Hyperbaric Technologist/Safety Director

Healogics is the largest provider of advanced wound care services in the United States, treating more than 300,000 chronic wound patients annually across over 600 sites. With an aging society, obesity and diabetes on the rise, and an uptick in surgical procedures, the number of patients with non-healing wounds that would benefit from expert care is dramatically increasing.

About the role

Reporting to the Program Director, the Hyperbaric Safety Director administers hyperbaric oxygen therapy to patients as prescribed by the Hyperbaric Provider. This position is responsible for the safe and effective operation of the hyperbaric chamber(s) and related support systems, as well as for the safe delivery of hyperbaric oxygen therapy to the hyperbaric patient. The position also oversees day-to-day maintenance of the hyperbaric chamber(s) and related systems and serves as the point person for assessing materials appropriate for use in and around hyperbaric chambers.

All Healogics employees must perform their job responsibilities according to Healogics policies, hospital policies, accrediting organizations, federal and state regulations, and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) guidelines, as applicable.

Responsibilities

• Performs hyperbaric chamber operator duties, including:
  • Preparing, educating, and orienting patients about Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, including lifting or transferring patients per local policy, readying them for treatment, and answering questions.
  • Administering hyperbaric oxygen therapy as prescribed, monitoring chamber equipment and patient responses, and making adjustments to ensure safety and effectiveness.
  • Making appropriate data entries for daily hyperbaric treatments and wound care clinic visits, and maintaining complete and accurate patient records.
  • Operating and maintaining hyperbaric chamber(s) and other hyperbaric support oxygen systems.
  • Participating in the safety program, such as conducting safety drills.
• Ensures the safe and effective operation and maintenance of hyperbaric chamber(s) and related systems, including:
  • Evaluating equipment and supplies used in the chamber(s) to ensure they meet safety requirements.
  • Restricting or removing potentially hazardous supply or equipment items.
  • Collaborating with the Program Director and Healogics to coordinate and approve hyperbaric chamber upgrades, modifications, and repairs, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
• Works closely with facility management, department medical personnel, and senior management to ensure smooth day-to-day operations, develop and revise policies and procedures, and maintain operation and maintenance documents.
• Leads hyperbaric safety program activities and initiatives, including:
  • Maintaining a safe environment in the hyperbaric facility for patients and staff, using approved decompression procedures.
  • Reviewing department safety incidents, collecting information on equipment/patient safety, reporting incidents to staff, and providing periodic in-service training.
  • Conducting quarterly safety drills to improve emergency responses.
  • Informing personnel of special work conditions such as infection prevention and hazard control.
  • Assisting the Medical Director in reviewing and documenting safety-related events and facilitating learning discussions.
  • Maintaining department compliance with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 99 (Health Care Facilities Code) regarding hyperbarics.
  • Reviewing and recommending changes to departmental safety policies and incorporating new policies as appropriate.
  • Serving on the hospital’s safety or environment of care committee, as appropriate.
• If certified as a CMA or LPN, may function as a Documentation Assistant (scribe) in accordance with Healogics policy.
• Performs other duties as required.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Current Certified Hyperbaric Technologist (CHT) or Certified Hyperbaric Specialist (CHS) certification preferred.
• Pre- or post-hire completion of an approved Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO) Safety course (if pre-hire, course completion must be within the past 5 years).
• Pre- or post-hire completion of an approved Introductory Hyperbaric Medicine course (from Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society, National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology, Department of Defense, or American College of Hyperbaric Medicine).
• Current healthcare professional certification or license as applicable in the state of practice, maintained throughout employment. Applicable certifications/licenses include:
  • Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
  • Military: Corpsman or Medical Services Specialist
  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic
  • Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
  • Certified Hyperbaric Specialist (CHS)
  • Certified Hyperbaric Registered Nurse (CHRN)
  • Certified or Registered Medical Assistant (CMA or RMA)
  • Certified Hyperbaric Technologist (CHT)
  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA)
  • Certified Hyperbaric Wound Specialist (CHWS)
  • Physical Therapist (PT) or Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)
  • Completion of Hyperbaric Training from US Department of Defense (DOD), e.g., US Navy, Army, or Coast Guard Diver (1st Class, 2nd Class, or Master designation) or US Air Force Aerospace Physiology Specialist.
• State Variations:
  • For Ohio: Current Ohio license as Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)/Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), Respiratory Therapist, or Certified Hyperbaric Technologist (CHT) as approved by the National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology (NBDHMT).
  • Pre- or post-hire completion of an Introductory Hyperbaric Training Course approved by NBDHMT, Department of Defense, American College of Hyperbaric Medicine, or Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society.
• Two or more years of healthcare experience preferred.
• Prior experience in wound or critical care preferred.
• Prior supervisory experience preferred.

Skills

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) / CPR certification, maintained throughout employment.
• Hyperbaric equipment and related systems troubleshooting skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Basic math skills.
• Organization and time-management skills.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Customer service and follow-up skills.
• Ability to stay calm and relax patients.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Physical Demands

• Being in a stationary position for extended periods (4 hours or more).
• Frequent computer use (4 hours or more).
• Moving about the facility.
• Lifting/moving items up to 75 pounds with equipment assistance.
• Pushing/pulling.
• Bending/stooping.
• Communicating effectively.
• Close, distance, and peripheral vision.
• Reaching/grasping/touching with hands.
• Detecting sounds by ear.

Work Environment

• Primarily indoors in a patient care environment.
• Exposure to hazards (bloodborne pathogens, toxic chemicals, flammable/explosive gases, etc.).
• Exposure to mechanical equipment.
• Proximity to moving objects.
• Exposure to electrical current.

Pay

The hourly rate for this position generally ranges between $31.24 and $41.33 per hour. This range is an estimate based on potential employee qualifications, including education, experience, geography, and operational needs.