Job Title: Hyperbaric Chamber Operator

JOB SUMMARY

The hyperbaric chamber operator is an individual that has documentation of successful completion of a 40-hour National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology (NBDHMT) – approved, Introductory Hyperbaric Medicine Course.  The hyperbaric chamber operator assists in the provision of safe and therapeutic management of patient care to an assigned group of patients through utilization of the Nursing Process, in adherence to the Standards of Practice and policies and procedures and in collaboration with other members of the health care team.  The hyperbaric chamber operator responsibility and accountability is as follows:

1. Assisting the Medical Director, medical staff and registered nurses with the assessment, treatment, and education of patients in the wound care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy medicine department.
2. Education: Accountable for patient education (orientation). Accountable for maintaining professional competencies. Supports unit education through a variety of activities, such as precepting, unit in-services, and may also assist in organizational educational programs.
3. Communication: Is accountable for effective communication with patients/family, care team members and physicians regarding the patient’s progress on the plan of care and response to treatment.
4. Staff Development: Participates in the orientation of new employees. Works in partnership with members of the team.
5. Quality: Follows the plan of care/Clinical Pathways assuring progression toward quality outcomes. 
6. Collaboration: Consults with physicians and team members regarding changes in patient’s condition. Supports the roles of all co-workers. Maintains effective relationships with primary and consulting physicians.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING

1. Must have a current and valid ________ (state) license in the respective field of qualifying credential (e.g. Registered Nurse or Respiratory Therapist)
2. Maintenance of National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology  (NBDHMT) qualifying credential
3. Current Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certificate
4. Must have documentation of successful completing of a 40-hour National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology (NBDHMT) – approved Introductory Hyperbaric Medicine Course.
5. Certification as a Hyperbaric Technologist (CHT) successfully obtained within 365 days of eligibility. Eligibility as stated by the National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology (NBDHMT).
6. Should have at least 12 months of recent practical experience in clinical hyperbaric medicine, after meeting the entry-level qualifications and training requirements as delineated in this document for an entry-level hyperbaric technologist.
7. Should have a working understanding of the codes and regulations that govern the operation of a hyperbaric medicine facility.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

Organizational Responsibilities

1. Displays leadership by: Modeling behaviors in support of the Mission Statement, Service Standards and Values Related Behaviors of Hyperbaric Medicine Service; using effective interpersonal skills to develop positive working relationships; participation in educational opportunities for personal and professional growth; contribution to organizational and departmental goals.
2. Supports quality improvement by: Striving to do the right things the right way the first time; using quality tools and techniques as appropriate; demonstrating flexibility and resilience in response to change.
3. Demonstrates individual effectiveness by: Maintaining a positive, open-minded and team-oriented attitude; following through on commitments; performing job responsibilities in a manner consistent with organizational policies; communicating effectively with others; using resources effectively and efficiently; making suggestions and supporting the implementation of strategies to increase revenue and/or reduce operational expenses.
4. Focuses efforts to provide services that exceed the expectations of our customers by: Anticipating and responding to customer needs; seeing customer satisfaction as a key measure of success; integrating service focus into daily routine.
5. Models teamwork by: Participating actively as a team member on a departmental and organizational level; fostering collaboration among members of the team; and recognizing the efforts and successes of other individuals and teams.

Job Specific Responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities

•  Assisting in the coordination of hyperbaric patients.
• Assisting in the day-to-day operation of the hyperbaric facility.
•  Maintaining competencies, continuing education, and certifications as appropriate to the position
• Performing patient care within the scope of practice as a Nurse, Respiratory Therapist, PT, Paramedic.
• Keeping complete and accurate patient records as they pertain to assessment, treatments and documentation of care.
• Participates in quality assurance programs as requested by the Program Director.
• Participates in the safety program.
• Participates in organizational committees and task forces as requested.
• Participates in the discussion and review of articles in the field of hyperbaric oxygen.

Assessment

• Assesses the patient’s level of functioning on admission, transfer and discharge.  Differentiates findings from defined limits of normal.
  
• Uses professional judgment in day to day problem solving and decision making.  Seeks assistance from Clinical Coordinator and peers as needed.  Assists others.
• Assesses patient’s educational needs and develops a plan to meet these needs.
• Assesses discharge needs and communicates to team members.

Planning

• Follows the plan of care in collaboration with the patient care team.
  
• Provides care in consideration of length of stay and patient/family needs.
• Reviews discharge care with patient/family/physician and other team members.

Intervention

• Administers medications and treatments according to patient needs, physician orders and policies, consistent with the scope of care for qualifying credential.
  
• Participates in patient/family conferences as a member of the patient care team.
• Utilizes patient teaching to provide new information to patient/family.  Utilizes patient teaching according to policy.
• Collaborates with Program Director, Clinical Coordinator, physician, and other caregivers to provide effective patient care.
• Makes rounds regularly on assigned patients.
• Documents care on appropriate forms.
• Assures patient and family care award of team members roles and introduces care team on admission.
• Delegates tasks appropriately to team members.

Evaluation

• Evaluates patient’s response to treatment utilizing knowledge of disease process and patient’s story.
  
• Evaluates patient’s progress on plan of care.
• Evaluates patients continued learning needs and provides feedback to the Clinical Coordinator

Other

• Demonstrates flexibility in meeting staffing needs of department.
  
• Utilized staffing and scheduling guidelines to identify staffing needs.
• Participates in new employee orientation.
• Performs other duties as assigned. 
• Maintains clinical expertise in area of specialty.
• Participates in performance improvement activities.