Pulmonary Function Technologist

Where compassion meets innovation and technology and our employees are family.

General Purpose of Job:

Under the supervision of the Medical Director and the Pulmonary Function Laboratory Manager, the Pulmonary Function Lab Technologist (PF Technologist) performs pulmonary diagnostic testing, including exercise and gas exchange stress tests. PF Technologist assures quality control of equipment and follows standard guidelines to assure test validity before reporting to designated physician for interpretation. The PF Technologist may be experienced or entry-level registered respiratory therapist.  The PF Lab Technologist will be expected to learn advanced testing procedures, monitor and implement changes within scope of practice and in consultation with physician(s). Must effectively communicate with patients to elicit appropriate responses during testing. Performs clinic procedures relating to respiratory care, including administration of inhaled medications, disease management and respiratory equipment education for patients and their families.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; employees will perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor and/or hospital administration as required.

• Maintains utmost level of confidentiality at all times.
• Adheres to hospital policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates business practices and personal actions that are ethical and adhere to corporate compliance and integrity guidelines. 

Daily

• Sets up and calibrates pulmonary function testing equipment using established guidelines, selects and tests equipment prior to patient use.
• Possesses ability to use hospital and pulmonary department computer systems daily.
• Maintains and troubleshoots pulmonary function testing equipment (follows established guidelines for operation, cleaning, storage, and disinfection, identifies and corrects malfunctions).
• Performs quality assurance and control for pulmonary function equipment (uses appropriate methods to document that instruments are functional and evaluates results to ensure that they meet accepted standards of reliability).
• Selects and sets up equipment, instructs patients, elicits cooperation, performs procedures, monitors patient response, and evaluates patient performance.
• Evaluates validity of specific pulmonary function test, by assessing patient and equipment performance to ensure reproducibility; recognizes artifact and correctable problems.
• Collects and evaluates clinical data; performs and evaluates quality control.
• Calculates test results, evaluates reliability, compares results with predicted reference values, and evaluates clinical implications of test results.
• Assists with parent and patient education in clinical and laboratory settings.
• Assists with specimen collection for respiratory cultures using established guidelines.
• Maintains clerical duties in accordance with the needs of the pulmonary function lab, including answering phones, scheduling appointments, faxing, and scanning of reports into patients’ electronic medical record.

Weekly

• Checks and maintains special procedure gas, and supply inventories.
• Checks patient scheduling for pulmonary function lab and communicates any conflicts to Pulmonary Function Lab Manager.
• Assists with CF Center team duties

Biweekly

• Assists with supply inventory management. Inventory needs communicated to Pulmonary Function Lab Manager.

Monthly

• Assists with preparation of monthly operations report.
• Assists with preparation of monthly CQA/ CQI reports.
• Assists with preparation of monthly infection control reports.
• Attends monthly department meetings.
• Assists team members with the education of physicians, nurses and respiratory therapists and volunteers with community education endeavors.

Annually

• Assists with preparation of operations, quality assurance and quality improvement and infection control reports.
• Assists with preparation of operations and capital equipment budgets.
• Volunteers for hospital and community service.

Travel Requirements:

• This position requires regular travel to provide pulmonary function testing services at off-site outpatient clinics and satellite locations throughout the organization's service region. Travel may be required for up to three (3) days per week, based on operational and patient care needs. The Pulmonary Function Lab Technologist is expected to maintain flexibility in work location and schedule, safely transport required equipment and supplies, and ensure consistent, high-quality patient care and adherence to departmental standards across all assigned locations. Travel destinations and frequency are subject to change in accordance with organizational needs. Must have reliable transportation.

Education and/or Experience:

• Associate’s degree in applied science (AAS) or graduate from an accredited Respiratory Therapy Program.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations.

• License to practice Respiratory Care issued by the Texas Medical Board
• Registered Respiratory Therapist credentialed by the National Board for Respiratory Care.  Two years general care experience and/or one-year pediatric care experience preferred
• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Provider (before hire)
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) (within 1 year of hire)
• Pediatric Advance Life Support (PALS) (within 1 year of hire)
• RPFT, Asthma Educator Specialist (AE-C), or Perinatal/Pediatric Specialist (NPS) – Must obtain within 2 years of hire and maintain certification throughout employment.
• Must have active unrestricted driver’s license.