HYPERBARIC TECH - LPN

General Purpose of Job:
Responsible for administering hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy and diagnostic testing to patients of the WHC, under the supervision of a hyperbaric physician. Provides nursing services for the treatment and care of wound clinic patients under the direction of a Registered Nurse and clerical service under the direction of the department manager/assistant manager or direct appointee.

Essential Duties:

• Greet and interact with patients and visitors in a professional manner and direct them to appropriate personnel; answer department telephone and refer calls to appropriate personnel.
• Perform transcutaneous oxygen monitoring testing as ordered and per departmental policy.
• Ascertain that the patient's diagnosis is one of the appropriate approved disorders for HBO Therapy, and that the said diagnosis is clearly entered on the patient's charts/records.
• Implement the physician's orders as indicated by the patient's treatment plan.
• Educate patient and/or patient's family as to the benefits, risks, contraindications, and safety issues of hyperbaric oxygen therapy prior to treatment.
• Perform blood glucose monitoring as ordered and indicated by patient diagnosis.
• Inspect the patient prior to the commencement of each HBO treatment to ensure all safety standards are being adhered to, i.e. 100% cotton attire, no makeup, no hairspray, etc.
• Perform the HBO treatment and monitor the patient during therapy.
• Perform dressing changes and/or wound care within scope of practice, as ordered and participate in clinic when HBO volumes are below par.
• Take serial photographs of the wound for reporting of the patient's progress.
• 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 check backup air and oxygen supplies on a daily basis.
• Perform data entry into ODMS and collate reports as requested by the Program Director.
• Orient new employees as necessary.
• Participate in New Patient Reviews to assess for HBO indicators.