Pulmonary Diagnostic Respiratory Therapist

St. Luke's University Health Network•Coaldale, PA

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Pulmonary Diagnostic Respiratory Therapist will perform all inpatient and outpatient pulmonary diagnostic testing. This role involves performing various pulmonary function tests (PFTs) on both inpatients and outpatients, processing and distributing test results, and scheduling tests. The therapist will also conduct six-minute walks, pulmonary stress tests, and other outpatient tests, reporting the results for each. Additionally, the role includes performing arterial punctures, making budget recommendations for the department, and maintaining a high level of knowledge in respiratory care. The therapist is expected to enhance professional growth, demonstrate competency in patient care across different age groups, and embody the hospital's core values and customer service standards. Compliance with all departmental and hospital policies regarding dress code, safety, attendance, and confidentiality is mandatory. The role also involves demonstrating performance improvement in clinical care, customer service, operational processes, and safety, as well as financial responsibility in resource utilization.

Requirements

Current License as a Respiratory Therapist.
Received credentials through the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC).
Minimum of 6 months clinical experience, either concurrent with training program or post-graduation.
Departmental orientation appropriate for knowledge and expertise.
Certified in Basic Life Support by the American Heart Association.
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support required within one (1) year of hire.
Familiar with Pulmonary Diagnostic policy and procedure.
Proper orientation/training to Pulmonary Diagnostic department.

Nice To Haves

Associate or Bachelor degree preferred.
PALS is recommended.

Responsibilities

Perform all inpatient and outpatient pulmonary diagnostic testing.
Perform Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) on inpatients and outpatients.
Process, distribute, and complete all PFT results.
Schedule tests as needed.
Perform six-minute walks and report results.
Perform pulmonary stress tests and report results.
Perform any other outpatient tests and report results.
Perform arterial punctures.
Make budget recommendations regarding expenditure of funds to meet department objectives and to maintain or reduce costs within budgeted amounts.
Maintain a high level of knowledge related to the department and seek opportunities to enhance professional growth.
Demonstrate competency in the assessment, range of treatment, knowledge of growth, development and communication appropriate to the age of the patient treated.
Demonstrate/model the Hospital’s core values and customer service behaviors in interaction with all customers (internal and external).
Comply with all departmental and hospital policies regarding dress code, safety, and attendance and confidentiality.
Maintain confidentiality of all materials handled within the Network/ Entity as well as the proper release of information.
Comply with Network and departmental policies regarding issues of employee, patient and environmental safety and follow appropriate reporting requirements.
Demonstrate/model the Network’s Service Excellence Standards of Performance in interactions with all customers (internal and external).
Demonstrate Performance Improvement in the following areas as appropriate: Clinical Care/Outcomes, Customer/Service Improvement, Operational System/Process, and Safety.
Demonstrate financial responsibility and accountability through the effective and efficient use of resources in daily procedures, processes and practices.
Assess patient’s condition and need for respiratory care; provide appropriate therapy in designated critical and all non-critical areas according to the physician order.
Set up and maintain appropriate ventilator support.
Perform diagnostic studies and evaluate results as they relate to the patient.
Perform shift charge for department as needed or assigned.
Set up and maintain ventilatory support of both adult and children in all critical care areas.
Make changes and wean patient in concert with physician`s approval or protocol.
Evaluate patient, document patient assessment and findings on medical record and consult with physicians regarding appropriate therapy.
Administer respiratory care and O2 therapy modalities to patient following physician order or protocol.
Evaluate results of therapy.
Serve as a member of the “Code Blue” and “Rapid Response” team.
Draw arterial blood gases, maintain patient airways, and provide artificial ventilation.
Analyze specimens for blood gas values.
Perform A-line insertion after appropriate training on adult patients.
Perform diagnostic studies such as oximetry, CO2 monitoring, O2 consumption, metabolic studies, bedside PFT testing.
Participate in in-service education.
Assist physician with bronchoscopy at bedside, fluoroscopy and GI Lab.
Appropriately label and handle specimens.