Pulmonary Function Tech

Brown-University-Health-1; Providence (RI); On-site; USD 47,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Brown University Health seeks a Respiratory Therapist to perform diagnostic pulmonary function tests and assist in bronchoscopy procedures. The role involves operating spirometers, gas analyzers, and oximeters, while ensuring accurate data and patient safety.

Responsibilities include lab maintenance, equipment calibration, and patient education on inhaled therapies. Work includes collaboration with Pulmonology and other departments in a hospital setting.

Qualifications

• Completion of AMA approved Associate Degree in Respiratory Therapy.
• Certification or Registry required (RRT preferred).
• Licensed as a Respiratory Care Practitioner in Rhode Island.

Responsibilities

• Perform diagnostic pulmonary function tests (PFT) on patients.
• Assist physicians with bronchoscopy and related sampling.
• Calibrate and maintain PFT equipment and ensure clean work environment.
• Manage lab supplies and prevent infection in accordance with guidelines.
• Educate patients and families on inhaled therapies and device use.

Skills

PFT testing

Lab maintenance

Equipment calibration

Respiratory care

Patient education

Education

Associate Degree in Respiratory Therapy

RRT certification or registry

Rhode Island license as Respiratory Care Practitioner

Tools

Spirometer

Body box

Gas analyzer

Oximeter

Bronchoscope (assist)

Job description

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 successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another.In addition to our values, all employees are expected to demonstrate the core Success Factors which tell us how we work together and how we get things done. The core Success Factors include:Instill Trust and Value DifferencesPatient and Community Focus and Collaborate

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. 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 testingExplains procedures and gives instructions on various breathing maneuvers to patients to allay fears and obtain accurate results from testsRecords data and reads graphical data from tests and performs routine mathematical calculationsPerforms a variety of diagnostic pulmonary function test procedures on patients including:a.)Routine pulmonary function studies using spirometer, body box and gas analyzer to measure flow rates.b.)Drawing arterial blood gasc.)Measure peak cough flow, FeNOd.)Methocholine challenge test e.)Perform impulse oscillometry and infant stress oximetryf.)More advanced testing such as measurement of carbon monoxide diffusing capacity, lung volumes and respiratory muscle pressures.g.)Monitors patient during six-minute walk testh.)tcPCO2 monitoringi.)Assist in other procedures as needed, including bronchoscopy (see below)
2. Lab Management:Maintain Supplies available in PFT labClean equipment after use-Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Infection Prevention and Control guidelines in use, HEPA filtration unit maintenanceCalibrate and maintain testing equipment: identify and seek resolution for technical problemsOxygen e-Cylinder for PFT labMaintain portable suction machine (check daily, stock supplies)Maintain a clean work environment
3. Testing Equipment:Calibrate and maintain spirometer/laptopTroubleshoot as needed for the Respiratory and Immunology Center (RIC) and the satellite officesMaintain spirometer supplies by ordering and restocking
4. General Respiratory Care:Obtain sputum samples (tracheal aspirate, throat swab, induction)Assist in Respiratory Care for VIP clinicAssist in Respiratory Care for CF clinic, including yearly evaluation of all patientsAssist in Respiratory Care for Pediatric Pulmonology clinicAssist in Respiratory Care for Asthmallergy clinicMaintain medication supply (bronchodilators, mucolytics, hydration, provocholine)Assist providers with bronchoscopy procedures (procedure room, OR suite, PICU) by preparing equipment, assist with taking samples, cytological washings and tissue biopsy using bronchoscope and biopsy brushObtain equipment and supplies from various departmentsreas, maintain clean storage area, track cleaning and disinfecting of scopes prior to use, maintain bronchoscope travel bag packed with suppliesOrder medium for transporting of biopsies or cytology washingOrder equipment provider deems necessary for the procedure (scissors, clamps)
5. Educate Patients and Families:Act as respiratory therapy liaison for pulmonologists and other medical staff regarding inpatient care/equipment or testing as neededProper use of inhaled medications and multiple devices for deliveryProper order of inhaled medications in conjunction with airway clearanceAirway clearance rational and techniques (Chest PT technique, Autogenic Drainage, PEP/OPEP devices, different Vest therapy systems, etc.)High tech equipment (mechanical ventilators, CPAP and BiPAP machines and cough assist machinesTracheostomy carePulse OximetryCreate cough assist care plans for patientsComplete annual visits for CF patients, update care plans and provide expert airway clearance and equipment guidanceCleaning and disinfection (at home and hospital of devices/equipment) to be taughtEducate co-workers/nurses in airway clearance, medication delivery and devicesPerform clinical administrative functions as requested such as manage patient test results, document and scan, assign to interpreting provider, send results to ordering provider as needed in EMRParticipate in QI and other projects within the department or for special groupsDevelop and present educational tools to staff and patientsAttend national and/or regional conferencesAttend staff meetings or administrative meetings as neededPerforms other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

BASIC KNOWLEDGE:Completion of High School plus an AMA approved Associate Degree Respiratory Therapy program. Certification or Registry required. Licensed as a Respiratory Care Practitioner in the State of Rhode Island.Maintain BLSKnowledge of test procedures and reactions of patients while undergoing test procedures.Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care patients with consideration of 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 is required to deal with patients, families, all levels of hospital staff, etc.

Pay Range: $34.01-$55.55

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: Mon-Saturday 8A-6P as scheduled

Work Shift: Day

Driving Required: No

Union: United Nurses And Allied Professional