Description:
The Respiratory Physiology/Pulmonary Function Department in Beaumont Hospital and the Sleep Diagnostic Department in St Joseph’s Hospital, Raheny carry out a range of non-invasive lung function and sleep investigations for inpatients, out-patients, and ambulatory care patients under the care of Beaumont Hospital.
These include:
- Spirometry (with reversibility testing)
- Lung volume measurement by gas dilution methods and body plethysmography
- Diffusion capacity measurement
- Tests of respiratory muscle function including MIP, MEP and SNIP
- Forced Oscillometry Technique
- Bronchial Provocation tests
- Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET)
- Polysomnography and limited sleep studies (including home studies) with analysis, scoring and reporting
- Non-invasive Ventilation (CPAP) set-up, monitoring and optimisation
The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate an appropriate level of knowledge and competence and be suitably qualified to perform/train in all of these areas.
Responsibilities:
The main Roles and Responsibilities of the Respiratory Physiologist are as follows:
- To carry out his/her duties under the supervision and control of the Chief II and Chief I Respiratory Physiologist/Consultant in charge or other such person designated for that purpose by the Board.
- To carry out the duties of a Respiratory Physiologist in the hospital or at any other location as maybe required by the Chief Executive or designated officer.
- To work flexible hours in order to deliver patient oriented service.
To keep such records appropriate to his/her office as he/she may be required by the Chief Executive or designated officer.
- To attend at such times and such places as may be designated by the Chief Executive or designated officer and to remain in attendance there as long as his/her services are required.
Specific Technical requirements:
- Competence in history taking and interpretation of request forms
- Prioritisation of tests based on clinical need appropriately
- Performance of the procedures listed above to expected high standard
- Recognition of abnormal results
- Notification of the referring physician when abnormal results are identified
Technical interpretation of spirometry tests highlighting abnormal or inconsistent results
- Presentation of all performed test results appropriately
- Participation in patient care. i.e. preparation and reassurance of the patients.
- Proficiency in initiating, and assisting in, medical emergencies including Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.
- Maintenance of clear and accurate patient records according to hospital and professional policies/guidelines.
Equipment management:
- Completion of daily maintenance , calibration ,verification or biocontrols of equipment
- Completion of daily cleaning and decontamination of equipment as per manufacturer recommendations and in conjunction with hospital infection control policy
- Regular maintenance of equipment and completion of quality assurance checks.
- Correct handling of hazardous materials e.g. Special gas mixtures, chemicals
- Maintenance of adequate laboratory supplies.
- Participate in continuing education, remaining up-to-date with national/departmental quality assurance protocols
Customer/Client Focus:
- Awareness and appreciation of the service user.
- Ability to empathise with and treat patients, relatives and colleagues with dignity and respect.
Planning & Organisation:
- Effective time management.
- Ability to manage deadlines and manage multiple tasks effectively.
Staff Development and Training:
- Participation in continuing Professional Development and ensure that knowledge and training is up to date.
- Completion of all Hospital Mandatory training
- Ensure that any educational materials and information databases which are used are up to date and evidence based.
- Contribute to the education of nursing, medical and other staff in the implementation of patient care related to respiratory physiological measurement.
- Commitment to in-service training of students and other physiologists