards at Healogics are immense, starting with the important work we do to change patients' lives. We also understand that meaningful work is hard work, and we are committed to supporting and compensating our employees for the tremendous service they provide.

Healogics is the largest provider of advanced wound care services in the United States, treating more than 300,000 chronic wound patients annually across over 600 sites. With an aging society, obesity and diabetes on the rise, and an uptick in surgical procedures, the number of patients with non-healing wounds that would benefit from expert care is dramatically increasing. As a result, the company is working to provide our differentiated, quality outcomes to as many patients that would benefit through our out-patient clinic partnerships.

Reporting to the Program Director, the Hyperbaric Safety Director administers hyperbaric oxygen therapy to patients as prescribed by the Hyperbaric Provider. This position is responsible for the safe and effective operation of the hyperbaric chamber(s) and related support systems, as well as for the safe delivery of hyperbaric oxygen therapy to the hyperbaric patient. The position is also responsible for the day-to-day maintenance on the hyperbaric chamber(s) and related support systems and serves as the point person for assessment of materials that are appropriate for use in and around hyperbaric chambers.

All Healogics employees must perform their job responsibilities according to all Healogics policies, Hospital policies, as well as to accrediting organizations, federal and state regulation, and to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) guidelines, as applicable.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities:

• Performs hyperbaric chamber operator duties. This includes:

  • Preparing, educating and orienting patients about the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. This includes lifting or transferring patients per local policy, getting them ready for treatment administration and answering their questions.
  • Administering the hyperbaric oxygen therapy as prescribed by the Hyperbaric Provider to the patient. This includes monitoring and controlling the performance of the hyperbaric chamber equipment, as well as monitoring the patient(s)'responses during the session and making proper adjustments to ensure the patient's safety and the safe and effective use of the equipment
  • Making appropriate data entries for daily hyperbaric treatments and wound care clinic visits, and keeping complete and accurate patient records
  • Operating and maintaining the hyperbaric chamber(s) and other hyperbaric support oxygen systems as required
  • Participating in the safety program, such as conducting safety drills

• Is responsible for all the hyperbaric equipment/supply, and for ensuring the safe and effective operation and maintenance of the hyperbaric chamber(s) and related systems and ancillary components. This includes:

  • Evaluating the equipment and supply used in the chamber(s) to ensure they meet all safety requirements before they are permitted inside the chamber(s)
  • Restricting or removing potentially hazardous supply or equipment items
  • Collaborating with Program Director and Healogics to coordinate and approve all hyperbaric chamber upgrades, modifications, and repairs to the hyperbaric system, - and to ensure they are in compliance with appropriate safety standards

• Works closely with facility management personnel and department medical personnel to ensure smooth day-to-day operations. Also works closely with Medical, Program and Nursing senior management to develop and annually revise department policies and procedures, as well as operation and maintenance documents.

• Leads the hyperbaric safety program activities and initiatives. This includes:

  • Maintaining a safe environment in the hyperbaric facility for patients and staff and using approved and recognized decompression procedures for all persons with a hyperbaric exposure to inert gases
  • Reviewing all department safety incidents, collecting information regarding equipment/patient safety, reports relevant incidents to the staff, and periodically providing in -service training related to hyperbarics
  • Conducting quarterly safety drills to improve staff responses to emergencies
  • Informing personnel of any special work conditions such as infection prevention, hazard control
  • Assisting the Medical Director in reviewing and documenting safety-related events and discussing appropriate event with others to facilitate learning
  • Maintaining department compliance with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 99 (Health Care Facilities Code) with regards to hyperbarics
  • Reviewing, making change recommendations for departmental safety policies, and incorporating new policies as appropriate
  • Serving on the hospital's safety or environment of care committee, as appropriate
• If CMA or LPN, may function as a Documentation Assistant (scribe) in accordance with Healogics policy
• Performs other duties as required

Required Education, Experience and Credentials:

• High School Diploma or GED (General Education Development)
• Current Certified Hyperbaric Technologist (CHT) or Certified Hyperbaric Specialist (CHS) certification preferred
• Pre or post hire completion of an approved Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO) Safety course. If pre-hire, the course completion must be within the past 5 years from date of hire.
• Pre or post hire completion of an approved hyperbaric Medicine Introductory course (from Undersee & Hyperbaric Medical Society, National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology, Department of Defense, or American College of Hyperbaric Medicine)
• Current healthcare professional certification or license as applicable in state of practice - to maintain throughout the duration of employment in this role.

State Variations:

• For Ohio, current Ohio license either as Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)/Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), Respiratory Therapist or Certified Hyperbaric Technologist (CHT) as approved by National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology (NBDHMT)
• Pre or post hire completion of Introductory Hyperbaric Training Course, as approved by the National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology, Department of Defense, American College of Hyperbaric Medicine or Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society.
• Two (2) or more years' experience in healthcare preferred
• Prior experience in wound or critical care preferred
• Prior supervisory experience preferred

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) / CPR certification - to be maintained throughout the duration of employment in this position
• Hyperbaric equipment and related systems troubleshooting skills
• Attention to detail
• Ability to multi-task and to work in a fast-paced environment
• Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
• Basic math skills
• Organization and time-management skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Customer service and follow-up skills
• Ability to stay calm and relax patients
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite skills (Outlook, Excel, Word, Power Point)

Physical Demands:

• Being in a stationary position for extended periods of time (4 hours or more)
• Keying frequently on a computer for 4 hours or more
• Moving about
• Lifting/moving items up to 75 pounds with equipment assistance
• Pushing/pulling
• Bending/stooping
• Communicating
• Close, distance and peripheral vision
• Reaching/grasping/touching with hands
• Detecting sounds by ear

Work Environment:

• Primarily indoors environment
• Patient care environment
• Exposure to Hazards (blood borne pathogens, toxic chemicals, flammable explosive gases, etc)
• Exposure to mechanical equipment
• Proximity to moving objects
• Electrical current