"Hyperbaric Chamber Technician"

Administers hyperbaric oxygen therapy to wound care patients as prescribed by a Physician under the direction of the Program Director, Medical Director and/or Clinical Coordinator of the Wound Care Program. Responsible for the safe and effective operation of the hyperbaric chambers and related support systems. May adapt procedures, processes and techniques to meet the more complex requirements of the position. Provides clinical assistance by taking vital signs, preparing specimens, dressing wounds, or scribing. Assists the provider with wound debridement, procedures, and supports patients where needed.

Main Responsibilities:

• Wound Care Clinic Staffing - 60%: Provides direct care to patients in the Wound Care Clinic. Assists provider, nursing staff, and other clinical resource staff with complex wound management. Provides clinical assistance by taking vital signs, preparing specimens, dressing wounds, or scribing. Assists the provider with wound debridement, procedures, and supports patients where needed. Contributes to the development and implementation of nursing protocols to improve patient care.
• Hyperbaric Chamber Attendant – 20%: Provides assistance to patients in the chamber during Hyperbaric Oxygen treatments. Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of chamber equipment, patient safety procedures, patient selection and treatment protocols. Demonstrates ability to respond to complications of therapy.
• Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber Operator – 20%: Safely operates the chamber, demonstrates in-depth knowledge of chamber equipment, patient safety procedures, patient selection and treatment protocols.
• Administers hyperbaric oxygen therapy under physician supervision.
• Operates and maintains hyperbaric chamber and associated systems and equipment under direction of Physician.
• Monitors patients in the chamber and records patient condition. Ensures patient comfort and reports any unusual occurrences.
• Maintains operating, maintenance and safety logs on hyperbaric equipment.
• Keeps patient treatment records and collects data as required.
• Prepares, educates and orients patients about the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.
• Administers the hyperbaric oxygen therapy as prescribed by the Hyperbaric Provider to the patient.
• Makes appropriate data entries for daily hyperbaric treatments and wound care clinic visits and keeps complete and accurate patient records.
• Operates and maintains the hyperbaric chamber and other hyperbaric support oxygen systems as required.
• Participates in the safety program activities such as assisting with safety drills.
• Educate patient and/or patient’s family as to the benefits, risks, contraindications, and safety issues of hyperbaric oxygen therapy before treatment.
• Perform blood glucose monitoring as ordered.
• Inspect the patient prior to the commencement of each Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy session to ensure all safety standards are being adhered to.
• Perform the hyperbaric treatments and monitor the patient during therapy.
• Evaluate the patient outcome and meet with the manager and the hyperbaric physician to discuss patient treatment and adjust treatment as necessary.
• Consult with hyperbaric physician regarding any adverse reactions.
• Document treatment notes and maintain patient treatment/diagnostic records.
• Complete the patient’s treatment charges, if required.
• Perform quality control daily on department glucometer, or as required by policy.
• Clean and maintain the equipment according to infection control standards.
• Maintain continuous quality improvement duties and chart audits.
• Answer telephone inquiries and schedule patient treatment times.
• Perform marketing duties as needed, intra- and interdepartmental.
• Perform an inventory check and maintain a record of supplies and laundry items.
• Maintain equipment and checks backup air and oxygen supplies on a daily basis.
• Perform data entry into system and collate reports as requested by the director.
• Orient new employees as necessary.
• Participate in New Patient Reviews to assess for HBO indicators.
• Assist with the operation of hyperbaric chambers, associated equipment and systems.
• Operate and ensure maintenance of high-pressure gas compressors and associated gas delivery, storage and control systems.
• Maintain adequate inventory of materials, supplies and equipment.
• Provides direct care to patients in the Wound Care Clinic. Assists provider, nursing staff, and other clinical resource staff with complex wound management.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Current licensure as a Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse in the State of Michigan. OR Current licensure as an Emergency Services Technician.
• Completion of a National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology-approved hyperbaric medicine introductory course within one year of hire.
• Certification as a Hyperbaric Chamber Technician from the National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology (NBDHMT) within one year of hire.
• This position requires Primary Source Verification

Preferred Qualifications:

• 2 years of healthcare experience
• 1 year of Hyperbaric Chamber Technician experience
• Knowledge of hyperbaric operations and safety procedures
• Ability to function in hyperbaric chamber environments

This position requires frequent standing/walking, as well as lifting, positioning, pushing, and/or transferring of patients. Successful completion of the fitness to dive physical and assessment.

Internal Number: 272365