Hyperbaric Technician

Lifepoint Health•Rutherfordton, NC

About The Position

The Hyperbaric Technician supports safe operation of the hyperbaric program and patient care during hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The role exercises independent judgment regarding the program’s health and safety policies and procedures, serves as an acting hyperbaric safety officer, and may restrict or remove potentially hazardous supplies or equipment from the hyperbaric environment. The technician makes recommendations about departmental safety policies and procedures and incorporates new safety practices as appropriate. The position supports compliance with applicable safety standards and hospital requirements, equipment maintenance and operation, incident review, quality improvement, staff training, emergency drills, and accreditation preparation when applicable. It works with clinical and technical personnel, management, physicians, and hospital departments to coordinate patient care and maintain a safe environment. The posting also describes responsibilities assigned to a Hyperbaric Safety Director, including program-wide oversight, supervision of technicians, and responsibility for hyperbaric equipment and safety requirements. The role involves office work, patient-related lifting, prolonged sitting, and the visual and hearing acuity needed to monitor patient status and read documents or computer screens.

Requirements

High school graduate.
Certification as a Hyperbaric Technologist (CHT) is preferred; if licensed as a CHT, maintain current related pathway or equivalent licensure required to obtain the CHT license.
Certification or licensure as an EMT, MA, CNA, LVN, RT, or other credential as determined on a case-by-case basis.
Current CPR certification.
Documentation or credentials showing graduation from an accredited medical school, training course, or equivalent medical training.
At least one year of experience in the medical field.
Attend a UHMS-approved Introduction to Hyperbaric Medicine course.
Good verbal, written, and electronic communication skills.
Basic knowledge of NFPA 99, NFPA 55, PVHO, CGA, U.S. Navy Dive Tables, NBDHMT, UHMS, and related hyperbaric codes, standards, and organizations.
Basic training and experience in chamber maintenance and operations.
Ability to perform the behaviors described in the position summary.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the job.
Ability to independently follow detailed written or verbal instructions.
Maintain active status on all licenses and certifications required for the position; inactive status results in suspension from work until active status is obtained.
Ability to lift patients or equipment, including single-person wheelchair-to-exam-table lifts, two-person wheelchair or gurney-to-exam-table lifts, and lighter lifting with moderate frequency.
Near visual and hearing acuity, with or without accommodation, to distinguish changes in patient physical status and read documents and computer screens.
Ability to sit for prolonged periods at a desk.

Nice To Haves

Certification as a Hyperbaric Technologist (CHT).

Responsibilities

Ensure compliance with applicable departmental, hospital, and hyperbaric safety requirements, including JCAHO, NFPA 99, PVHO I, UHMS, and NBDHMT requirements.
Serve as a technical representative for the department and ensure technical personnel follow published preventative maintenance schedules.
Review departmental safety incidents, gather information about equipment and patient safety, and report relevant issues to staff.
Develop and periodically review or revise departmental policies and procedures, as well as operation and maintenance manuals.
Participate in organization safety committee meetings and unit quality assurance and improvement activities.
Attend mandatory hospital education and unit meetings, and follow the hospital dress code and other applicable policies.
Maintain relationships with the hospital safety department, local fire department, fire marshal, EMS director, and other inspectors as appropriate.
Participate in new-hire orientation and training, and educate or supervise hyperbaric technicians as assigned.
Help prepare the department for UHMS accreditation inspection or renewal when applicable.
Work with management to develop company-wide safety policies and procedures, and assist other WCA hyperbaric departments with questions and education as needed.
Evaluate chamber equipment and supplies for compliance with biomedical and safety requirements before permitting them into the chamber.
Coordinate and approve chamber-system upgrades, modifications, and repairs, including work with hospital maintenance personnel and outside contractors.
Maintain a safe environment for patients and staff and ensure adequate, safe decompression for personnel with hyperbaric exposure.
Inform personnel about special working conditions, including infection control, hazardous materials, and confined spaces, and provide appropriate training.
Participate in and generate or supervise chamber drills to improve staff responses to emergency operations.
Participate in hospital and department quality improvement and risk management programs.
Provide technical training and in-services for full-time and PRN staff on hyperbaric physiology, decompression tables, equipment operation and safety, and treatment protocols.
Validate new hyperbaric operators before completion of their training.
Use time effectively and maintain an organized, productive workday.
Meet continuing-education requirements and participate in hospital and hyperbaric-related organizations.
Attend annual off-campus education seminars and training to maintain current knowledge of industry codes and regulations.
Use independent problem-solving, negotiation, and conflict-management skills.
Coordinate with the Medical Director, Program Director, and Safety Director to review and document safety events and share appropriate information for staff education.
Perform additional duties as requested.