Job Description
The Pulmonary Function Tech (RRT) reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.
Under direct supervision of the Respiratory Care Coordinator, the Registered Pulmonary Function Therapist is responsible for administering pulmonary function testing and providing other respiratory-related care and treatment as prescribed by a licensed physician.
Responsibilities:
- Collects and evaluates relevant clinical history, including: patient height, weight, age, race, sex, smoking and occupational history, vital signs (as appropriate), medical/surgical history and medications, check current Respiratory Care orders.
- Evaluates, maintains, and troubleshoots the quality control data for diagnostic equipment including gas analyzers, oximeters and others as required.
- Selects, assembles and checks the following equipment for proper function, operation and cleanliness including: gas analyzers, volume, flow and time measuring devices, aerosol delivery devices, directional or demand valves, sampling devices, O2 delivery devices, and other required pulmonary function equipment.
- Calibrates equipment to insure proper operation including: gas analyzer, volume, flow and time measuring devices, aerosol delivery devices, and other necessary pulmonary function equipment.
- Instructs patient and elicits cooperation in performing diagnostic procedures including: lung volumes, spirometry, diffusion capacities, bronchodilator administration, bronchoprovocation studies, maximum inspiratory pressure, maximum expiratory pressure, cardio-pulmonary stress testing, high altitude studies, and other necessary pulmonary diagnostic procedures.
- Evaluates patient performance in diagnostic procedures.
- Monitors patient response and performance analysis in diagnostic procedures.
- Administers six minute walk test, oximetry pulse studies, and nebulizer treatments.
- Determines appropriateness of prescribed therapy and goals for identified pathophysiological state and utilizes appropriate patient care protocol relating to the physical and psychological needs of pediatric, adolescent and adult patients.
- Analyze the following data: blood gas analysis, static lung volumes by plethysmography; bronchial challenge; airway resistance/conductance. Apply statistical and graphic methods to pulmonary function data. Evaluate clinical implications of the following: pulmonary function tests, static lung volumes by plethysmography; peak flow; bronchial challenge data; airway resistance/conductance.
- Evaluates reliability of (identify incorrect or problematic data) pulmonary function tests, static lung volumes, exercise test data, ECG monitoring, and blood gas analysis.
- Evaluates clinical implication (correlate test results with available clinical data) of pulmonary function testing, noninvasive blood pressure data, pulse oximetry, stress test data, workload, ECG monitoring, exhaled gas, CO2 monitoring, and blood gas analysis.
- Completes reports for pulmonary function tests and distributes to ordering physicians.
- Performs other assignments and related duties as required.
This position is part-time (non-benefited), 16 hours per pay period, every Saturday only - 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Qualifications
Required:
Must have graduated from an AMA accredited respiratory care program and must have passed the Registry exam administered by the National Board of Respiratory Care RRT. Two years of previous experience in the field of Respiratory Care and in performing pulmonary function tests is required. Must be able to work with a personal computer.
- Graduate of an AMA approved school/program for the study of Respiratory Care.
- Must have current registration with the National Board of Respiratory Care as a Registered Respiratory Therapist.
- Current licensure by the State of Illinois as a Respiratory Care Practitioner.
- Current CPR certification.
- Continuing Competency Program (CCP) Requirements. All individuals credentialed by the NBRC on or after July 1, 2002, are required to participate in the Continuing Competency Program (CCP). Individuals credentialed prior to July 1, 2002, are not required to participate, and may choose to do so voluntarily, but their original credential will remain in effect.
Preferred:
Additional Information
Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.
If we offer you a job, we will perform a background check that includes a review of any criminal convictions. A conviction does not disqualify you from employment at Northwestern Medicine. We consider this on a case-by-case basis and follow all state and federal guidelines.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.
