Technologist-Pulmonary Function

Northeast Georgia Medical Center•Braselton, GA

About The Position

Pulmonary function technologists perform diagnostic tests on patients with suspected respiratory disorders, working with other medical staff to evaluate patients and support diagnosis. The technologist assesses patients and determines appropriate actions. This role cares for patients in the child, adolescent, adult, and geriatric age groups. Clinical duties must follow population-specific guidelines and National Patient Safety Goals outlined in policies and procedures. The technologist performs pulmonary function testing and related diagnostic procedures, collects and analyzes arterial blood gases, delivers inhaled treatments during medication studies, and calibrates and maintains testing equipment. The role also communicates with staff, supervisors, and physicians about patient care, schedules, and critical results, and requires the ability to work independently.

Requirements

Licensed to practice as a Respiratory Therapist (Respiratory Care Professional) in Georgia.
Certified Respiratory Therapist Technician (CRTT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).
Associate degree and graduation from a two-year Respiratory Registry program; alternatively, graduation from a respiratory program and two years of experience as a Respiratory Therapist.
At least one year of experience as a respiratory practitioner.
Effective communication skills to promote quality patient care.
Ability to work independently.
Ability to perform clinical duties in accordance with population-specific guidelines and National Patient Safety Goals.

Nice To Haves

Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) certification or registry (RPFT).

Responsibilities

Perform pulmonary function diagnostic procedures to determine lung function, including collection and analysis of arterial blood gases.
Perform spirometry, lung volumes, nitrogen washouts, whole-body plethysmography, maximum voluntary ventilations, and carbon monoxide diffusion studies.
Deliver appropriate inhaled medical treatments during inhaled medication studies.
Collect and analyze blood gas samples from radial arteries and/or by single-stick arterial sampling.
Manage portable oxygen for transporting patients who cannot use vendor oxygen.
Perform ventilation and carbon dioxide response studies, TB/antigen skin tests, and bronchial provocation challenge tests.
Assist with cardiopulmonary exercise stress testing and microhematocrit.
Calibrate and maintain equipment, including running daily controls, calculating and plotting quality control, rotating electrodes, and cleaning and performing maintenance as needed.
Communicate with staff and supervisors about patient care issues and pulmonary function schedules.
Communicate effectively with physicians about patient orders and critical pulmonary function results.
Assess patients and take appropriate action.
Perform other duties as assigned by the manager.