Vocational/Practical Nurse (LVN/LPN) - Room for Advancement

The following are the duties of a hyperbaric technician:
- Perform hyperbaric chamber crew chief, chamber operator, and inside attendant duties.
- Have a working knowledge of the atmosphere conditions system, gas farm, chamber lighting system, nitrogen services, patient monitoring system (cameras), potable water and chamber toilet, chamber oxygen monitoring, patient entertainment system, pressurization and depressurization systems, fire suppression system chamber gas analysis system, mask breathing system, and automatic chamber control system. Be able to troubleshoot any issues that arise with these systems.
- Build, inspect, and maintain hyperbaric dive masks/hoods.
- Develop a working knowledge of emergency hyperbaric procedures.
- Prepare documents, turn in, and track equipment in need of repair.
- Prepare, issue and maintain file copy of temporary hand receipts for borrowed equipment.
- Prepare and maintain hyperbaric diver files.
- Once fully trained, conduct training for hyperbaric divers.
- Conduct training for chamber crew positions (Chamber Operator, Crew Chief, and Inside Attendant).
- Chamber operator duties include start-up, shut-down, and running the chamber.
The chamber operator monitors the patient's conditions during hyperbaric treatment dive and coordinates care with the inside attendant and hyperbaric physician.
- The crew chief assists the chamber operator during routine operations and also assists the chamber operator in the event of problems. Troubleshoots and corrects problems during the dive and between dives as necessary.
- The inside attendant must meet and maintain standards for hyperbaric chamber duty. The attendant must not be in a "duties not involving diving" status for longer than 90 days, as determined by a USAF flight surgeon. The exception to this standard is pregnancy. The inside attendant will be certified with a minimum of three supervised training hyperbaric dives.
- The technician should be expected to act as an inside attendant at least once per week, depending upon patient chambers.
- The inside attendant is inside the chamber during the treatment dive and monitors patients throughout the dive. The attendant will assist patients with equalizing pressure in their ears during the pressurization and depressurization. The attendant will assist with loading, unloading, and positioning of patients in the chamber.
- The attendant attaches the wound vacuum during the dive and monitors glucose if necessary.
- The technician prepares the procedure room/equipment, gathers and/or furnishes supplies in an efficient and timely manner, properly prepares and positions the patient and effectively assists providers in performing procedures.
- The technician directly performs or assists in the performance of a number of specialized minor nursing procedures, including, but not limited to, minor wound debridement and dressing changes.
- The technician prepares the procedure room and medical equipment for the procedure to be performed. Receives the patient and reviews their medical history.
- The technician uses the nursing process and participates in making nursing assessments. Prepares and positions the patient for the procedure and monitors vital signs.
- The technician closely monitors the patient's condition throughout the procedure and reports and/or notes changes in the patient's vital signs, symptoms, and general physical and emotional condition for inclusion in the patient care plan. - The technician performs procedures such as electrocardiograms (EKGs), urinary catheterizations, and suctioning of trachea.
- The technician documents the procedure in the patient's chart, hard copy or digital, as required.
- The technician monitors and evaluates patient response during exams, procedures, and treatments.
- The technician collects and labels urine, sputum, blood, and stool specimens.
- The technician obtains wound and other cultures, inserts and drains in-dwelling catheters, removes sutures, irrigates wounds, and performs venipunctures.
- The technician adheres to established aseptic procedures to protect themselves, other staff members, and patients from unnecessary exposure to infectious agents.
- The technician cleans and prepares equipment for sterilization.
- The technician disposes of infectious and hazardous waste materials in accordance with established procedure.
- The technician assists in the patient treatment process and disposition. Coordinates with medical and maintenance personnel on chamber equipment configuration and modification and patient hyperbaric treatment and hyperbaric research.
- The technician calculates dosages and administers medications by oral, topical, intradermal, subcutaneous, and intramuscular routes.
- The technician initiates intravenous fluids to include saline locks and monitors, regulates, and discontinues their usage.
- The technician observes and promptly notifies the nurse and/or physician of adverse physical and emotional reactions to medications. Exercises control over pharmaceuticals.
- The technician documents the administration of medications in accordance with established charting procedures.
- The technician recognizes the nature of emergencies and provides first aid in accordance with emergency protocols.
- The technician initiates and maintains cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) measures if first on the scene until additional responders arrive.
- The technician conducts patient and family teaching. Teaches patients.

Qualifications
Minimum qualifications for the position are as follows:
- Education: Must have completed an LVN/LPN program.
- Experience: Must have at least 24 months of clinical experience as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) within the past 36 months. Though not required, experience in hyperbaric medicine and wound care is desirable. - License/Certification: Must hold an active, unrestricted LPN/LVN license from any state. Additionally, within 6 months of hire, must obtain a Certified Hyperbaric Technician (CHT) certification from the National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology (NBDHMT).
Please note that the cost of hyperbaric certification and training course will be paid by ERP. - Physical: Must undergo a physical examination that meets USAF dive standards, followed by a hyperbaric chamber pressure test.
- Life Support Certification: Must possess a current American Heart Association BLS Healthcare Provider certification.
- Security: Must have the ability to pass a Government background check/security clearance.

Benefits
Enjoy excellent compensation and comprehensive benefits including paid vacation, sick time, and federal holidays. Medical, dental, and vision insurance, health savings accounts, and more. Also, receive an annual CME stipend, license/certification reimbursement, and matching 401K.

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