This is a part-time, .5 FTE, 20 Hours/week position.

Pulmonary Function Technician

Position Summary: 

The Respiratory Therapist will administer Pulmonary Function Testing to pediatric, adult and geriatric patients with cardiopulmonary system deficiencies and abnormalities and will train and act as a resource for respiratory department.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Montana Licensure (Registered Respiratory Therapist)
• Registered Respiratory Therapist Certification (NBRC)
• American Heart Association BLS
• American Heart Association ACLS required upon 3 months of hire
• American Heart Association PALS required upon 3 months of hire
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) required upon 3 months of hire
• Preferred: Registered Pulmonary Function Technician or Certified Pulmonary Function Technician

Essential Job Functions:

• Demonstrates knowledge in pulmonary function testing, including but not limited to; Spirometry, lung volumes, diffusion capacity, respiratory muscle forces, and impulse oscillimetry.
• Ensure all calibrations and quality assurance monitoring are documented according to American Thoracic Society Standards.
• Maintains knowledge of the various methods of oxygen delivery, including the necessary equipment. Remains alert, assesses possible side effects to oxygen delivery.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the differences in technique and treatment modalities as performed on patients of varying ages, including pediatric, adolescent and geriatric patients.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of oxygen concentrations and medication doses as they relate to patients of varying ages, including pediatric, adolescent and geriatric patients.
• Administers respiratory therapy treatments, and nebulized medications. Understands the purpose of each and the possible side effects associated with each.
• Performs arterial punctures to obtain arterial blood samples for blood gas analysis, and understands the possible complications and contraindications associated with the procedure.
• Follows departmental equipment sterilization procedures.
• Documents all pertinent data on the patient’s medical record following completion of any service.
• Maintains a thorough knowledge of electronic health record, departmental forms, flow charts, logbooks and their proper usage.
• Formulates a teaching plan based on identified learning needs of a patient and evaluates effectiveness of learning. Patient’s family is included in teaching as appropriate.
• Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Coordinates and directs patient care to ensure patient’s needs are met and that hospital policy is followed.
• Ability to assess patient, his/her need, and ability to tolerate treatment and reassessment for response to treatment.
• Works with other departments and disciplines to coordinate patient care.
• Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly. Inspects and tests respiratory therapy equipment to ensure that it is functioning safely and efficiently.
• Participates in performance improvement activities and CQI teams when discussion pertains to department concerns, workflow and mission.
• Attends education in-service programs to maintain professional competency. Obtains appropriate hospital-specific education and training.
• Independently pursues professional development opportunities through professional organizations and other continuing education opportunities.
• Attends department meetings and utilizes communication tools such as hospital email to stay informed of department and hospital issues and updates.
• Performs all additional duties as assigned by the department manager.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

•  Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Advanced math skills; ability to collect, analyze, interpret and/or present complex data.
• Detail oriented, organizational skills and the ability to prioritize.
• Ability to work in a busy and stressful environment.
• Ability to work varied shifts.
• Exercises tact, discretion, sensitivity and maintains confidentiality.
• Computer applications, MS Office, EMR, internet applications and standard office equipment.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to the job classification.  They are not to be construed as a contract of any type nor an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by individuals so classified.

77346120 Respiratory Therapy