Pulmonary Function Tech

Job Title

Under the general supervision of the Director of Pediatric Pulmonology, performs a variety of diagnostic pulmonary function tests on patients using spirometers, gas analyzers, oximeters, and other equipment to evaluate and test for lung disease. When assisting a physician, obtains washing samples, tissue samples, and performs other procedures within the lung using bronchoscopes, biopsy forceps and other instruments.

1. Testing:

• Receives orders from physicians for pulmonary function tests (PFT) to be performed on patients. Reviews patient medical records, informing physician of any previous difficulty with testing.
• Explains procedures and gives instructions on various breathing maneuvers to patients to allay fears and obtain accurate results from tests.
• Records data and reads graphical data from tests and performs routine mathematical calculations.
• Performs a variety of diagnostic pulmonary function test procedures on patients including:
• Routine pulmonary function studies using spirometer, body box and gas analyzer to measure flow rates.
• Drawing arterial blood gas
• Measure peak cough flow, FeNO
• Methocholine challenge test
• Perform impulse oscillometry and infant stress oximetry
• More advanced testing such as measurement of carbon monoxide diffusing capacity, lung volumes and respiratory muscle pressures.
• Monitors patient during six-minute walk test
• tcPCO2 monitoring
• Assist in other procedures as needed, including bronchoscopy (see below)

2. Lab Management:

• Maintain Supplies available in PFT lab
• Clean equipment after use-Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Infection Prevention and Control guidelines in use, HEPA filtration unit maintenance
• Calibrate and maintain testing equipment: identify and seek resolution for technical problems
• Oxygen e-Cylinder for PFT lab
• Maintain portable suction machine (check daily, stock supplies)
• Maintain a clean work environment

3. Testing Equipment:

• Calibrate and maintain spirometer/laptop
• Troubleshoot as needed for the Respiratory and Immunology Center (RIC) and the satellite offices
• Maintain spirometer supplies by ordering and restocking

4. General Respiratory Care:

• Obtain sputum samples (tracheal aspirate, throat swab, induction)
• Assist in Respiratory Care for VIP clinic
• Assist in Respiratory Care for CF clinic, including yearly evaluation of all patients
• Assist in Respiratory Care for Pediatric Pulmonology clinic
• Assist in Respiratory Care for Asthma allergy clinic
• Maintain medication supply (bronchodilators, mucolytics, hydration, provocholine)
• Assist providers with bronchoscopy procedures (procedure room, OR suite, PICU) by preparing equipment, assist with taking samples, cytological washings and tissue biopsy using bronchoscope and biopsy brush
• Obtain equipment and supplies from various departments/areas, maintain clean storage area, track cleaning and disinfecting of scopes prior to use, maintain bronchoscope travel bag packed with supplies
• Order medium for transporting of biopsies or cytology washing
• Order equipment provider deems necessary for the procedure (scissors, clamps)

5. Educate Patients and Families:

• Act as respiratory therapy liaison for pulmonologists and other medical staff regarding inpatient care/equipment or testing as needed
• Proper use of inhaled medications and multiple devices for delivery
• Proper order of inhaled medications in conjunction with airway clearance
• Airway clearance rational and techniques (Chest PT technique, Autogenic Drainage, PEP/OPEP devices, different Vest therapy systems, etc.)
• High tech equipment (mechanical ventilators, CPAP and BiPAP machines and cough assist machines
• Tracheostomy care
• Pulse Oximetry
• Create cough assist care plans for patients
• Complete annual visits for CF patients, update care plans and provide expert airway clearance and equipment guidance
• Cleaning and disinfection (at home and hospital of devices/equipment) to be taught
• Educate co-workers/nurses in airway clearance, medication delivery and devices
• Perform clinical administrative functions as requested such as manage patient test results, document and scan, assign to interpreting provider, send results to ordering provider as needed in EMR
• Participate in QI and other projects within the department or for special groups
• Develop and present educational tools to staff and patients
• Attend national and/or regional conferences
• Attend staff meetings or administrative meetings as needed

Completion of High School plus an AMA approved Associate Degree Respiratory Therapy program.

Certification or Registry required.

Licensed as a Respiratory Care Practitioner in the State of Rhode Island.

Maintain BLS

Knowledge of test procedures and reactions of patients while undergoing test procedures.

Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care patients with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.

One year of related experience preferred

Works in a patient care…