Respiratory Therapist - Pulmonary Function Tech

Medstar Research Institute•Washington, DC

52d•$36 - $65

About The Position

General Summary of Position Responsible for performing adult pulmonary function testing stress testing arterial punctures and pulse oximetry for the laboratories in the Department of Medicine. Performs patient testing on adult patients evaluates patient status and provides appropriate treatment and diagnostic tests. Maintains confidential patient files. Acts as a resource to and consults with physicians on matters pertaining to diagnostic testing. Performs operations calibration maintenance and troubleshooting of diagnostic therapeutic and computer equipment. The incumbent can perform inventory and ordering of supplies and medicine. Primary Duties and Responsibilities Contributes to the achievement of established department goals and objectives and adheres to department policies procedures quality standards and safety standards. Complies with governmental and accreditation regulations. Independently performs all specified pulmonary function tests requested by the physicians within and outside of the Medical Center. These include but are not limited to: spirometry flow loops Helium dilution nitrogen washout and plethysmographic lung volume diffusion capacity broncho-dilator & methacholine studies arterial blood gas draws pulse oximetry and maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressure measurements. Performs bronchospasm evaluations to determine the effect of medication on pulmonary abilities reflected by previous pulmonary function studies. Makes notations of test results and calibration from equipment for the physician review. Modifies treatment and testing plans to appropriate pediatric format for all non-adult patients. Completes all patient histories demographic data & billing information maintaining the confidentiality of all records and files. Updates and maintains the patient database. As possible schedule appointments and follow-ups and make appropriate confirmation calls. Completes all paperwork for each patient visit taking care to utilize the correct codes and documentation for follow-up. Offers instruction and therapy in anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system with regard to specific diseases use of an inhaler aerosol inhalation chest percussion postural drainage exercises pursed lips or abdominal breathing exercises ambulatory breathing exercises and coughing techniques. Orders all medical miscellaneous and drug supplies for each laboratory use. Maintains cleanliness order and safety of labs. Keeps equipment in good functioning order requesting maintenance service when needed. Sterilized and cleans equipment according to standards and procedural guidelines. Performs all required calibrations as needed maintains documentation for review by regulatory agencies (IE DCRA JACHO). Maintains files for completed testing. Performs billing for Physician part of the neuro-diagnostic testing maintains records and files completed paperwork appropriately. Participates in meetings and on committees and represents the department and hospital in community outreach efforts. Participates in multi-disciplinary quality and service improvement teams.

Requirements

Associate's degree in Respiratory Therapy or equivalent degree in an allied health profession with concentrated study in mathematics and/or physics required or CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO AN APPROPRIATE COMBINATION OF EDUCATION/TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE required
Statistical knowledge is essential.
Knowledge of arterial blood draws spirometry flow volume loops dlco lung volumes bronchodilator and methacholine measurements and calibrations.
Knowledge of both adult and pediatric pulmonary functions and test procedures required and
CRT - Certified Respiratory Therapist CRT (Certified Respiratory Therapist) or Certified Pulmonary Function Technician (CPFT) or Professional Registration as a Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT) must be obtained within 1 Year required or
Cert Pulmonary Function Techno - CPFT CRT (Certified Respiratory Therapist) or Certified Pulmonary Function Technician (CPFT) or Professional Registration as a Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT) must be obtained required
Verbal ability is required to understand medical terminology and technical language.
Good written communication skills and computer knowledge are essential.
Manual dexterity is required to operate equipment and perform pulmonary functions tests.
Must be technical with regard to the orientation of work ethics and patient interaction.

Nice To Haves

Advanced life support preferred

Responsibilities

Contributes to the achievement of established department goals and objectives and adheres to department policies procedures quality standards and safety standards. Complies with governmental and accreditation regulations.
Independently performs all specified pulmonary function tests requested by the physicians within and outside of the Medical Center.
Makes notations of test results and calibration from equipment for the physician review. Modifies treatment and testing plans to appropriate pediatric format for all non-adult patients.
Completes all patient histories demographic data & billing information maintaining the confidentiality of all records and files. Updates and maintains the patient database. As possible schedule appointments and follow-ups and make appropriate confirmation calls. Completes all paperwork for each patient visit taking care to utilize the correct codes and documentation for follow-up.
Offers instruction and therapy in anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system with regard to specific diseases use of an inhaler aerosol inhalation chest percussion postural drainage exercises pursed lips or abdominal breathing exercises ambulatory breathing exercises and coughing techniques.
Orders all medical miscellaneous and drug supplies for each laboratory use. Maintains cleanliness order and safety of labs. Keeps equipment in good functioning order requesting maintenance service when needed. Sterilized and cleans equipment according to standards and procedural guidelines.
Performs all required calibrations as needed maintains documentation for review by regulatory agencies (IE DCRA JACHO).
Maintains files for completed testing.
Performs billing for Physician part of the neuro-diagnostic testing maintains records and files completed paperwork appropriately.
Participates in meetings and on committees and represents the department and hospital in community outreach efforts. Participates in multi-disciplinary quality and service improvement teams.