Pulmonary Function Tech

RIH Rhode Island Hospital; United States; On-site; USD 47,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Rhode Island Hospital is seeking a Respiratory Therapist to perform diagnostic pulmonary function tests and assist in bronchoscopy and related procedures under supervision of the Director of Pediatric Pulmonology.

Qualifications include an AMA approved Associate Degree in Respiratory Therapy, certification/registry, and RI licensure. Experience is preferred. The role involves managing PFT equipment, sample collection, and patient care across pediatric and adult patients.

Qualifications

• AMA approved Associate Degree in Respiratory Therapy.
• Certification or Registry required.
• Licensed as a Respiratory Care Practitioner in Rhode Island.
• Knowledge of pulmonary function testing procedures.

Responsibilities

• Receive orders for PFTs and review patient records.
• Explain procedures and guide breathing maneuvers.
• Perform routine PFTs and advanced tests (FeNO, DLCO, six-minute walk).
• Assist in bronchoscopy and sample collection.
• Maintain equipment and lab cleanliness according to guidelines.
• Educate patients and families on inhaled therapies and device use.
• Participate in QI projects and staff education.

Skills

Patient care

Communication with patients

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

Associate Degree in Respiratory Therapy

Certification/Registry

Tools

Spirometer

Gas analyzer

Oximeter

Bronchoscope

Biopsy forceps

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 Differences Patient and Community Focus and Collaborate

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Testing:
   1. Receive 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 various breathing maneuvers to patients to allay fears and obtain accurate results from tests 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:
   2. a.) Routine pulmonary function studies using spirometer, body box and gas analyzer to measure flow rates.
   3. b.) Drawing arterial blood gas.
   4. c.) Measure peak cough flow, FeNO.
   5. d.) Methocholine challenge test.
   6. e.) Perform impulse oscillometry and infant stress oximetry.
   7. f.) More advanced testing such as measurement of carbon monoxide diffusing capacity, lung volumes and respiratory muscle pressures.
   8. g.) Monitors patient during six-minute walk test.
   9. h.) tcPCO2 monitoring.
   10. i.) Assist in other procedures as needed, including bronchoscopy (see below).
2. Lab Management: Maintain Supplies available in PFT lab Clean equipment after use-Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Infection Prevention and Control guidelines in use, HEPA filtration unit maintenance Calibrate and maintain testing equipment: identify and seek resolution for technical problems Oxygen e-Cylinder for PFT lab Maintain portable suction machine (check daily, stock supplies) Maintain a clean work environment
3. 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
4. General Respiratory Care: Obtain sputum samples (tracheal aspirate, throat swab, induction) Assist in Respiratory Care for VIP clinic Assist in Respiratory Care for CF clinic, including yearly evaluation of all patients Assist in Respiratory Care for Pediatric Pulmonology clinic Assist in Respiratory Care for Asthmallergy clinic Maintain 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 brush Obtain 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 supplies Order medium for transporting of biopsies or cytology washing Order 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 needed Proper use of inhaled medications and multiple devices for delivery Proper order of inhaled medications in conjunction with airway clearance Airway 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 machines Tracheostomy care Pulse Oximetry Create cough assist care plans for patients Complete annual visits for CF patients, update care plans and provide expert airway clearance and equipment guidance Cleaning and disinfection (at home and hospital of devices/equipment) to be taught Educate co-workers/nurses in airway clearance, medication delivery and devices Perform 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 EMR Participate in QI and other projects within the department or for special groups Develop and present educational tools to staff and patients Attend national and/or regional conferences Attend staff meetings or administrative meetings as needed Performs 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 BLS Knowledge 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

As Rhode Island's largest health system and private employer, Brown University Health is the state's premier provider of health services and includes the only Level I Trauma Center for southeastern New England. Today, more than 20,000 people work at Brown University Health and bring their unique skills, experiences, and compassion to their jobs every day. Formed in 1994, Brown University Health is a not-for-profit health system based in Providence, RI comprising three teaching hospitals of The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University: Rhode Island Hospital and its Hasbro Children's; The Miriam Hospital; and Bradley Hospital, the nation’s first psychiatric hospital for children; Newport Hospital, Saint Anne's Hospital and Morton Hospital, community hospitals offering a broad range of health services; Gateway Healthcare, the state’s largest provider of community behavioral health care; and Brown Health Medical Group, the largest multi-specialty practice in Rhode Island.

Brown University Health is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity of cultural background, race, gender, age, religion, identity, ability, and perspectives - we are actively committed to a diverse workforce that represents the patients and community that we serve. We are invested in creating a respectful, inclusive, and equitable environment that supports the holistic well-being of our employees and their families. Join us and help build a healthier future for our patients - and for yourself.

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