Pulmonary Function Technician

Job Title

Pulmonary Function Technician, Respiratory Care Services Department, Full-Time Days

We're hiring a Pulmonary Function Technician
, for the Respiratory Care Services department for a full-time day shift for the University of Chicago Medicine in Orland Park, IL.

Join one of the nation’s most comprehensive academic medical centers, University of Chicago Medicine, in a patient-focused and influential role as a Pulmonary Function Technician
, with our Respiratory Care Services department. The Respiratory Care Services Department is committed to providing quality individualized care for adult, pediatric and neonatal patients through the employment of highly trained PFT, advanced technology and defined patient protocols. Our employees deliver world-class care in an environment where opinions are respected, decision-making is rewarded and teamwork is the order of the day.

Our staff is encouraged to achieve their career goals, which in turn benefits all of our patients and the University of Chicago Medicine as a whole.

Under limited supervision, prepares and performs pulmonary function testing to measure the full range of pulmonary physiological capacities and capabilities of hospital patients. Administers respiratory care treatments, procedures, and protocols under the direct supervision of department leadership and physician. Provides for patient assessment to determine cardiopulmonary status, implement appropriate patient care protocols, or to maintain/improve cardiopulmonary hemodynamic status.

• Reviews patient charts to identify factors which would limit or deter effective testing.
• Interviews patients to determine the chief complaints, obtain history of symptoms, obtain data regarding family and social history.
• Observes and monitors patient reactions to tests being performed and determines safety of the test. Communicates all changes in the patients’ biophysical, and spiritual needs/status to the physician.
• Determines appropriate laboratory tests based on patient’s clinical history and physician’s questions. Prepares, demonstrates, understands, and selects from the following tests, the most valid results:
  • Arterial Blood Gas Analysis
  • Hemoglobin Determination
  • Respiratory Muscle Strength Measurement
  • Flow-Volume Loop
  • Single Breath Nitrogen Washout (N2 Delta)
  • Single Breath Diffusing Capacity/Single Breath Total Lung Capacity
  • Multi-breath Nitrogen Washout (FRC)
  • Body Plethysmography Lung Volumes
  • Airways Resistance/Specific Conductance
  • Spirometry before and after bronchodilator administration
  • Maximum Voluntary Ventilation
  • Slow Vital Capacity
  • Cardiopulmonary Exercise Tests (Invasive/Non-Invasive)
  • Home Oxygen Therapy Determinations (Invasive/Non-Invasive and Walking/Cycling)
  • Bronchial Provocation by Methacholine Inhalation Tests
  • Pulmonary Compliance/Pressure-Volume Curves
  • Pulmonary Shunt Studies
• Performs pulmonary function tests according to UCH Pulmonary function Laboratory manual criteria.
• Assess test results to determine if further testing is recommended or contraindicated and notifies physician.
• Performs arterial punctures. Analyzes blood samples for pH, PO2, HCO3, BE, O2 saturation and hemoglobin determinations.
• Administers medication: bronchodilators, Methacholine, lidocaine, etc.
• Attends to patient’s I.V., IMED, O2 and personal needs.
• Demonstrates pulmonary function tests and explains their use to medical students, residents, fellows, nurses, and staff.
• Performs quality control. Maintains daily log. Enters blood gas quality control data into computer program for statistical analysis and graphic display. Analyzes results and performs necessary corrective action. Notifies supervisor if unable to correct the problem.
• Monitors and performs necessary maintenance of equipment. Maintains daily record of all service conducted.
• Performs other duties as requested by senior management.

• Two years of college level science (chemistry, physics, mathematics) or equivalent experience. Ability to operate, maintain, and repair electronic equipment.
• Mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity.
• Substantial understanding of human physiology.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Must be…