Purpose of Job
- A pulmonary function technologist is responsible for the conduction of complete pulmonary function testing, spirometry testing, methocholine challenge testing, cardiopulmonary stress testing and indirect calorimetry testing.
Job Requirements
- Education
  - Advanced knowledge of respiratory care and pulmonary function principles, practices and procedures such as management skills, research results, diagnostic methodologies, and new techniques acquired through the completion of an Associate of Science Degree in Respiratory Care/ Bachelor of Science Degree in Respiratory Care.
  - Satisfactory completion of annual mandatory education requirements.
- Experience
  - One year of experience working in a pulmonary function lab or Respiratory Therapy Department required.
- License/Certifications
  - Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) with the National Board of Respiratory Care required.
  - Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license by the state of Nebraska required.
  - Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification required.
  - Current American Heart Association Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification required.
  - Registered Pulmonary Function Technician (RPFT) - optional.
- Skills/Knowledge/Abilities
  - N/A
Physical Requirements
- Weight Demands
  - Medium Work - Exerting up to 50 pounds of force.
- Physical Activity
  - Occasionally Performed (1%-33%):
    - Climbing
    - Crawling
    - Kneeling
    - Sitting
  - Frequently Performed (34%-66%):
    - Balancing
    - Carrying
    - Crouching
    - Distinguish colors
    - Keyboarding/typing
    - Lifting
    - Pulling/Pushing
    - Repetitive Motions
    - Standing
    - Stooping/bending
    - Twisting
    - Walking
  - Constantly Performed (67%-100%):
    - Fingering/Touching
    - Grasping
    - Hearing
    - Reaching
    - Seeing/Visual
    - Speaking/talking
- Job Hazards
  - Not Related:
    - Explosives (pressurized gas)
    - Electrical Shock/Static
    - Radiation Alpha, Beta and Gamma (particles such as X-ray, Cat Scan, Gamma Knife, etc)
  - Rare (1-33%):
    - Chemical agents (Toxic, Corrosive, Flammable, Latex)
    - Mechanical moving parts/vibrations
  - Occasionally (34%-66%):
    - Biological agents (primary air born and blood born viruses) (Jobs with Patient contact) Blood or Body Fluid (BBF)
    - Physical hazards (noise, temperature, lighting, wet floors, outdoors, sharps) (more than ordinary office environment)
    - Equipment/Machinery/Tools
Essential Job Functions
- Essential Functions I
  - Performs routine pulmonary function testing independent of direct supervision.
    - Demonstrates competency on all pulmonary function testing performed at Methodist Hospital.
    - Completes high-risk/low-volume skill checklist satisfactorily.
  - Documents procedures in patient record according to departmental procedure.
    - Documents patient assessment, interventions and progress in the medical information system.
  - Develops/reviews/revises plan of care as needed to provide optimum patient care outcome.
    - Receives and interprets physician orders according to professional field of knowledge.
    - Evaluates patients in cooperation with attending physician.
    - Recommends appropriate care based on American Association of Respiratory Care (AARC) clinical practice guidelines.
  - Regularly communicates with other patient care team members to exchange information regarding condition and progress of assigned patients.
    - Gives a complete verbal or written report to oncoming care provider.
    - Uses communication board and patient care plan to keep nurse and other caregivers updated on patient's progress.
    - Communicates to appropriate personnel regarding unresolved issues.
  - Maintains continuity of hospital services to ensure optimum and timely patient care interventions.
    - Provides diagnostic procedures, within the Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP)'s scope of practice.
  - Works within Protocol Guidelines and ensures all patients are receiving appropriate therapy.
    - > 95% of all patients reviewed for protocol therapy.
    - Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)'s called and faxed to ordering physician's office.
  - Assists the Pulmonary Lab achieve a Patient Satisfaction rate >95%
    - Is viewed as informative and helpful by Patient.
    - Assists with patient needs when asked whenever possible.
  - Works toward improving interdepartmental relations.
    - Helps educate nursing and ancillary staff regarding Pulmonary Lab procedures.
- Essential Functions II
  - Participates in mandatory in-services and/or CE programs as mandated by policies and procedures/external agencies and as directed by management.
  - Follows and understands the mission, vision, core values, Employee Standards of Behavior and company policies/procedures.
  - Other duties as assigned.