Description

Under minimal supervision, this position will oversee the activities of the Pulmonary Lab. The position, in accordance with a physician’s order, assists or performs diagnostic or therapeutic procedures in the treatment and/or diagnosis of pulmonary disorders.

Core Competencies

Serves as a technical, clinical and educational resource for physicians, nurses respiratory care practitioners and other healthcare professionals, patients and their family members. Assures quality respiratory care and diagnostics. Provides guidance and direction of other Pulmonary Services staff. Assists with the development and revision of Policies and Procedures. Maintains records and documentation required to meet DHS, JC and CLIA ‘88. Fulfills all requirements of a Respiratory Care Practitioner II. Performs all clinical and diagnostic procedures for geriatric, adult, adolescent and pediatric patients according to department policy and procedure. Coordinates all services provided by the Pulmonary Function Lab including but not limited to: Pulmonary Function testing, apneas screens, blood gas testing/analysis, bronchoscopies, pulse ox walks, proficiency testing, blood gas analyzer studies, etc. Performs daily checks of crash cart & refrigerator. Checks the pulmonary patients in using the hospital scheduling system. Assists physicians with bronchoscopy procedures utilizing effective infection control guidelines. Ensures bronchoscopes are clean and functional. Works with infection Control to ensure techniques follow current regulations for Infection Control. Assists with development and updating of departmental policies and procedures to ensure compliance with JC, DHS, and CLIA ’88 guidelines and standards. Ensures routine maintenance, quality control and calibration is performed on Pulmonary Function equipment. Performs quality control for blood gas specimens performed; reconciles the GEM 5000 with the HIS system. Follows up, documents and provides additional training when processes are not followed. Maintains all records, logs, and paperwork required to meet regulatory agency standards and the laboratory operational needs. Assists with coordination and performance of inter-instrument comparison studies in the Pulmonary Department and with the Clinical Lab. Assists with performing and reporting of proficiency testing. Maintains functionality of all equipment utilized in the Pulmonary Function Lab. Arranges for repair and services of all equipment in the Pulmonary Function Lab Orders to maintain appropriate levels of supplies utilized by the Pulmonary Function Lab. Orients and trains RCP staff and evaluates competence for Pulmonary Lab procedures. Participates in community health fairs performing pulmonary screens. Communicates with patients and/or family members modifying terminology based on the patient’s age, clinical condition, patient/family communications and/or culture.