Hyperbaric Technologist

J  o  b    D  e  s  c  r  i  p  t  i  o  n

          Joy                         Care                      Competence                    Respect

Position Summary

The Hyperbaric Technologist is responsible to administers hyperbaric oxygen therapy to patients as prescribed by the Hyperbaric Physician and/or Hyperbaric Advanced Practice Provider. Responsible for the safe and effective operation of the hyperbaric chamber(s) and related support systems. Assists in patient preparation for treatment. Reinforces education as it relates to hyperbaric therapy. Maintains complete and accurate patient records as they pertain to treatment documentation. Performs hyperbaric chamber operations and system maintenance as required. Supports clinical hyperbaric facility accreditation. Participates in the safety program. Maintains competencies, continuing education and certifications as appropriate. Lifts patient for transfer. Needs to be able to hear patients and staff and listen to equipment for malfunctions. Assist with wound clinic patient care and scheduling as assigned.

High School Diploma or GED is required. 

1-2 years of Hyperbaric and/or Wound Care experience preferred.

Licensed in the state of practice as a Certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Respiratory Therapist (RT), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), or Medical Assistant (MA) is required.

Basic Life Support (BLS) is required.

Must obtain certification as Certified Hyperbaric Specialist (CHS), Certified Hyperbaric Technician (CHT), or Dive Medical Technician (DMT) within 36 months of hire.

Completion of a National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology approved minimum 40 hour Introductory to Hyperbaric Medicine Training Course within 6 months of hire.

Maintains excellent interpersonal communication with the health care team colleagues.

Documents services provided to patients in the electronic medical record in accordance with policy and requirements.

Participates in continuing education opportunities and maintains certifications, licensure as appropriate.

Attends required in-services and meetings.

Possesses information, skill, and understanding of the work to be performed.

Complies with all standards, policies and procedures including dress code, attendance and punctuality.

Assist with wound care patients: rooming patients, taking vital signs and weights, removing wound dressings, taking wound photos, assisting RNs with wound dressing applications, scheduling appointments.

Operates valves, reads gauges, and communicates with the patient, recognizing problems, making decisions and chart accordingly. Makes adjustments to machines as appropriate to treatment protocol and emergencies.

Performs all aspects of hyperbaric operations in accordance with manufacturer recommendations, industry standards and safe practices i.e., "alignment of Oxygen system, cleaning and inspection of chambers, pressurize/depressurize chambers, monitor patient and equipment status.

Lifts or transfers patients.

Utilizes sphygmomanometer, stethoscope, otoscope, blood glucose and monitor assess patient pre and post treatment.

Supports clinical hyperbaric facility accreditation.

Evaluates hyperbaric chamber equipment/supplies used in the chamber and ensures that they meet all safety requirements before they are permitted inside the chamber. Has the authority to restrict or remove any potentially hazardous supply or equipment items from the chamber with the approval from the Medical Director and/or Department Director.

Maintains a safe environment in the hyperbaric facility for patients and staff and uses approved and recognized decompression procedures for all persons with a hyperbaric exposure to inert gases.

Possess the information, skill, and understanding of the work to be performed.  Actively participates in continuing education opportunities and maintains certifications, licensure as appropriate.

Reduces the risk of healthcare acquired infections through compliance with current CDC hand hygiene guidelines and facility policies including the wearing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), if applicable.  Utilizes standard precautions during patient contact and when handling contaminated materials.  Demonstrates compliance with National Patient Safety Goals.

Complies with all standards, policies and procedures including dress code, attendance and punctuality.  Attends required in-services and meetings and completes all mandatory competencies by deadline.  Commits to keeping all patient, student or colleague information confidential and maintains excellent interpersonal communication with the health care team colleagues.

Emphasizes a holistic approach to patient care-attending to body, mind, and spirit while upholding ethical principles with patient care and all other aspects of work.  Actively involves the patient and family in decisions about care.  Promotes quality care by participating in organizational councils/committees and/or support of related process.  Documents services provided to patients in the electronic medical record in accordance with policy and requirements. 

The purpose of this job description is to provide a summary of the major responsibilities performed by colleagues in this position. Colleagues may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this job description.  Variances in job duties performed may exist between facilities, and colleagues may perform other related duties as assigned to meet the needs of the organization.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical, Mental and Environmental Requirements Category:

Allied Health

Standing

X

Walking

X

Sitting

X

Lifting

X

50 lbs

Carrying

X

50 lbs

Pushing

X

50 lbs

Pulling

X

50 lbs

Climbing

X

Balancing

X

Stooping

X

Kneeling

X

Crouching

X

Crawling

X

Reaching

X

Use of Hands/Dexterity

X

Talking

X

Hearing

X

Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination

X

Extreme Cold

X

Extreme Heat

X

Humid

X

Wet

X

Noise

X

Hazards

X

Temperature Change

X

Positions in this category may experience a temperature change in his/her work environment.

Atmospheric Conditions

X

Vibration

X

Other