Job Description

Administers hyperbaric oxygen therapy and diagnostic testing to patients of the Department of Hyperbaric Medicine, under the supervision of a hyperbaric physician. The hyperbaric physician will order all therapeutic and diagnostic modalities. Participates as a member of the Care Team and is accountable to function as a team member to accomplish patient outcomes identified in the pathway/plan of care. Patients served include children 6 and up, young adults, and Adult-geriatric. The position is also responsible for the patient daily treatment schedule and related daily chamber operations and safety.

Principal Responsibilities and Tasks

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. These are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

1. Responsible for the daily start-up and shut down of the hyperbaric area. Responsible for daily treatment and safety checklists.
2. Weekly safety checklists for maintenance of chamber.
3. Patient education related to hyperbaric and wound care.
4. Collect vital signs, finger stick glucose monitoring, and any other basic clinical duties assigned
5. Performs direct patient observation during treatments
6. Regularly communicates patient condition with physicians, CRNPs, and nurses.
7. Performs various other duties such as dressing breakdowns and applications and assists patients when relocating from wheelchairs to gurneys.
8. Assists with positional adjustments of the patient during wound care and hyperbaric treatments.
9. Maintains a safe, clean and orderly environment for patients.
10. Responsible cleaning and maintaining equipment according to quality and infection control standards.
11. Responsible for accurate completion of treatment documentation.
12. Responsible for ordering and maintaining supply for smooth chamber operation.
13. Follow department policies, procedures, quality standards, and safety standards.
14. Complies with governmental and accreditation regulations.
15. Contributes to improvement by participating in meetings, training, in-service education, and performance improvement activities as directed.
16. Participates in meetings and on committees and represents the department and hospital in community outreach efforts.
17. May have to be cross- trained and possibly travel to both Midtown and Downtown Hyperbaric chamber.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

1. Associate Degree required
2. Basic Life Support (BLS) required.
3. Respiratory Therapist licensed by the State of Maryland.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Attendance and successful completion of the Introductory to Hyperbaric Medicine course within the past 3 years.
2. Successful completion of the Certified Hyperbaric Technologist examination within 1 year of employment.
3. Basic computer skills.
4. Previous hyperbaric chamber operator experience preferred.

Patient Safety

Ensures patient safety in the performance of job functions and through participation in hospital, department or unit patient safety initiatives.

1. Takes action to correct observed risks to patient safety.
2. Reports adverse events and near misses to appropriate management authority.
3. Implements policies, procedure, and standards consistently in the performance of assigned duties.
4. Develops effective working relationships and maintains good communication with other team members.
5. Identifies possible risks in processes, procedures, devices and communicates the same to those in charge.

Additional Information

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