Respiratory Therapist​/Pulmonary Function Testing

Overview

To be part of our organization, every employee should understand and share in the YNHHS Vision, support our Mission, and live our Values. These values - integrity, patient-oriented, respect, accountability, and compassion - must guide what we do, as individuals and professionals, every day.

Perform Diagnostic pulmonary testing as ordered by a physician. Essential duties and responsibilities include the following: performing pulmonary function testing on children (age 3 and above) and adults including spirometry, static lung volumes, and diffusion capacity, plethysmography (TGV and RAW), IOS, arterial puncture for blood gases, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, exercise challenge studies, administration of bronchodilators and other medications, maximum respiratory pressures, methacholine challenge, pulse oximetry, six minute walk, metabolic/calorimetry studies, basic life support and bronchoscopy assist.

Educate medical staff, new employees, students, patients, and visitors within the context of the job responsibilities listed above. Additional responsibilities include effective communication with all patient care team members, patient scheduling, maintaining accurate records, disinfection and sterilization of equipment, and clerical tasks. Other duties may be assigned as appropriate.

EEO/AA/Disability/Veteran

• 1. Perform Pulmonary function testing.
  • 1.1 Review and schedule patients for testing following established procedures as observed by supervisor.
• 2. Establish and maintain the level of skills necessary to provide all services provided by the Pulmonary lab.
  • 2.1 Keep abreast of new technologies, equipment, and procedures within the field reviewing journals and other publications as observed by supervisor.
• 3. Consult with physicians, nurses, and other professionals regarding diagnostic testing.
  • 3.1 Establish and maintain effective communications concerning patients' test results according to department procedures as indicated by feedback from physicians, nurses, and other staff members.
• 4. Assume leadership of the lab in the absence of the Senior Technologist.
  • 4.1 During absence of Sr. Technologist plan and assign shift workload according to schedule and skills of staff according to department staffing procedures as observed by department manager.
• 5. Assist in the orientation and instruction of students, new employees, and/or special programs.
  • 5.1 Provide instruction consistent with department policy as observed by supervisor.
• 6. Perform arterial blood gas punctures and assist with fiber optic bronchoscopy as required.
  • 6.1 Determine the operational status of the equipment and follow established policy and procedure and adjust as necessary as observed by supervisor.
• 7. Participate in Quality Management and Performance Improvement activities.
  • 7.1 Collects data on all quality management measures.
• 8. Maintain all clinical competencies up to date and complete with at least minimal passing scores.
  • 8.1 Complete all online competencies as they become due.
• 9. May assist and/or perform chaperone duties for patient medical procedures as needed.

High school diploma or equivalent. College level courses in science and mathematics. Graduate of an approved school of Respiratory Therapy or Cardiopulmonary Technology for hires after 1‑1‑2010.

1‑3 years experience working in Pulmonary Function.

Presently holding RPFT or RRT credentials. Any incumbent hired on or after 01/01/2010 must maintain a Connecticut RCPT license.

Strong mathematical and science background, one year of college level courses in science and math is desirable. Excellent computer skills. Ability to troubleshoot equipment and work with testing and scheduling applications.

MMR is required. Varivax (chicken pox vaccine) or evidence of prior chicken pox is required. Hepatitis B (or signed declination) is required for those with potential exposure to blood/body fluids. Tdap and influenza vaccination are strongly encouraged. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms;

and talk or hear. They are occasionally required to sit; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. They must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The employee is regularly exposed to fumes or airborne particles. They are occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.