Pulmonary Function Tech PD_UNAP

Rhode Island Hospital; Rhode Island; On-site; USD 55,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Rhode Island Hospital seeks an experienced Respiratory Therapist to perform diagnostic pulmonary function tests and assist in bronchoscopy procedures. You will ensure equipment calibration, maintain a clean lab, and document results in the EMR while educating patients on airway clearance methods.

The role emphasizes patient care, safety, and collaboration with physicians and nursing staff in a fast-paced clinical setting.

Qualifications

• 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

Responsibilities

• Perform diagnostic pulmonary function tests using spirometers and related equipment.
• Assist in bronchoscopy procedures and specimen collection as needed.
• Calibrate and maintain testing equipment and supplies in the PFT lab.
• Educate patients and families on inhaled medications and airway clearance techniques.
• Maintain a clean, compliant lab environment and manage test results in EMR.
• Participate in QA/QI projects and department meetings.

Skills

Patient care

Clinical procedures

Team collaboration

Education

AMA approved Associate Degree in Respiratory Therapy

Certification or Registry

Tools

EMR systems

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.

1. 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 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:

   • a.) Routine pulmonary function studies using spirometer, body box and gas analyzer to measure flow rates.
   • b.) Drawing arterial blood gas
   • c.) Measure peak cough flow, FeNO
   • d.) Methocholine challenge test
   • e.) Perform impulse oscillometry and infant stress oximetry
   • f.) More advanced testing such as measurement of carbon monoxide diffusing capacity, lung volumes and respiratory muscle pressures.
   • g.) Monitors patient during six-minute walk test
   • h.) tcPCO2 monitoring
   • i.) Assist in other procedures as needed, including bronchoscopy (see below)

2. 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. 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. 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 Asthma allergy 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 departments/areas, 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. 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 groupsDevelop 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

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