Respiratory Therapist PFT Lab

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

The Respiratory Therapist/Pulmonary Function Technologist functions in the Pulmonary Function Lab. Assists management staff in assuring quality patient care. Performs both simple and complex pulmonary testing, including but not limited to spirometry, lung volume, diffusion capacity, and body plethysmography studies, along
with arterial blood gas testing, six-minute walk testing, exhaled nitric oxide analysis, metabolic measurement studies, and hypoxia altitude simulation testing. Also provides support to the Sputum Induction services. Participates in research projects, and helps to provide coverage in the main PFT Labs and satellite
clinics. This individual is considered a fully functional respiratory therapist.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Complies with department, TJC and DPH standards.
2. Performs Pulmonary Function Tests and arterial blood gas punctures.
3. Assists with the development and review/revision of all PFT Lab Policies and Procedures.
4. Assists with the scheduling for all PFT-related areas including main PFT Labs and satellite clinics.
5. Provides diagnostic testing obtaining optimal patient effort and results.
6. Explains procedure to patient.
7. Addresses patient concerns and anxieties while explaining the desired action and possible adverse effects.
8. Performs ordered tests and documents/reports results.
9. Provides educational material to demonstrate use of device.
10. Performs other duties as assigned by the clinical coordinator and/or director of the department.
11. Participates in clinical research projects.
12. Participates in Quality Improvement program as indicated
13. Performs all duties of staff Respiratory Therapist as assigned.

14. Assists in coordination of educational programs including orientation of new staff members, clinical students, and inservice
education.
15. Maintains continuing education relating to age-specific care. The individual in this position must demonstrate
appropriate knowledge of the principals of growth and development of the young adult through the geriatric patient. In
addition, she/he must possess the ability to assess patient-related data relative to age-specific needs and provide care as
described in the department's policies and procedures.
16. Works closely with vendor representatives, system analysts, and Information Technology representatives related to
software upgrades, troubleshooting, and problem-solving.
17. Closely monitors various systems to identify potential billing errors, documentation errors, etc...
18. Functions as an integral part of the Epic process.

Qualifications:

Required:

- Current Massachusetts license as a Respiratory Therapist.
- Registered Respiratory Therapist.
- A.S. in Respiratory Therapy minimum, BS preferred.
- 1-3 years' experience preferred, will consider recent graduates.
- Work requires up to six months for development of rapport with physicians and allied health care team.
- Must have BLS certification, ACLS desired.
- CPFT/RPFT credential strongly preferred.
- Previous/current PFT experience require.

SKILLS/ ABILITIES/ COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

- Must possess excellent interpersonal skills to interact with physicians, nurses and other allied health care members.
- Must possess strong patient assessment skills.
- Must possess professional and technical skills to act as a staff therapist.
- Must possess strong organizational skills needed to assist staff therapists in prioritizing work.
- Must demonstrate ability to motivate and direct professional and technical staff.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

1. Works primarily in non-patient care areas and is exposed to various cleaning agents.

2. Frequent exposure to communicable diseases.

3. Frequent exposure to secretions/excretions, unpleasant odors, and scenes.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. May supervise respiratory therapy students.

HOSPITAL WIDE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Works within legal, regulatory, accreditation and ethical practice standards relevant to the position and as established by BWH/Partners; follows safe practices required for the position; complies with appropriate BWH and Partners policies and procedures; fulfills any training required by BWH and/or Partners, as appropriate; brings potential matters of non-compliance to the attention of the supervisor or other appropriate hospital staff.