University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Application – Hyperbaric Technician

Under the direction of the Program Director, the individual in this position will act as the attendant and control operator during clinical treatment using monoplace hyperbaric (HBOT) chambers. The individual accepts responsibility and accountability for working within the framework of safety guidelines set forth by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and regulatory requirements dictated by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) and the National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine Technology (NBDHMT). The Hyperbaric Technician follows all Paradigm and hospital policies and procedures. The individual will comply with hospital standards while performing job duties and responsibilities and will demonstrate competence in these essential functions through the ability to perform functions, including, but not limited to, the common examples listed.

Responsibilities

• Under the direction of the Clinical Manager/Program Director or designee, appropriately intervenes in the event of an adverse reaction and follows established protocols.
• Documents required elements of each treatment in a clear, concise manner that includes a description of the chamber settings, duration of treatment, patient response to the procedure, and any other relevant observations made.
• Cleans chamber following each treatment, according to recommendation of manufacturer, and in accordance with established facility infection control policies. Maintains emergency equipment and supplies located in the HBO area. Documents equipment checks as required by established policies.
• Chamber Operations: Demonstrates and applies basic knowledge about HBOT chamber operations to ensure efficacy of treatment and safety of the patient and those in the immediate area. Demonstrate knowledge of the basic physiological principles/concepts of the HBO treatment and incorporates them into the treatment process.
• Monitors and ensures the proper delivery of treatment gas as ordered. Monitors the patients continually during treatments for symptoms of oxygen intolerance, claustrophobia, hypoglycemic reactions, decompression sickness, barotraumas or any other adverse reaction to HBO treatments.
• Demonstrates competence in reinforcing age specific patient and family education on common topics related to the HBO therapy and related underlying disease processes.
• Quality Management/Performance Improvement: Actively participates in the unit-based quality improvement program by ensuring the accuracy and completeness of information tracked through the quality management processes. Documents accurately, legibly and promptly all patient related information. Reports any untoward events or unusual observations related to patient care to the supervising hyperbaric physician to facilitate review and adjustment of the plan of care as needed. Facilitates discussion between the patient and the physician, and responds accurately and in a timely manner to patient questions with direct information and/or referral to the appropriate source if additional information is required. Assumes and active role in the department by attendance at and participation in staff meetings, in-services, and other related activities.
• Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities: Demonstrates a high degree of skill in HBO therapy, chamber operations, basic EKG monitoring, and emergency care, taking initiative and working independently in a fast paced environment. Maintains the appropriate levels of competence through professional development activities.
• Demonstrates competence in performing ordered treatments including but not limited to vital signs, blood sugars, and emergency procedures consistent with existing policies and within his/her scope of practice. Please read and understand the hospital policy regarding glucose monitoring and follow accordingly.
• Able to complete a two-person lift, wheelchair to exam table or bed to stretcher. Ability to understand and properly apply various emergency procedures outlined in the chamber operation manual to ensure the safety of the patient. Demonstrates working knowledge of various computer software including word processing and spreadsheet functions.
• Health and Safety: The HBOT tech will provide patient care in a safe environment by: Utilizing safe procedures in infection control, exposure control, equipment, supplies, facility, emergency, safety, fire and disaster plans, adhering to guidelines or standards of practice in the community, the hospital and all current wound and/or hyperbaric center policies and procedures. Adhering to guidelines or standards of practice in the community, associate hospital and all current wound center policies and procedures. Demonstrating consistent use of OSHA guideline, Standard/Universal precautions and proper body mechanics.
• Direct Patient Care Services: Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of wound care and non-wound related indications for HBO therapy, including those approved by Medicare, other payors, and the UHMS
• Demonstrates safe operation of all chamber equipment and associated supplies. Participates in the preventative maintenance of equipment and document as per established guidelines. Meet regularly with hospital safety director and attend safety committee meetings as required.
• Operates controls to pressurize and depressurize the chamber according to prescribed policies for clinical indications and physician orders. Maintains accurate logs and records of the time, pressures, depth, etc. of chamber operations according to established protocols. Performs maintenance of the hyperbaric chamber(s) and related support systems under the guidance of the HBOT Program Director.
• Delivers care to the patient immediately prior to, during, and immediately following the HBO treatment that is consistent with existing policies within his/her scope of practice and documents all aspects of that care.
  

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Certification in Hyperbaric Technology preferred or ability to acquire such certification in a reasonable period of time.
• At least one-year experience in a patient care environment and/or diving/medical hyperbaric experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of various control systems of the chamber or ability to acquire such knowledge in a reasonable period of time.
  

Licensure, Certifications, And Clearances

BCLS Certification required One of the following qualifying vocational licenses: Respiratory Therapist, Diver Medic, Physician Assistant, Corpsman, medical Service Specialist, EMT, Paramedic, RN, LVN/LPN, Physician, CNA (Certified Nursing Aide), Medical Assistant, Physiologist, Medical Reseracher, Certified Hyperbaric Tech or Others approved on a case by case basis CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire

• Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran
  

COVID-19 Vaccination Information

Individuals hired into this role must comply with UPMC’s COVID vaccination requirements upon beginning employment with UPMC. Refer to the COVID-19 Vaccination Information section at the top of this page to learn more.

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