Brown Medicine·Cranston, Rhode Island
Perform a variety of diagnostic pulmonary function tests and assist physicians during bronchoscopy procedures. Educate patients and families on respiratory care, inhaled medications, and airway clearance techniques.
Under the general supervision of the Director of Pediatric Pulmonology, and following standard policies and procedures, performs a variety of diagnostic pulmonary function tests on patients using spirometers, gas analyzers, oximeters, and other equipment to evaluate and test for lung disease. When assisting a physician, obtains washing samples, tissue samples, and performs other procedures within the lung using bronchosopes, biopsy forceps and other instruments. Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another.
Receives orders from physicians for pulmonary function tests (PFT) to be performed on patients. Reviews patient medical records, informing physician of any previous difficulty with testing.
Explains procedures and gives instructions on various breathing maneuvers to patients to allay fears and obtain accurate results from tests.
Records data and reads graphical data from tests and performs routine mathematical calculations.
Performs a variety of diagnostic pulmonary function test procedures on patients including:
a.).Routine pulmonary function studies using spirometer, body box and gas analyzer to measure flow rates.
b.)Drawing arterial blood gas
c.)Measure peak cough flow, FeNO
d.)Methocholine challenge test
e.)Perform impulse oscillometry and infant stress oximetry
f.)More advanced testing such as measurement of carbon monoxide diffusing capacity, lung volumes and respiratory muscle pressures.
g.)Monitors patient during six-minute walk test
h.)tcPCO2 monitoring
i.)Assist in other procedures as needed, including bronchoscopy (see below)
2.Lab Management: Maintain Supplies available in PFT lab
Clean equipment after use-Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Infection Prevention and Control guidelines in use, HEPA filtration unit maintenance
Calibrate and maintain testing equipment: identify and seek resolution for technical problems
Oxygen e-Cylinder for PFT lab
Maintain portable suction machine (check daily, stock supplies)
Maintain a clean work environment
3.Testing Equipment: Calibrate and maintain spirometer/laptop
Troubleshoot as needed for the Respiratory and Immunology Center (RIC) and the satellite offices
Maintain spirometer supplies by ordering and restocking
4. General Respiratory Care: Obtain sputum samples (tracheal aspirate, throat swab, induction)
Assist in Respiratory Care for VIP clinic
Assist in Respiratory Care for CF clinic, including yearly evaluation of all patients
Assist in Respiratory Care for Pediatric Pulmonology clinic
Assist in Respiratory Care for Asthma allergy clinic
Maintain medication supply (bronchodilators, mucolytics, hydration, provocholine)
Assist providers with bronchoscopy procedures (procedure room, OR suite, PICU) by preparing equipment, assist with taking samples, cytological washings and tissue biopsy using bronchoscope and biopsy brush
Obtain equipment and supplies from various departments/areas, maintain clean storage area, track cleaning and disinfecting of scopes prior to use, maintain bronchoscope travel bag packed with supplies
Order medium for transporting of biopsies or cytology washing
Order equipment provider deems necessary for the procedure (scissors, clamps)
Act as respiratory therapy liaison for pulmonologists and other medical staff regarding inpatient care/equipment or testing as needed
Proper use of inhaled medications and multiple devices for delivery
Proper order of inhaled medications in conjunction with airway clearance
Airway clearance rational and techniques (Chest PT technique, Autogenic Drainage, PEP/OPEP devices, different Vest therapy systems, etc.)
High tech equipment (mechanical ventilators, CPAP and BiPAP machines and cough assist machines
Tracheostomy care
Pulse Oximetry: Create cough assist care plans for patients
Complete annual visits for CF patients, update care plans and provide expert airway clearance and equipment guidance
Cleaning and disinfection (at home and hospital of devices/equipment) to be taught
Educate co-workers/nurses in airway clearance, medication delivery and devices
Perform clinical administrative functions as requested such as manage patient test results, document and scan, assign to interpreting provider, send results to ordering provider as needed in EMR
Participate in QI and other projects within the department or for special groupsDevelop and present educational tools to staff and patients
Attend national and/or regional conferences
Attend staff meetings or administrative meetings as needed
Performs other duties as assigned
Completion of High School plus an AMA approved Associate Degree Respiratory Therapy program.
Certification or Registry required.
Licensed as a Respiratory Care Practitioner in the State of Rhode Island.
Knowledge of test procedures and reactions of patients while undergoing test procedures.
Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care patients with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.
Experience: One year of related experience preferred
Works in a patient care environment where both physical and mental effort is required to deal with patients, families, all levels of hospital staff, etc.
$34.01-$55.55
Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.
Rhode Island Hospital - 593 Eddy Street Providence, Rhode Island 02903
Work Type: M-Saturday 8A-6P as scheduled
Market context
In Rhode Island, allied-health employers commonly look for licensed Physical Therapists to support outpatient, inpatient, and rehabilitation settings, so demand tends to stay steady for qualified candidates. These roles are competitive because employers often prioritize an accredited PT degree, an unrestricted license, and current CPR/BLS certification, alongside benefits like medical coverage and disability protection. Before applying, confirm your license and BLS are current, and use the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to quickly compare openings without rereading the full posting.