Hyperbaric Safety Officer-Clinical

General Summary: The Hyperbaric Safety Officer is accountable for operation of the hyperbaric chambers. Also provides patient care and preparation of patients who enter the hyperbaric treatment environment. The Hyperbaric Safety Officer is actively involved in department activities, transdisciplinary team activities, and LifeCare activities to ensure individualized, patient-centered health care for all patient populations admitted to LifeCare Hospital.

Patient Population: Has contact with patients in a non-clinical setting; understands and demonstrates appropriate behavior when interacting with patients in the adult (18-65 years of age) and geriatric (65 and older) populations.

Essential Functions:

• Operates the chamber control console, hand-valve compressors and related equipment.
• Prepares ancillary equipment for use inside the chambers and attends to patients as directed by the Registered Nurse.
• Maintains accurate records of treatment, tests and other chamber-related activities both routine and emergency.
• Performs and maintains digital photography, performs non-invasive vascular testing and assists with wound care as directed.
• Coordinates regular safety inspections, equipment testing and preventative maintenance.
• Provides patient education related to both chamber safety and ear clearing techniques as they are prepared for treatment.
• Works closely with facility management associates and serves on the hospital’s safety committee or environment of care committee. Makes necessary recommendations for departmental safety policies and incorporates new safety procedures as appropriate.
• Provides safety training to other hyperbaric associates, has the authority to restrict or remove any potentially hazardous supply or equipment items from the chamber and provides in-service training related to hyperbaric as needed.
• Responsible for maintaining all facility safety-related standards as required by various licensing and regulatory agencies. Supports hospital and clinical hyperbaric facility accreditation as required.

Requirements

Experience: Previous wound care or hyperbaric experience preferred.

Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Completion of an accredited LPN/LVN, Respiratory Therapist, EMT or DMT program preferred.

Licensure/Certification: Current certification as a Hyperbaric Technician (CHT) issued through the National Board for Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology (NBDHMT) preferred. Successful completion of Nationally recognized Hyperbaric Safety Director Course such as ATMO within six (6) months of hire. Current license/certification as an LPN/LVN, Respiratory Therapist, EMT or DMT required. Current BLS certification is required upon hire. The Hyperbaric Safety Officer must maintain current licensure and BLS certifications while employed with LifeCare Hospitals.