Hyperbaric Technician

Lifepoint Health•Rutherfordton, NC

About The Position

The Hyperbaric Technician is responsible for patient care during hyperbaric oxygen therapy and for supporting the safety of patients, staff, the company, and the hospital. The role exercises independent judgment in applying program health and safety policies and procedures and may act as the hyperbaric safety officer. Responsibilities include evaluating equipment and supplies for use in the chamber, maintaining a safe environment, supporting chamber operations and maintenance, and helping develop and implement departmental safety procedures. The position also contributes to staff training, quality improvement, safety reviews, and preparation for UHMS accreditation when applicable. The job description also assigns duties associated with a Hyperbaric Safety Director, including oversight of hyperbaric equipment and safety requirements, supervision and education of hyperbaric technicians, coordination with clinical and management staff, and serving as the department’s technical representative for chamber maintenance and safety matters. The role reports to the Clinical Coordinator, Medical Director, and Safety Director. Work is performed in an office environment with adequate light, heat, and ventilation. The position involves patient transfers and lifting, prolonged periods of sitting, and sufficient near vision and hearing to monitor patients and read documents or computer screens.

Requirements

High school graduation.
At least one year of experience in the medical field.
Certification or licensure as an EMT, MA, CNA, LVN, RT, or another credential accepted on a case-by-case basis.
CPR certification.
Documentation or credentials showing graduation from an accredited medical school, training course, or equivalent medical training.
Attendance at a UHMS-approved introduction to hyperbaric medicine course.
Good verbal, written, and electronic communication skills.
Basic knowledge of NFPA 99, NFPA 55, PVHO, CGA, US Navy Dive Tables, NBDHMT, UHMS, and related hyperbaric codes, standards, and organizations.
Basic training and experience in chamber maintenance and operations.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the job, including patient transfers and lifting.
Ability to carry out detailed written or verbal instructions independently.
Maintain active status on all licenses and certifications required for the position.
Ability to distinguish changes in patient physical status and read documents and computer screens, with or without accommodation.
Ability to sit for prolonged periods at a desk.

Nice To Haves

Certification as a Hyperbaric Technologist (CHT) is preferred.

Responsibilities

Ensure compliance with applicable departmental, hospital, and hyperbaric safety requirements, including JCAHO, NFPA 99, PVHO I, UHMS, and NBDHMT requirements.
Provide patient care and assume responsibility for patients while they undergo hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Evaluate chamber equipment and supplies for compliance with hospital biomedical and safety requirements before they are used in the chamber.
Serve as the department’s technical representative and ensure technical personnel follow published preventative maintenance schedules.
Coordinate and approve chamber system upgrades, modifications, and repairs, including coordination with hospital maintenance personnel and outside contractors.
Maintain a safe environment for patients and staff and ensure safe decompression of personnel with hyperbaric exposure.
Review safety incidents, collect information about equipment and patient safety, and report relevant issues to staff.
Develop and periodically review or revise departmental policies, procedures, and operation and maintenance manuals.
Restrict or remove potentially hazardous supplies or equipment from the hyperbaric environment.
Participate in safety committee meetings, quality assurance and improvement, risk management, and hospital or unit meetings and education.
Participate in new-hire orientation and training, and supervise and educate hyperbaric technicians.
Provide technical training and in-services on hyperbaric physiology, decompression tables, equipment operations and safety, and treatment protocols.
Generate and supervise chamber drills to improve staff response to emergency operations.
Inform personnel of special working conditions, including infection control, hazardous material control, and confined spaces, and provide appropriate training.
Support UHMS accreditation inspection or renewal when applicable.
Coordinate with medical and program leadership to review and document safety-related events and report appropriate items for staff education.
Maintain relationships with the hospital safety department, local fire department, fire marshal, EMS director, and other inspectors as appropriate.
Attend annual off-campus education seminars and maintain participation in hospital- and hyperbaric-related organizations.
Perform additional duties as requested.