Pulmonary Function Technologist I

University of Utah Health•Farmington, UT

About The Position

The Pulmonary Function Technologist sets up and performs respiratory tests to evaluate patients for lung diseases or disorders. The role conducts various patient tests and collaborates with medical staff to support diagnosis and monitoring of pulmonary disease. It also involves explaining tests to patients, maintaining, cleaning, and sterilizing testing equipment, and ordering supplies. Procedures may be performed at hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. The position provides direct patient care. University of Utah Health is a patient-focused organization committed to improving health and well-being through patient care, research, and education. Its mission is supported by collaboration, excellence, leadership, respect, and the values of compassion, innovation, responsibility, integrity, quality, and trust. The University of Utah is a Level 1 Trauma Center, with five hospitals and eleven clinics, and is recognized for academic research, quality standards, and patient experience.

Requirements

Associate degree in Exercise and Sports Science, Biological Science, Respiratory Therapy, a related field, or equivalent.
Current RQI Healthcare Provider eCredential through the University of Utah Health RQI system; must be obtained within 30 days of hire.
Any additional licenses required by the hiring department.
Ability to apply knowledge of equipment used in pulmonary function testing and cardiac monitoring, including spirometry/flow-volume loops, gas dilution lung volumes, CO diffusing capacity, plethysmographic lung volumes, arterial blood gas acquisition and analysis, maximum voluntary ventilation, six-minute walk testing, pulse oximetry, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, and methacholine challenge.
Strong working knowledge of infectious disease, cross-contamination, and pathophysiology.
Ability to work in hospital and outpatient clinic settings, including through periodic personnel rotation.
Ability to perform the essential functions and provide care to the population served.
Ability to interpret basic ECG rhythm.
Effective human relations and communication skills.
Knowledge of pulmonary anatomy and physiology.
Knowledge of respiratory and pulmonary care equipment and techniques for age-specific populations.
Aptitude to be trained and ability to operate pulmonary function testing equipment and equipment that may be used as a cardiac technician.
Ability to analyze and interpret measured data and communicate results to physicians and healthcare team members.
Competency in applying American Thoracic Society testing guidelines and protocols for each test modality.

Nice To Haves

ACLS may be required by some departments.

Responsibilities

Evaluate patients’ hemodynamic, electrocardiographic, and symptomatic responses to exercise and assess whether those responses are appropriate for exercise intensity and endurance.
Follow precautions to ensure patient safety.
Comply with departmental standards for use of supplies and equipment.
Complete billing records according to departmental standards.
Consult with physicians and healthcare team members to recommend testing procedures that provide results relevant to treatment of patients’ respiratory diseases or diagnoses.
Identify impending changes in a patient’s condition and take appropriate action.
Use computerized and paper information systems supporting medical records and pulmonary databases.
Participate in quality assurance and quality improvement activities.
Explain tests to patients and perform respiratory testing.
Maintain, clean, and sterilize testing equipment, and order supplies.