Pulmonary Function Technician
Job Description
Join the Cleveland Clinic team, where you will work alongside passionate caregivers and provide patient-first healthcare. Cleveland Clinic is recognized as one of the top hospitals in the nation. At Cleveland Clinic, you will work alongside passionate and dedicated caregivers, receive endless support and appreciation, and build a rewarding career with one of the most respected healthcare organizations in the world.
As a Pulmonary Function Technician, you will work alongside caregivers to provide diagnostic evaluation of pulmonary function in patients with respiratory insufficiencies. Your primary duties will include but are not limited to:
• Managing the Pulmonary Function Laboratory, including scheduling and ordering supplies.
• Performing and analyzing quality control data, performing advanced invasive or noninvasive protocols, and designing and performing investigatory protocols.
• Preparing, maintaining, and calibrating pulmonary function testing equipment.
The ideal caregiver is someone who:
• Is passionate with strong empathy skills.
• Prioritizes multitasking in a stressful environment.
• Works well in a collaborative, team-based setting.
A caregiver in this position can advance to Clinical Specialist roles, take part in specialty testing and research, and partake in continuing education lectures monthly.
At Cleveland Clinic, we know what matters most. That's why we treat our caregivers as if they are our own family, and we are always creating ways to be there for you. Here, you'll find that we offer: resources to learn and grow, a fulfilling career for everyone, and comprehensive benefits that invest in your health, your physical and mental well-being and your future. When you join Cleveland Clinic, you'll be part of a supportive caregiver family that will be united in shared values and purpose to fulfill our promise of being the best place to receive care and the best place to work in healthcare.
Responsibilities:
- Performs ordered pulmonary function testing according to latest ATS/ERS standards; understands criteria required for sending test results.
- Performs and analyzes quality control data, performs advanced invasive or noninvasive protocols.
- Prepares, maintains, and calibrates pulmonary function testing equipment.
- Maintains adequate levels of supplies used for testing.
- Troubleshoots equipment problems and reports need repairs/replacements.
- Provides educational in-services to staff, advanced practice nurses and physician assistants.
- At sites where applicable, the employee will perform blood gas puncture and analysis per Cleveland Clinic competency training.
- Monitors and evaluates patient response during and after testing.
- Documents results accurately.
- Promptly reports testing results.
- Determines testing reference ranges by entering accurate demographics.
- Recognizes and corrects for invalid or unreasonable test results with understanding of current ATS/ERS standards.
- Provides basic respiratory education to patient.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Education:
- Graduate of Associates Degree Program from an accredited Respiratory Therapy program.
- Bachelors’ Degree preferred
- Diploma and/or transcripts must be provided for validation
Certifications:
- Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), or Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT) credentialed by the NBRC
- Ohio Respiratory Care Professional (RCP) License required.
- AHA BLS Healthcare Provider required.
Complexity of Work:
- Requires critical thinking skills, decisive judgment and the ability to work with minimal supervision.
Work Experience:
- Minimum of 1 year patient care experience preferred.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to administer six-minute walk tests at a pace of at least 3.0 mph (average walking speed), ability to move K cylinders onto dollies, ability to change K and E gas cylinder regulators with a wrench and ability to lift boxes up to 25 pounds in weight.
- Ability to perform pulmonary function tests for demonstration purposes and for the collection of biological control data for QC- purposes
Personal Protective Equipment:
- Follows standard precautions using personal protective equipment as required.
By embracing and understanding the diversity EVERY ONE brings, Cleveland Clinic has created an inclusive culture that promotes innovation, growth, and new ideas. This has enhanced our ability to attract the best global talent to provide the best patient experience possible. Cleveland Clinic is pleased to be an equal employment/affirmative action employer: Women/Minorities/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. Smoke/drug free environment.
