HYPERBARIC OXYGEN TECHNICIAN (LPN)

Independence Health System•Butler Township, PA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Hyperbaric Technician, under the general supervision of the Hyperbaric Physician/Provider and the direct supervision of the Department Manager/Director, will assume responsibility for the safe and effective operation of the compression chamber system and supporting components. All therapeutic and diagnostic modalities will be ordered by the Hyperbaric Physician/Provider.

Requirements

Completion of post-secondary course work in LPN.
Completion of training in an Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) approved training course or successful completion of training course within 3 months of date of hire.
One (1) year of experience in clinical health related environment.
Strong leadership ability, good organizational skills, independent and critical thinking skills, sound judgment, and knowledge of legal aspects and liability of nursing practice.
Strong ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.
Medical terminology.
Basic working knowledge of computers and office equipment.
Current LPN licensure to practice in the State of Pennsylvania.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) approved curriculum of the American Heart Association (CPR and AED) program.
Current ACLS or completion within 2 months of hire/transfer into department.
Act 34-PA Criminal Record Check from the PA State Police system.

Nice To Haves

Advanced understanding of oxygen safety, gas laws and pulmonary physiology.
Prior work experience in respiratory care.

Responsibilities

Manages Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy schedule.
Ensures a logical and systematic approach is utilized in scheduling patients to support optimal operations and fiscal responsibility.
Attempts to meet the patients’ scheduling needs when special circumstances arise.
Ensures the required physician/provider coverage is arranged to support the scheduled therapy.
Edits EMR as needed to correctly represent HBO schedule, visit type, and physician.
Serves as the Center Safety Officer.
Stays educated in current safety practices within the field of hyperbaric medicine.
Maintains the annual education and competencies to the wound center staff surrounding Emergency Ascent procedures.
Evaluate the equipment and supply used in the chambers to ensure they meet all safety requirements before they are permitted in the chamber.
Restrict or remove potentially hazardous supply or equipment items.
Participates in all safety programs as directed by the manager.
Administering the HBOT as prescribed by the provider to the patient.
Preparing, educating, and orienting patients about HBOT. This includes lifting or transferring patients per local policy, getting them ready for treatment administration and answering their questions.
This includes monitoring and controlling the performance of the hyperbaric chamber equipment, as well as monitoring the patient’s response during the session and making proper adjustments to ensure the patient's safety and the safe and effective use of the equipment.
Supervises patients undergoing HBOT in the wound center.
Demonstrates a working knowledge of hospital policy and procedures surrounding HBOT.
Utilizes safe and appropriate practices while administering hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Performs maintenance activities of the HBOT chambers and associated equipment as directed.
Completes daily charges as well as documentation of care provided in the medical record.
Educates the patients in the goals of hyperbaric therapy.
Interacts appropriately with wound center staff and physicians to optimize communication directed towards patient care.
Vital Signs will be monitored and documented including BP, and glucose.
Maintain log of all patients receiving HBOT.
Maintain a log depicting all potential patients for HBOT within the wound center.
Upload wound photos into the EMR as directed.
Assist manager with various record keeping logs related to quality initiatives or center operations as directed.
Obtains insurance authorizations for the use of biological skin substitutes, advanced radiology studies, and HBOT as directed.
Includes but not limited to ordering supplies, maintaining temperature logs, ordering linens, scanning if needed Willingly accepts duties assigned by Director/Manager that enhance center operations and team approach.
Will assist in the clinical area as time permits.
Performs TCOM as needed.
Willingly participates in marketing initiatives that support the center as well as the health system.
Compressed air cylinders will be maintained to facilitate air brakes during HBOT.