Pulmonary Function Tech

Responsibilities

• 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: Routine pulmonary function studies using spirometer, body box and gas analyzer to measure flow rates.
• Drawing arterial blood gas
• Making peak cough flow, FE-NOM, methacholine challenge test
• Performing impulse oscillometry and infant stress oximetry
• Performing more advanced testing such as measurement of carbon monoxide diffusing capacity, lung volumes and respiratory muscle pressures.
• Maintains Supplies available in PFT lab
• Cleaning equipment after use
• Maintaining testing equipment: identifying and seeking resolution for technical problems
• Maintaining oxygen e-Cylinder for PFT lab
• Maintaining portable suction machine (checking daily, stocking supplies)
• Maintaining a clean work environment
• Calibrating and maintaining spirometer/laptop
• Troubleshooting as needed for the Respiratory and Immunology Center (RIC) and the satellite offices
• Maintaining spirometer supplies by ordering and restocking
• General Respiratory Care: Obtaining sputum samples (tracheal aspirate, throat swab, induction)
• Aiding in Respiratory Care for VIP clinic
• Aiding in Respiratory Care for CF clinic, including yearly evaluation of all patients
• Aiding in Respiratory Care for Pediatric Pulmonology clinic
• Aiding in Respiratory Care for Asthma allergy clinic
• Maintaining medication supply (bronchodilators, mucolytics, hydration, provocholine)
• Aiding providers with bronchoscopy procedures (procedure room, OR suite, PICU) by preparing equipment, assisting with taking samples, cytological washings and tissue biopsy using bronchoscope and biopsy brush
• Obtaining equipment and supplies from various departments/areas, maintaining clean storage area, tracking cleaning and disinfecting of scopes prior to use, maintaining bronchoscope travel bag packed with supplies
• Ordering medium for transporting of biopsies or cytology washing
• Ordering equipment provider deems necessary for the procedure (scissors, clamps)
• Educating Patients and Families: Acting 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
• Education co-workers/nurses in airway clearance, medication delivery and devices
• Perform clinical administrative functions as requested such as managing patient test results, documenting and scanning, assigning to interpreting provider, sending results to ordering provider as needed in EMR
• Participate in QI and other projects within the department or for special groups
• Develop 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

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 of Rhode Island.
• Maintain BLS