Pulmonary Technologist

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Registered Pulmonary Technologist is responsible for ensuring timely, accurate and reproducible measurements of various diagnostic indices of respiratory function and allergic reactions on patients and processing of specimens in the Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health. The Technologist must be able to effectively use resources available to him/her and maintain appropriate documentation of test results. The Technologist also contributes to minimizing equipment failure by ensuring appropriate utilization, calibration and maintenance of equipment and providing utmost care and attention to the safety of patients and colleagues.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 3‑year college diploma in Respiratory Therapy Program Graduate – Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)


• BSc in Health‑related field – Kinesiology, Biology, Physiology, Chemistry, Health Science, Nursing


• Registered CardioPulmonary Technologist (RCPT(P)) Canadian Association for Cardiopulmonary Technologists


• 6 months to 1 year experience in a Pulmonary Function Laboratory


• Regulated Health Professional as a Respiratory Therapist


• RRT, RCPT(p); Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification


• Member of the College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario and/or Registered with the Canadian Association for Cardiopulmonary Technologists


• Able to perform diagnostic procedures including: flow volume curves, bronchial provocation tests, skin testing for routine and special allergens (e.g. venom, penicillin allergies), antigen challenge tests and bronchial challenges using different media, oximetry at rest and exercise, independent home oxygen assessments, maximum inspired and expired pressures, sputum inductions to include AFB, body plethysmography to include nitrogen washout, diffusion capacity, airway resistance, stage 1 exercise studies, steady‑state exercise studies for exercise‑induced asthma, hypoxic ventilator response, hypercapnia challenges, research studies, occupational asthma challenges.


• Able to administer substances by inhalation including bronchodilator inhalers and nebulized treatments


• Demonstrates exceptional prioritization and organizational skills in order to provide corporate services to meet all patient presentations and urgencies


• Excellent communication skills, including verbal and written


• Able to work effectively and collaboratively with the inter‑professional health care team


• Demonstrated knowledge, sensitivity and expertise in the care of seniors and their families


• Gentle Persuasive Approach training is preferred

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct a patient assessment which includes: taking patient history; conducting cardio‑respiratory assessments and relevant diagnostic testing/information/records


• Performs diagnostic procedures including: Flow volume curves, Lung Diffusion, Body Plethysmography (to include Nitrogen washout, lung volumes and airway resistance), MIPS/MEPS, walk tests on room air and supplemental oxygen for Independent Exercise Assessments, Bronchial provocation, sputum inductions including AFB tests, hypoxic ventilation response, hypercapnic challenge, research studies, occupational asthma challenges Stage 1 and steady‑state exercise studies for exercise‑induced asthma, skin testing for routine and special allergens (e.g., venoms, penicillin, anesthetics) – antigen challenge tests to include foods, latex


• Administers bronchodilator medication as directed, provides patient education regarding use and role of medication and proper inhaler techniques


• Maintains patient safety during procedures according to department policies and procedures and assesses contraindications and risks of procedures prior to undertaking diagnostic procedures


• Understands and complies with the following: departmental policy and procedure manuals, RHPA, public health act, consent to treatment, occupational health and safety act, PIPEDA, ATS/ERS standards of practice, CACPT guidelines


• Applies critical thinking to integrate knowledge and technical skills in the provision of respiratory care


• Provides documentation of diagnostic test results to members of the healthcare team according to the ATS standards of practice


• Maintains accurate records of patient care, diagnostic reports, statistical data, preventative maintenance and related information


• Provides operational verification, routine troubleshooting and maintenance of respiratory equipment


• Maintains equipment in working order according to manufacturer’s guidelines including calibration, troubleshooting and arrangement of service repair


• Provides education with respect to disease processes, disease management and use of medication (Asthma/COPD/ILD) patient education, smoking cessation counseling


• Demonstrates ongoing professional development


• Provides guidance and mentorship to students, including Respiratory Therapy students


• Provides written and/or verbal assessments of student placement