At Houston Methodist, the Pulmonary Function Technologist (PFT) position is a competent Respiratory Therapy Practitioner whose primary role is in Pulmonary Function. This position performs basic pulmonary function studies and administers therapy per physician orders. The PFT position provides instruction to both the patient and family/caregiver related to procedures and disease processes and assists in educating practice associates. As a member of the direct patient care team, this position provides direct assistance to physicians and other care health professionals with pulmonary function and related procedures as assigned within the scope of the professional certification. The PFT position delivers exceptional patient care and adheres to standards and guidelines established by respiratory and regulatory agencies and Houston Methodist to ensure optimal patient safety and customer service.
FLSA STATUS
Non-exempt
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION Graduate of education program approved by the credentialing body for the required credential(s) indicated below in the Certifications, Licenses and Registrations section.
EXPERIENCE One year experience as a Respiratory Care Practitioner
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required RRT - Registered Respiratory Therapist (NBRC) - National Board for Respiratory Care_PSV and
RCP - Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner - State Licensure - Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation_PSV by the Texas Medical Board and
CPFT - Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (NBRC) - National Board for Respiratory Care_PSV within 1 year and
BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) - American Heart Association
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
Possesses basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to maintain patient and exam documents
Exhibits strong interpersonal and team player skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers
Demonstrates time management skills
Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities with minimal supervision including, organizing work flow and actively participating in problem-solving
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team focused work unit that actively helps one other to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the interprofessional team by using progressive skills in therapeutic communication and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner, which includes active listening and teaching.
Communicates effectively with others to facilitate providing the highest quality service during every customer and patient encounter. Serves as a patient advocate in preventing/resolving ethical issues. Facilitates interventions to relieve the patient’s/family spiritual distress.
Provides contributions towards improvement of department scores for turnover/retention/employee engagement, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability.
SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Performs respiratory care to include but not limited to: pulse oximetry, body plethmosmography, flow volume loops, lung volume determination, airway resistance measurement, breath diffusion capacity, maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures and if assigned, bronchodilator administration.
Assists in performings various protocols for…