Special Procedures Technologist

DCH Health Care Authority•Tuscaloosa, AL

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Respiratory Therapist - Special Procedures delivers specialized diagnostic, therapeutic, and supportive respiratory care to adult and pediatric patients. The role primarily supports pulmonologists during advanced pulmonary procedures, performs pulmonary function testing and arterial blood gas analysis, and educates patients with chronic respiratory diseases. The position may also perform duties of a Registered or Certified Respiratory Therapist as needed. The technologist performs and documents respiratory procedures, assesses patients and clinical data, and develops or modifies individualized care plans. The role includes preparing and maintaining equipment, performing quality control and disinfection, educating patients and staff, and participating in quality assurance and performance improvement activities. The position requires independent clinical judgment, effective collaboration, and a focus on patient safety. In accordance with Alabama State Board of Respiratory Therapy Administrative Code 780-X-4, respiratory therapists may administer pharmacologic, diagnostic, and therapeutic agents related to respiratory care, excluding IV medications except for line maintenance, and may collect and analyze blood gases. The position must comply with DCH Health System policies, employee handbook requirements, behavioral standards, performance standards, and safety practices. Electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software, and the intranet are required. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

Current Alabama Respiratory Care licensure.
Associate Degree in Respiratory Therapy or a certificate in Respiratory Therapy.
Active Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential; Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) is acceptable with experience.
Minimum three years of recent clinical experience as a Respiratory Therapist.
BLS (AHA) upon hire.
ACLS (AHA) within six months of the start date.
Ability to read, write legibly, speak, and comprehend English.
Ability to tolerate prolonged standing and walking.
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds.
Ability to reach reasonable distances in any direction and run in emergency situations.
Ability to move fingers in a coordinated manner and feel and perceive temperature, texture, shape, and size with fingertips.
Hearing and vision must be normal or corrected to within normal range.
Physical presence onsite is essential.
Ability to perform the duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Therapy preferred.
Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) or Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT) preferred.
Membership in professional organizations, such as AARC or the Alabama Society for Respiratory Care, is strongly encouraged.

Responsibilities

Assist pulmonologists during bronchoscopy, including EBUS, thoracentesis, chest tube insertion, and other invasive pulmonary procedures, including patient monitoring, equipment preparation, specimen collection, and post-procedure care.
Perform comprehensive pulmonary function testing, including plethysmography, spirometry, and bedside PFTs, and provide accurate interpretation, quality control, and reporting.
Perform arterial blood gas sampling, including arterial puncture, analysis, interpretation, and reporting.
Educate patients with chronic respiratory diseases, particularly COPD, on self-management, medication use, and pulmonary rehabilitation principles to help reduce readmissions.
Conduct noninvasive cardiopulmonary monitoring and support pulmonary rehabilitation activities.
Perform and document diagnostic, therapeutic, and emergency respiratory procedures safely and efficiently within scope of practice and policy.
Assess patients, collect and evaluate clinical data, and develop or modify individualized care plans based on evidence-based guidelines.
Assemble, maintain, troubleshoot, and perform quality control on respiratory equipment; conduct low- and high-level disinfection according to manufacturer instructions.
Provide patient and staff education.
Participate in departmental quality assurance, performance improvement, huddles, meetings, and call rotation.
Work independently, exercise clinical judgment, and maintain clinical proficiency and certifications.
Communicate and collaborate with team members, delegate appropriately, manage conflict, and advocate for patient safety.
Maintain performance, patient and employee satisfaction, and financial standards described in the performance evaluation.
Comply with employee handbook requirements, DCH Behavioral Standards, and DCH Health System policies and procedures.
Perform essential functions in a manner that protects the safety of patients, visitors, and employees; identify and reduce unsafe practices and risks.
Use electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software, and the intranet.
Perform other duties as assigned.