The Respiratory Care Practitioner I - PFT 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.
A clinically competent, licensed professional who administers Respiratory care to the acutely ill patient through assessment, planning/evaluation, intervention and treatment. Effectively interacts with patient, significant others, and other health team members, while providing care within the scope of their training.
Responsibilities:
- Responsible for ensuring and coordinating delivery of prescribed pulmonary function test per ATS guidelines and criteria according to the physician's order (Spirometry, Bronchodilator testing, Lung volumes by plethysmography and Nitrogen wash out, DLCO, Methacholine challenge, Respiratory muscle testing MIP/MEP/supine, High altitude simulation testing, 6 min walk test, research /Clinical trial PFT, ABG).
- Provide appropriate instruction/education to patients when performing pulmonary function test
- Demonstrates proficiency in patient assessment and the ability to recognize contraindication when performing pulmonary function test
- Quality assurance and quality control:
- Perform daily equipment checks and calibration and maintain records
- Verify biological controls as per lab policy
- Monitor equipment performance and identify malfunctions
- Follow ATS/ERS guidelines
- Track test quality indicators and repeat testing when quality criteria are not met
- Coordinate preventive maintenance and service calls.
- Competent in all adult med surg units in all respiratory therapies and modalities.
- Understands and implements adult respiratory protocols, policies, and guidelines that are ordered on med surg units.
- Delivers and assesses response to ordered therapy; adjusts frequencies as appropriate.
- Monitors, records and communicates patient condition as appropriate to other members of the healthcare team.
- Educate patients and/or families and provide information about respiratory disease management, community support groups and other resources.
- Competent in all adult care areas including med/surg units, emergency department, and critical care units and other units as per hospital expectations.
- Responds to clinical emergency management situations.
- Participates in multidisciplinary rounds; collaborates with healthcare team.
- Evaluates and utilizes respiratory care policies and procedures based on patient outcomes, current research, and best practices.
- Precept students.
- Serves as positive role model for team members by working with them to promote teamwork and cooperation; consistently adheres to NM Code of Professionalism.