Pulmonary Function Tech PD_UNAP

Brown Medicine•Cranston, RI

4d•$34 - $56•Onsite

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Director of Pediatric Pulmonology and following standard policies and procedures, the Pulmonary Function Tech performs diagnostic pulmonary function tests to evaluate and test for lung disease. The role uses spirometers, gas analyzers, oximeters, and other equipment. When assisting a physician, the tech obtains washing and tissue samples and performs other procedures within the lung using bronchoscopes, biopsy forceps, and other instruments. The position also supports general respiratory care and patient and family education across pulmonary clinics. Responsibilities include maintaining and calibrating laboratory and testing equipment, assisting with bronchoscopy procedures, supporting care planning, and performing related clinical administrative, quality improvement, and educational activities. Brown University Health employees are expected to model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence in everyday actions with patients, customers, and one another.

Requirements

High school completion and an AMA-approved Associate Degree Respiratory Therapy program.
Certification or registry required.
Current Rhode Island Respiratory Care Practitioner license.
Maintain BLS.
Knowledge of test procedures and patient reactions during testing.
Demonstrated knowledge and skills to provide care with consideration of aging processes, human development stages, and cultural patterns throughout the care process.

Nice To Haves

One year of related experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Receive physician orders for pulmonary function tests, review patient records, and inform physicians of prior testing difficulties.
Explain procedures and breathing maneuvers to patients to reduce anxiety and support accurate results.
Record and interpret graphical test data and perform routine mathematical calculations.
Perform pulmonary function tests, including routine studies, arterial blood gas draws, peak cough flow and FeNO measurements, methacholine challenge tests, impulse oscillometry, infant stress oximetry, carbon monoxide diffusing capacity, lung volumes, and respiratory muscle pressure measurements.
Monitor patients during six-minute walk tests and perform tcPCO2 monitoring.
Assist with other procedures as needed, including bronchoscopy.
Maintain PFT laboratory supplies, clean equipment according to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation infection prevention and control guidelines, maintain the HEPA filtration unit, calibrate and maintain testing equipment, troubleshoot technical problems, and maintain a clean work environment.
Maintain the PFT lab oxygen e-cylinder and portable suction machine, including daily checks and supply stocking.
Calibrate and maintain spirometers and laptops; troubleshoot equipment for the Respiratory and Immunology Center and satellite offices; order and restock spirometer supplies.
Obtain sputum samples, including tracheal aspirates, throat swabs, and induced sputum.
Assist with respiratory care for VIP, cystic fibrosis, pediatric pulmonology, and asthma allergy clinics, including yearly evaluations of cystic fibrosis patients.
Maintain supplies of respiratory medications, including bronchodilators, mucolytics, hydration, and provocholine.
Assist providers with bronchoscopy procedures in procedure rooms, operating rooms, and the PICU by preparing equipment and assisting with samples, cytological washings, and tissue biopsies using bronchoscopes and biopsy brushes.
Obtain and maintain procedure equipment and supplies, track scope cleaning and disinfection, keep the bronchoscope travel bag stocked, and order biopsy or cytology transport medium and other equipment requested by providers.
Serve as a respiratory therapy liaison for pulmonologists and other medical staff regarding inpatient care, equipment, and testing.
Educate patients and families on inhaled medications and delivery devices, medication sequencing with airway clearance, airway clearance rationale and techniques, ventilators, CPAP and BiPAP, cough assist machines, tracheostomy care, pulse oximetry, and equipment cleaning and disinfection.
Create cough assist care plans; complete annual cystic fibrosis patient visits, update care plans, and provide airway clearance and equipment guidance.
Educate coworkers and nurses on airway clearance, medication delivery, and respiratory devices.
Manage patient test results and related documentation in the EMR, including scanning results, assigning them to interpreting providers, and sending them to ordering providers as needed.
Participate in quality improvement and other departmental or special-group projects; develop and present educational tools for staff and patients; attend national or regional conferences and staff or administrative meetings as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.