POSITION SUMMARY

The Hyperbaric Safety Coordinator, serving as safety director and the primary hyperbaric technician, provides a high quality and safe standard for patient care and performs duties under the supervision of the Medical Director, Manager, and/or Nursing Supervisor as appropriate for the program. The coordinator regularly communicates with physicians and staff and is ultimately responsible for courteous, efficient customer care and safe and effective operations of the hyperbaric chambers and supporting equipment. In addition, the coordinator oversees the day-to-day maintenance on the hyperbaric chamber(s) and related support systems.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education:

1. Completion of an accredited registered nurse program required.
2. Completion of a National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology approved hyperbaric medicine introductory course, preferred.
3. Bachelor of Science in Nursing, preferred.

Experience:

1. Hyperbaric experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

1. Possesses the following: Customer service skills; adaptability; attention to detail; ability to follow through; ability to multi-task; attention to safety and security; technical/functional proficiency; technical/functional knowledge; problem solving ability; sound judgment; good oral skills; ability to relax patients; good written communication skills; high energy disposition; excellent interpersonal skills.
2. Language ability: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
3. Math ability: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
4. Reasoning ability: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
5. Computer skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office, Outlook and Word; able to navigate through internet and intranet. Ability to learn internal clinical outcome database, upload photographs from camera.

License/Certification/Registration:

1. Licensed as a Registered Nurse in the State of Pennsylvania.
2. Within six (6) months of hire/transfer into position must complete a “National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology Introductory to Hyperbarics” course (a required 40 hour course).
3. Within thirty (30) months of hire/transfer must complete the “Safety Director of Hyperbarics” course.
4. Within seven (7) years of hire/transfer must become certified as a CHT, CHRN, or DMT.
5. Meets the American Heart Association’s standards for Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) and renews BLS every two (2) years.
6. Within four (4) months from the hire/transfer date, meets the American Heart Association’s standards for Healthcare Provider Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and renews ACLS every two years.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Receives general supervision from the Manager and works under the Nursing Supervisor and Medical Director.

SUPERVISION GIVEN

The position may lead other employees. This is determined by the needs of the program.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Performs the duties and responsibilities of a Hyperbaric Technician.
   1. Assists in patient preparation for treatment.
   2. Reinforces education as it relates to hyperbaric therapy.
   3. Keeps complete and accurate patient records as they pertain to treatment documentation.
   4. Performs hyperbaric chamber operations and system maintenance as required.
   5. Supports clinical hyperbaric facility accreditation.
   6. Participates in the safety program.
   7. Maintains competencies, continuing education and certifications as appropriate.
   8. Utilizing data software for wound management makes appropriate entries for daily hyperbaric treatments and wound care clinic visits including photo uploading.
   9. Lifts and/or transfers patients.
2. Oversees and assumes responsibility for all hyperbaric equipment.
3. Assumes responsibility for the safe and effective operation and maintenance of the hyperbaric chamber(s) and related systems and ancillary components.
4. Works closely with facility management personnel and department medical personnel.
5. Recommends necessary departmental safety policies and incorporate new safety procedures as appropriate.
6. Serves on the medical center’s safety committee or environment of care committee.
7. Possesses the authority to restrict or remove any potentially hazardous supply or equipment items from the chamber.
8. Provides leadership and safety training to other hyperbaric facility personnel, wound care staff, and other appropriate departments.
9. Maintains all facility safety-related standards as required by various licensing and regulatory agencies.
10. Ensures department compliance with NFPA 99, chapter 20, Hyperbaric Facilities and with unit safety policies and procedures.
11. Reviews all department safety incidents, collects information regarding equipment/patient safety, reports relevant incidents to the staff, and periodically provides in-service training related to hyperbarics.
12. Fosters a positive relationship between the department and local Fire Marshall, EMS Director, and Pressure Vessel Inspector, as appropriate for a given location.
13. Works closely with the Medical, Program, and Nursing Directors to develop and annually review/revise department policies and procedures and operation and maintenance documents.
14. Works closely with Manager and Mount Nittany Environment of Care Committee to coordinate and approve all hyperbaric chamber upgrades, modifications, and repairs to the hyperbaric system, including interactions with hospital maintenance personnel and outside contractors, to ensure that all maintenance activities are done in accordance with appropriate safety standards. Ensures that the testing of all modifications is performed before manned pressurization.
15. Evaluates hyperbaric chamber equipment/supplies used in the chamber and ensures that they meet all safety requirements before they are permitted inside the chamber.
16. Maintains a safe environment in the hyperbaric facility for patients and staff and uses approved and recognized decompression procedures for all persons with a hyperbaric exposure to inert gases.
17. Informs personnel of any special work conditions such as infection control, hazard control, and confined spaces.
18. Conducts quarterly hyperbaric chamber fire safety drills which are tailored to improve staff response to emergency situations.
19. Develops a procedure to assist the Medical Director in reviewing and documenting safety-related events and discusses appropriate event with other to facilitate learning.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Performs related and miscellaneous duties as assigned.