Pulmonary Function Technician, Full Time Days

Job Description

Pulmonary Function Technician, Respiratory Care Services Department, Full-Time Days

We're hiring a Pulmonary Function Technician , for the Respiratory Care Services department for a full-time day shift for the University of Chicago Medicine in Orland Park, IL.

Join one of the nation’s most comprehensive academic medical centers, University of Chicago Medicine, in a patient-focused and influential role as a Pulmonary Function Technician , with our Respiratory Care Services department. The Respiratory Care Services Department is committed to providing quality individualized care for adult, pediatric and neonatal patients through the employment of highly trained PFT, advanced technology and defined patient protocols. Our employees deliver world-class care in an environment where opinions are respected, decision-making is rewarded and teamwork is the order of the day. Our staff is encouraged to achieve their career goals, which in turn benefits all of our patients and the University of Chicago Medicine as a whole.

Under limited supervision, prepares and performs pulmonary function testing to measure the full range of pulmonary physiological capacities and capabilities of hospital patients. Administers respiratory care treatments, procedures, and protocols under the direct supervision of department leadership and physician. Provides for patient assessment to determine cardiopulmonary status, implement appropriate patient care protocols, or to maintain/improve cardiopulmonary hemodynamic status

Essential Job Functions

• Reviews patient charts to identify factors which would limit or deter effective testing.
• Interviews patients to determine the chief complaints obtain history of symptoms, obtain data regarding family and social history
• Observes and monitors patient reactions to tests being performed and determines safety of the test. Communicates all changes in the patients’ biophysical, and spiritual needs/status to the physicia
• Determines appropriate laboratory tests based on patient’s clinical history and physician’s questions. Prepares, demonstrates, understands, and selects form the following tests, the most valid results:
  • Arterial Blood Gas Analysis
  • Hemoglobin Determination
  • Respiratory Muscle Strength Measurement
  • Flow-Volume Loop
  • Single Breath Nitrogen Washout (N2 Delta)
  • Single Breath Diffusing Capacity/Single Breath Total Lung Capacity
  • Multi-breath Nitrogen Washout (FRC)
  • Body Plethysmography Lung Volumes
  • Airways Resistance/Specific Conductance
  • Spirometry before and after bronchodilator administration
  • Maximum Voluntary Ventilation
  • Slow Vital Capacity
  • Cardiopulmonary Exercise Tests (Invasive/Non-Invasive)
  • Home Oxygen Therapy Determinations (Invasive/Non-Invasive and Walking/Cycling)
  • Bronchial Provocation by Methacholine Inhalation Tests
  • Pulmonary Compliance/Pressure-Volume Curves
  • Pulmonary Shunt Studies
• Performs pulmonary function tests according to UCH Pulmonary function Laboratory manual criteria
• Assess test results to determine if further testing is recommended or contraindicated and notifies physician
• Performs arterial punctures. Analyzes blood samples for pH, PO2, HCO3, BE, O2 saturation and hemoglobin determinations
• Administers medication: bronchodilators, Methacholine, lidocaine, etc
• Attends to patient’s I.V., IMED, O2 and personal needs
• Demonstrates pulmonary function tests and explains their use to medical students, residents, fellows, nurses, and staff
• Performs quality control. Maintains daily log. Enters blood gas quality control data into computer program for statistical analysis and graphic display. Analyzes results and performs necessary corrective action. Notifies supervisor if unable to correct the problem
• Monitors and performs necessary maintenance of equipment. Maintains daily record of all service conducted
• Performs other duties as requested by senior management.

Required Qualifications

• Two years of college level science (chemistry, physics, mathematics) or equivalent experience. Ability to operate, maintain, and repair electronic equipment.
• Mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity.
• Substantial understanding of human physiology.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Must be able to work independently and exercise sound judgment.
• Excellent attention to detail

Position Details

• Job Type/FTE: Full-Time (1.0 FTE)
• Shift: Days 8AM-5PM
• Unit/Department: Respiratory
• CBA Code: Non-Union

Why Join Us

We’ve been at the forefront of medicine since 1899. We provide superior healthcare with compassion, always mindful that each patient is a person, an individual. To accomplish this, we need employees with passion, talent and commitment… with patients and with each other. We’re in this together: working to advance medical innovation, serve the health needs of the community, and move our collective knowledge forward. If you’d like to add enriching human life to your profile, UChicago Medicine is for you. Here at the forefront, we’re doing work that really matters. Join us. Bring your passion.

UChicago Medicine is growing; discover how you can be a part of this pursuit of excellence at: UChicago Medicine Career Opportunities.

UChicago Medicine is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, civil union status, parental status, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status and other legally protected characteristics.

Must comply with UChicago Medicine’s COVID-19 Vaccination requirement as a condition of employment. If you have already received the vaccination, you must provide proof as part of the pre-employment process. This is in addition to your compliance with the Flu Vaccination requirement as well. Medical and religious exemptions will be considered consistent with applicable law. Lastly, a pre-employment physical, drug screening, and background check are also required for all employees prior to hire.

Compensation & Benefits Overview

UChicago Medicine is committed to transparency in compensation and benefits. The pay range provided reflects the anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position.

The pay range is based on a full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) and is reflective of current market data, reviewed on an annual basis. Compensation offered at the time of hire will vary based on candidate qualifications and experience and organizational considerations, such as internal equity. Pay ranges for employees subject to Collective Bargaining Agreements are negotiated by the medical center and their respective union.

Review the full complement of benefit options for eligible roles at Benefits - UChicago Medicine.

Salary : $36 - $48