Pulmonary Function Technologist

Why work for Nebraska Methodist Health System?
At Nebraska Methodist Health System, we focus on providing exceptional care to the communities we serve and people we employ. We call it The Meaning of Care – a culture that has and will continue to set us apart. It’s helping families grow by making each delivery special, conveying a difficult diagnosis with a compassionate touch, going above and beyond for a patient’s needs, or giving a high five when a patient beats a disease or conquers a personal health challenge. We offer competitive pay, excellent benefits and a great work environment where all employees are valued! Most importantly, our employees are part of a team that makes a real difference in the communities we live and work in.

Job Summary:

Location: Nebraska Methodist Hospital
Address: 8303 Dodge St., Omaha, NE 

This is a casual position. Casual employees work on an ‘as needed’ basis to meet the needs of the business. Work days/hours will often vary from week to week.

Typical work schedule: 7am to 5pm

A pulmonary function technologist is responsible for the conduction of complete pulmonary function testing, spirometry testing, methacholine challenge testing, cardiopulmonary stress testing and indirect calorimetry testing.

Responsibilities:

Essential Functions

Performs routine pulmonary function testing independent of direct supervision.

• Demonstrates competency on all pulmonary function testing performed at Methodist Hospital.
• Completes high-risk/low-volume skill checklist satisfactorily.

Documents procedures in patient record according to departmental procedure.

• Documents patient assessment, interventions and progress in the medical information system.

Develops/reviews/revises plan of care as needed to provide optimum patient care outcome.

• Receives and interprets physician orders according to professional field of knowledge.
• Evaluates patients in cooperation with attending physician.
• Recommends appropriate care based on American Association of Respiratory Care (AARC) clinical practice guidelines.

Regularly communicates with other patient care team members to exchange information regarding condition and progress of assigned patients.

• Gives a complete verbal or written report to oncoming care provider.
• Uses communication board and patient care plan to keep nurse and other caregivers updated on patient's progress.
• Communicates to appropriate personnel regarding unresolved issues.

Maintains continuity of hospital services to ensure optimum and timely patient care interventions.

• Provides diagnostic procedures, within the Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP)'s scope of practice.

Works within Protocol Guidelines and ensures all patients are receiving appropriate therapy.

• > 95% of all patients reviewed for protocol therapy.
• Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)'s called and faxed to ordering physician's office.

Assists the Pulmonary Lab achieve a Patient Satisfaction rate >95%

• Is viewed as informative and helpful by Patient.
• Assists with patient needs when asked whenever possible.

Works toward improving interdepartmental relations.

• Helps educate nursing and ancillary staff regarding Pulmonary Lab procedures.

Schedule:

This is a casual position. Typical work schedule: 7am to 5pm

Job Description:

Job Requirements

Education

• Advanced knowledge of respiratory care and pulmonary function principles, practices and procedures such as management skills, research results, diagnostic methodologies, and new techniques acquired through the completion of an Associate of Science Degree in Respiratory Care/ Bachelor of Science Degree in Respiratory Care.
• Satisfactory completion of annual mandatory education requirements.

Experience

• One year of experience working in a pulmonary function lab or Respiratory Therapy Department required.

License/Certifications

• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) with the National Board of Respiratory Care required.
• Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license by the state of Nebraska required.
• Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) strongly preferred at time of hire, required within 3 months of hire.
• Current American Heart Association Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification required within 3 months of hire.
• Registered Pulmonary Function Technician (RPFT) - optional.