Pulmonary Function Technician Intern

Position Summary: 

The Pulmonary Function Technician Intern will undergo training to perform Pulmonary Function Testing for pediatric, adult, and geriatric patients presenting with cardiopulmonary system deficiencies and abnormalities. The intern will also develop skills to serve as a resource for the respiratory department.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 62 College credit hours to meet NBRC requirements including, Anatomy, Physiology, Chemistry, Microbiology, and Mathematics
• American Heart Association BLS
• American Heart Association ACLS required within three (3) months of hire
• American Heart Association PALS required within three (3) months of hire
• Certified Pulmonary Function Technician within one (1) year of hire

Essential Job Functions:  In addition to the essential functions of the job listed below, employees must have on-time completion of all required education as assigned per DNV requirements, Bozeman Health policy, and other registry requirements.

Initial Internship requirements:

• Conducts Pulmonary Function Testing under the supervision of a certified Pulmonary Function Technician.
• Collaborates with other departments to ensure seamless coordination of patient care.
• Accurately completes all patient charging in compliance with departmental guidelines.
• Maintains cleanliness and functionality of equipment, identifies and addresses minor malfunctions, and escalates requests for significant repairs as necessary.
• Actively participates in departmental projects, initiatives, and ongoing professional development activities.
• Oversees the ordering and inventory management of supplies and materials to ensure adequate stock levels.

The following are expected upon internship completion:

• Demonstrates expertise in pulmonary function testing, including but not limited to spirometry, lung volumes, diffusion capacity, respiratory muscle forces, and impulse oscillometry.
• Ensures all calibrations and quality assurance processes are documented in adherence to American Thoracic Society standards.
• Maintains comprehensive knowledge of oxygen delivery methods and associated equipment; monitors for potential side effects of oxygen therapy and acts accordingly.
• Exhibits understanding of technique and treatment adaptations for patients across varying age groups, including pediatric, adolescent, and geriatric populations.
• Demonstrates proficiency in determining appropriate oxygen concentrations and medication dosages tailored to patient age groups, ensuring safe and effective care.
• Administers respiratory therapy treatments and nebulized medications, with a thorough understanding of their purposes and potential side effects.
• Performs arterial punctures to obtain blood samples for arterial blood gas analysis, recognizing potential complications and contraindications of the procedure.
• Adheres to departmental protocols for equipment sterilization and maintenance.
• Accurately documents all relevant patient information in the medical record upon completing any services provided.
• Maintains familiarity with electronic health records, departmental forms, flow charts, and logbooks, ensuring accurate and appropriate utilization.
• Develops and implements patient teaching plans based on identified learning needs, evaluating their effectiveness and including family members when appropriate.
• Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity while coordinating care to meet patient needs in accordance with hospital policies.
• Conducts comprehensive patient assessments, evaluates tolerance to treatment, and performs reassessments to monitor responses.
• Collaborates effectively with other departments and disciplines to provide coordinated and efficient patient care.
• Operates and manages equipment safely and effectively, inspecting and testing respiratory therapy devices to ensure optimal functionality.
• Actively participates in performance improvement initiatives and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) teams addressing departmental concerns, workflows, and objectives.
• Attends educational in-service programs to maintain professional competency and completes all required hospital-specific training.
• Pursues ongoing professional development through participation in professional organizations and continuing education opportunities.
• Regularly attends departmental meetings and utilizes communication tools, such as hospital email, to stay informed of updates and issues relevant to the department and hospital.
• Performs additional duties as assigned by the department manager, contributing to the overall success of the team.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrates sound judgment, patience, and maintains a professional demeanor at all times
• Exercises tact, discretion, sensitivity, and maintains confidentiality
• Performs essential job functions successfully in a busy and stressful environment
• Learns current and new computer applications and office equipment utilized at Bozeman Health
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Analyzes, organizes, and prioritizes work while meeting multiple deadlines

Schedule Requirements

• This role requires regular and sustained attendance.
• This role is for up to 10 hours per day / 40 hours per week.