Registered Nurse (RN) – Hyperbaric On Call Emergency Team

• Collaborates with ASLMC Tertiary Access site and medical providers on the rapid transfer of patients from outside medical treatment facilities.
• Provides care for intensive-care patients being treated under atmospheric pressures greater than 0.4 psi (1 FSW) and up to 6 atmospheres absolute (ATA) of pressure or 165 feet of sea water (FSW).
• Responds to any untoward events related to the pathophysiology and physiological effects of increased atmospheric pressure on both the patient and the specialized equipment used in the hyperbaric environment.
• Responds to emergency situations (i.e. oxygen toxicity event, fire in an oxygen enriched environment, patient seizures, Code 4, and equipment failure while under pressure) utilizing appropriate protocols for conditions other than normal atmospheric pressure.
• Prepares and operates specialized hyperbaric-approved medical equipment for specialty care hyperbaric treatments under emergency conditions.
• Reinforces the risks and benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, decompression theory, hyperbaric physics, and alternative treatment options to patients.
• Assesses appropriate medication profile to include recognition of specific medications that are contraindicated for use in hyperbaric conditions.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient’s status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient’s requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department’s policies and procedures. Age-specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:

• Registered Nurse license issued by the state in which the team member practices, and
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification (ACLS) issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) needs to be obtained within 6 months unless department leader has determined it is not required.

Education Required:

• Associate’s Degree in Nursing.

Experience Required:

• Typically requires 2 years of experience in clinical nursing, with 1 of the 2 years recent ICU, ER or Cath Lab experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Excellent communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to develop rapport and maintain positive, professional relationships with a variety of patients, staff and physicians.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively make critical, independent decisions.
• Excellent organization, prioritization and problem solving skills.
• Ability to multi-task with frequent interruptions.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Must be able to bend, stoop, crawl and reach to complete preventative maintenance and emergency repairs to equipment.
• Must be able to:
• lift up to 50 lbs from floor to waist.
• lift up to 20 lbs over the head.
• carry up to 40 lbs a reasonable distance.
• Must be able to:
• push/pull with 30 lbs of force.
• perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs with a second person present.
• Must have visual senses to see monitoring equipment and speech and hearing ability to hear equipment alarms.
• Potential for exposure to mechanical, electrical, explosive and chemical hazards as well as blood and body fluids.
• Must be able to work in an enclosed and warm environment with temperatures ranging from 50(-120(F.
• Potential for barotramatic injury due to exposure to compressed air environment and risks of decompression when assisting inside the multiplace hyperbaric chamber.
• Completed Medical History Screen must be approved by the Medical Director. Must be able to successfully complete pre-employment chest X-Ray and an environmental pressurization test up to 165 FSW (feet of sea water). Audiology and Caisson’s radiology studies must be completed within 3 months of hire.
• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.