Overview

Performs pulmonary function testing and assists with pulmonary rehabilitation.

Essential Functions and Job Duties

• Performs and maintains quality standards in Pulmonary Function Testing.

• Performs pulmonary function testing including flow, volume, diffusion, and airway resistance measurements, methacholine challenge testing, and FENO testing.
• Performs arterial puncture and analysis.
• Administers oxygen; handles gas cylinder and portable oxygen systems.
• Performs maintenance, calibration, quality control, and troubleshooting of equipment used in the Pulmonary Function Labs adhering to ATS guidelines.
• Ensures documentation and charges are appropriate for services provided
• Monitors American Thoracic Society guidelines and revises practices based on evidence and published research.

• Assists with COPD program requirements including but not limited to inpatient COPD education, spirometry screening and enrollment in pulmonary rehab, follow-up telephone calls, and data collection. Provides education to patients who have COPD and other pulmonary diseases according to evidence based standards.

• Maintains proficiency in pulmonary rehabilitation procedures. Maintains proficiency in respiratory care procedures. Provides patient care as priorities require. Demonstrates knowledge of respiratory procedures and standards; performs role according to policies and procedures.

• Participates in community and educational activities concerning Pulmonary Rehabilitation and COPD screening.

• Participates in personal and professional growth by continuing education, seminars, staff meeting, and inservices. Advises staff regarding educational opportunities.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and/or Other Requirements

Must be a graduate of an AMA accredited certification/registry program. Must be at least a Certified Respiratory Therapy Technician; should be either eligible for registry exam or Registered Respiratory Therapist.

Environmental Factors

Occasional exposure to moderate environmental variations, above-normal noise levels, and/or unpleasant substances. Exposure to hazardous or potentially injurious elements or conditions is limited.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Light physical exertion, standing for substantial amounts of time, bending and reaching, and occasional lifting and carrying of light loads.

Mental Demands

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to work under stress and adapt to changing conditions.

• Ability to adhere to strict confidentiality requirements.

Responsibilities

General Skill Requirements

In addition to the Essential Functions and Qualifications listed above, to perform the job successfully an individual must also possess the following General Skill Requirements.

• Adaptability – Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Accepts criticism and feedback; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; ability to work with frustrating situations; work under pressure and on an irregular schedule such as unscheduled overtime, unanticipated changes in work pace; Works with numerous distractions.
• Attendance and Punctuality – Schedules time off in advance; Begins working on time; Keeps absences within guidelines; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
• Communications – Expresses ideas and thoughts verbally; Expresses ideas and thoughts in written form; Exhibits good listening and comprehension; Keeps others adequately informed; Selects and uses appropriate communication methods.
• Cooperation – Establishes and maintains effective relations; Exhibits tact and consideration; Displays positive outlook and pleasant manner; Offers assistance and support to co-workers; Works cooperatively in group situations; Works actively to resolve conflicts.
• Job Knowledge – Competent in required job skills and knowledge; Exhibits ability to learn and apply new skills; Keeps abreast of current developments; Requires minimal supervision; Displays understanding of how job relates to others; Uses resources effectively.
• Judgment – displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions; ability to work with and maintain confidential information.
• Problem solving – Identifies problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Resolves problems in early stages; Works well in group problem solving situations.
• Quality – Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Displays commitment to excellence; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Quantity – Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly; Achieves established goals.
• Concentration – Maintains attention to detail over extended period of time; continually aware of variations in changing situations.
• Supervision – ability to perform work independently or with minimal supervision; ability to assign and/or review work; train and/or evaluate other employees.