Pulmonary Function Therapist

Job Summary:

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority patient safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position. Under the general supervision of the Pulmonary Function Supervisor or Designate, and under the order of a Physician, the Pulmonary Function Therapist provides routine clinical respiratory care to patients and performs Pulmonary Diagnostic procedures in accordance with established policies, procedures, professional standards and Diagnostic Accreditation Program (DAP).

Duties/Accountabilities:

1. Performs all Pulmonary Function Category IV Laboratory tests as defined by the Diagnostic Accreditation program.
2. Calibrates and verifies the functional operation of the diagnostic equipment prior to patient testing with calibration syringes, flow dynamic and gas analysis procedures.
3. Performs a variety of specialized pediatric pulmonary diagnostic procedures such as:
a. C.O. Membrane Testing.
b. Impulse Oscillometry.
4. Assesses patients’ overall status to ensure patient safety and optimal patient effort throughout the procedure.
5. Evaluates patient’s responses during testing and therapies; observes and records details on patient chart.
6. Performs in-service education and demonstrates procedures to students, physicians and other members of the health care team. These include but are not limited to; administration of medication, peak flowmeter instruction, basic pulmonary function testing procedures to residents, instruction of Cystic Fibrosis patients and family in the importance of pulmonary function testing in Cystic Fibrosis treatment modality.
7. Assists with the maintenance of quality assurance and infection control standards through specialized testing (alveolar volume checks, functional residual capacity syringe analysis, biological normal testing, and use of inline filters with communicable diseases), completion of forms and the attendance at quality control meetings and workshops.
8. Performs routine calibration, maintenance and cleaning of equipment.
9. Prepares patient pulmonary function data/ graphic reports and pertinent statistical information for submission to Finance.
10. Attends departmental meetings, and other meetings as assigned, to provide or exchange information.
11. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience
• Graduate of an accredited school of Respiratory Therapy and successful completion of the Canadian Board of Respiratory Care examination.
• Eligible for membership with the British Society of Respiratory Therapists (BCSRT) and the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (CSRT).
• Current Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation certification.
• Minimum of one year’s recent related pediatric Pulmonary Function Diagnostic experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Skills and Abilities
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to organize work and set priorities.
• Ability to deal with others effectively.
• Knowledge of and ability to operate all equipment related to the job.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.