BASIC PURPOSE OF THE JOB

Performs therapeutic, laboratory (blood gas) and Pulmonary Function testing.

REPORTS TO

• Nursing Supervisor/Office Manager

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Supervisory Responsibilities: NO

Minimum Education: Associates Required

License/Certification Required: Credentialed by the National Board for Respiratory Care and certified by Tennessee State Board of Medical Examiners as a Respiratory Care Practitioner required. BLS required, PALS preferred. Credentialing by the National Board for Respiratory Care as a Pulmonary function Technician or Therapist preferred.

Minimum Work Experience: 1 year of related pediatric experience preferred.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Must be able to work effectively with multiple disciplines in a collaborative manner.
• Also must be able to assist the pediatric patient in cooperating with testing in order to achieve optimum test data.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conducts physician prescribed treatments of a routine nature such as Pre/Post Spirometry and DLCO testing. Conducts Cardiopulmonary Function/Stress Testing and Metabolic Studies
• Performs total lung volume testing using plethysmography. Performs total lung volume testing using plethysmography. Performs exercise stress tests and bronchial provocation studies using appropriate patient and staff safety precautions.
• Conducts physician prescribed aerosol treatments, assuring patient safety. Assesses patient response to treatment.
• Performs chest physical therapy (CPT Treatments) involving use of mucous clearing devices, percussion, postural drainage, and suction. Evaluates patient response. Participates in patient clinics when indicated.
• Provides patient and/or family education regarding therapeutic regiments and equipment use as required.
• Performs and reports blood gas analysis.
• Responds to emergency situations/codes and insures the adequate maintenance of ventilation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
• Records all required information on patient's records an in respiratory care records, submits test data to physician for interpretation.
• Processes equipment; cleaning, sterilizing and packaging as required. Performance preventive maintenance and repairs when appropriate.
• Provides daily calibration and quality control for PFT equipment to validate accuracy and performance.
• Reports an incomplete assignments or problems with equipment to insure continuity of procedures and minimize disruption of service. Maintains work area.
• Interacts with patients and families in a caring and professional manner to incorporate Child and Family Centered Care. Takes care to put patient at ease and create a comfortable environment that reduces the patient's fear.
• Effectively and professionally interacts and collaborates with other providers of patient care. Explains procedures and medications in a manner that the patient or family understands.
• Acts as a patient advocate and assists the family in developing the skills to become advocates for their child.
• Maintains patient confidentiality and privacy.
• Fosters mature professional relationships with fellow employees in a courteous, friendly manner as measured by management observation and peer input.
• Willingly accepts any other assignment that may be requested.
• Respectfully utilizes hospital resources and time appropriately, avoiding misuse, abuse or waste.
• Consistently optimizes time efficiently and effectively, and serves as a role model/resource for others.
• Promptly, thoroughly and accurately records applicable patient charges to ensure appropriate billing of service.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
• Light lifting, pushing and pulling is required for 10-20 lbs occasionally and frequent moving of objects of less than 10 lbs is required. Frequent sitting with some walking, standing, squatting, bending and reaching is required. Keyboard/computer use and/or repetitive motions may be required. 

Come work where you can make a difference everyday.