Certified Hyperbaric Technologist (CHT) - Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Located in Nashville, Tennessee, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) operates at a global crossroads of teaching, discovery, and patient care. It is a community where expertise is valued, knowledge is expanded, and abilities are challenged. Vanderbilt Health is committed to an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and uniqueness is celebrated.

About the Role

Applies the nursing process to plan and implement the care of patients, including patient and family education and continuum of care planning. Effectively communicates pertinent patient/family information to the health care team. Collaborates in establishing patient goals and evaluates progress to ensure effective outcomes. Furthers professional growth by engaging in learning activities according to the Board of Nursing standards.

The Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Nurse provides hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to patients under the direction of a wound care provider (physician or APP). The HBOT nurse is responsible for operating a monoplace hyperbaric oxygen chamber, monitoring chamber function and patient response to therapy during each dive, intervening to improve patient condition or avoid harm, and upholding all protocols and safety standards. They will work within the service's scope of practice and collaborate with other relevant disciplines.

Department Summary

The Vanderbilt Wound Center provides specialized, multidisciplinary care for patients with chronic or complex wounds that have not responded to traditional treatments. The center delivers compassionate, patient-centered care using both proven treatment methods and advanced wound-healing therapies. The team supports patients and families by helping navigate insurance processes to ensure access to necessary treatments and supplies.

The center treats a wide range of challenging conditions, including diabetic foot wounds, pressure wounds, gangrene, necrotic wounds, osteomyelitis (bone infections), calciphylaxis, failed skin and muscle flaps, and pyoderma gangrenosum.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates in establishing the plan of care, coordinates and implements care delivery while anticipating patient care needs across the continuum.
• Analyzes comprehensive information pertinent to the patient's care and management to determine nursing diagnosis.
• Utilizes the nursing process to evaluate patient's progress towards goals and applies appropriate interventions to ensure effective outcomes.
• Employs strategies to promote health and a safe and healthy environment.
• Provides hyperbaric chamber operations and maintenance in accordance with UHMS standards.
• Recognizes changes in patient condition and intervenes appropriately.
• Demonstrates competency in core/unit specific skills.
• Delivers relevant pre and post dive care including cleaning and dressing wounds.
• Accurately and completely documents all care provided according to hospital and department policy.
• Provides patient/family education including assessment, documentation, instruction, and materials.

Technical Capabilities

• Patient Assessment & Clinical Judgment (Intermediate): Performs thorough patient assessment; synthesizes clinical data to identify risks, contraindications, and changes in condition requiring intervention.
• Hyperbaric Chamber Operations (Intermediate): Safely operates monoplace chambers; manages pressurization/decompression protocols; monitors chamber systems and responds to alarms or malfunctions.
• Emergency Response & Advanced Life Support (Intermediate): Recognizes emergent conditions and initiates appropriate interventions, including ACLS, in a hyperbaric environment with environmental constraints.
• Wound Care & Therapeutic Support (Intermediate): Provides fundamental wound care, dressing changes, and supports multidisciplinary treatment plans aligned with evidence-based practice.
• Safety & Regulatory Compliance (Intermediate): Ensures adherence to UHMS and institutional safety standards; maintains readiness of equipment and participates in safety drills and quality initiatives.
• Nursing Patient Assessment & Evaluation (Intermediate): Possesses sufficient fundamental proficiency to assess and evaluate patients in practical applications of moderate difficulty. Conducts primary care patient interviews and physical examinations.

Requirements

• Certification as a Licensed Registered Nurse (or equivalent healthcare certification such as LPN, MA, paramedic).
• 1 year of relevant work experience.
• Graduate of an approved discipline-specific program.

Benefits

• Affordable, high-quality health plan options.
• Dental and/or vision plans.
• 403(b) retirement plan.
• Paid Time Off (flex PTO).
• Tuition reimbursement and adoption assistance (maximums applied).
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Subsidized backup childcare.
• Inpatient nursing supplemental pay program.

Schedule

Monday - Friday, day shift.