Hyperbaric Safety Director; LPN

Overview

Reporting to the Program Director, the Hyperbaric Safety Director administers hyperbaric oxygen therapy to patients as prescribed by the Hyperbaric Provider. This position is responsible for the safe and effective operation of the hyperbaric chamber(s) and related support systems, as well as for the safe delivery of hyperbaric oxygen therapy to the hyperbaric patient. The position is also responsible for the day-to-day maintenance on the hyperbaric chamber(s) and related support systems and serves as the point person for assessment of materials that are appropriate for use in and around hyperbaric chambers.

All Healogics employees must perform their job responsibilities according to all Healogics policies, Hospital policies, accrediting organizations, federal and state regulation, and CMS guidelines, as applicable.

• Performs hyperbaric chamber operator duties. This includes:
  • Preparing, educating and orienting patients about Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, including lifting or transferring patients per local policy, getting them ready for treatment administration and answering their questions.
  • Administering the hyperbaric oxygen therapy as prescribed by the Hyperbaric Provider to the patient, monitoring and controlling the hyperbaric chamber equipment, and observing patient responses during the session to ensure safety and effective use of the equipment.
  • Making appropriate data entries for daily hyperbaric treatments and wound care clinic visits, and maintaining complete and accurate patient records.
  • Operating and maintaining the hyperbaric chamber(s) and other hyperbaric support oxygen systems as required.
  • Participating in the safety program, such as conducting safety drills.
• Is responsible for all hyperbaric equipment and supplies, and for ensuring the safe and effective operation and maintenance of the hyperbaric chamber(s) and related systems and components. This includes:
  • Evaluating equipment and supplies to ensure safety requirements are met before use inside the chamber.
  • Restricting or removing potentially hazardous items.
  • Collaborating with Program Director and Healogics to coordinate and approve all chamber upgrades, modifications, and repairs to ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Works closely with facility management personnel and department medical personnel to ensure smooth day-to-day operations. Also collaborates with Medical, Program and Nursing senior management to develop and annually revise department policies and procedures, as well as operation and maintenance documents.
• Leads the hyperbaric safety program activities and initiatives, including:
  • Maintaining a safe environment for patients and staff and using approved decompression procedures for hyperbaric exposure to inert gases.
  • Reviewing safety incidents, collecting information, reporting incidents to staff, and providing in-service training related to hyperbarics.
  • Conducting quarterly safety drills to improve staff response to emergencies.
  • Informing personnel of special work conditions such as infection prevention and hazard control.
  • Assisting the Medical Director in reviewing and documenting safety-related events and communicating learnings with others.
  • Maintaining department compliance with NFPA 99 (Health Care Facilities Code) for hyperbarics.
  • Reviewing and updating departmental safety policies and incorporating new policies as appropriate.
  • Serving on the hospital’s safety or environment of care committee, as appropriate.
• If CMA or LPN, may function as a Documentation Assistant (scribe) in accordance with Healogics policy.
• Performs other duties as required.

• High School Diploma or GED (General Education Development)
• Current Certified Hyperbaric Technologist (CHT) or Certified Hyperbaric Specialist (CHS) certification preferred
• Pre or post hire completion of an approved Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO) Safety course. If pre-hire, the course completion must be within the past 5 years from date of hire.
• Pre or post hire completion of an approved hyperbaric Medicine Introductory course (from Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society, National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology, Department of Defense, or American College of Hyperbaric Medicine)
• Current healthcare professional certification or license as applicable in state of practice - to maintain throughout the duration of employment in this role. This applies to:
• Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
• Military:
  Corpsman or Medical Services Specialist
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic
• Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
• Certified Hyperbaric Specialist (CHS)
• Certified Hyperbaric Registered Nurse (CHRN)
• Certified or Registered Medical Assistant (CMA or RMA)
• Certified Hyperbaric Technologist (CHT)
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA)
• Certified Hyperbaric Wound Specialist (CHWS)
• Physical Therapist (PT) or Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)
• Or…