Respiratory Therapist

Overview

JOB SUMMARY:  

The respiratory care practitioner level I is responsible for general floor care as well as assimilation, assessment and synthesis in the critical care areas.  In addition the respiratory care practitioner level I is expected to exercise sound professional judgment in consulting with the medical staff.  Orientation of new employees to critical care areas and general floor and/or cardiopulmonary procedures is also a responsibility at this level.  The respiratory care practitioner level III is expected to work independently in the critical care areas and/or the cardiorespiratory area.

Responsibilities

Is able to perform routine therapy in the treatment of Cardiorespiratory diseases.

Responds to all codes and provides airway management and breathing in accordance with AHS Advanced Cardiac Life Support standards.

Has the ability to perform patient assessment, patient education and is able to make recommendations regarding patient care to the medical staff.

Operates department equipment according to published procedures, including cleaning, assembling and culturing of equipment.

Is able to perform blood gas drawing and analysis, pulmonary function, spirometry, EKG's and Holter monitoring and other modalities as required by the department.

Is able to work independently in the critical care units, the Emergency Room, and/or NICU, Cardiac Catherization Laboratory and open heart surgery.

Is up to date on policy and procedure and safety regulations and able to provide input for updating and making necessary changes in policy, procedure and quality improvement as related to the Cardiorespiratory Department.

Accurately maintains record keeping and documentation of work performed and required paperwork inherent to the position.

Keeps complete, up-to-date and accurate documentation of all procedures and results.

Responsibly completes all procedures scheduled during the shift without sacrificing the quality of work performed.

Responds to change in work schedule as necessary.  Uses time to departmental advantage; clerical duties, studying or learning new procedures, responding to emergency situations

Willingly accepts work that needs to be completed along with completion of assigned work.  Assists others as requested and permitted.

Attends required in-services and hospital meetings.

Shows evidence of keeping skills current with job performance

Shows the ability to recognize patient distress and formulate appropriate strategies to resolves the situation.

Consults with physician regarding the status of the patient and therapeutic modalities.

Demonstrates willingness to assist co-workers in the completion of daily tasks or special projects to support the department's efficiency.

Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Cardiorespiratory and/or Assistant Director and/or Supervisor, conscientiously.

Works cooperatively with others within the department and with other hospital departments.

Maintains a state-of-the-art level of practice by reading professional journals, research, and attending seminars

Maintains and respects department, patient and employee confidentiality.

Combines ethical judgment with technical skills within the policies and legal guidelines of the department and institution

Documents therapy and results in the patient's medical records.

Educates the patient and his/her family concerning the patient's pulmonary condition.

Attempts to understand patient's needs and responds accordingly.

Demonstrates the ability to assess a situation, consider alternatives and choose the appropriate course of action

Pursues information or asks for assistance from appropriate personnel when patients present particular difficulties.

Attempts to understand the needs of others in relation to the respiratory therapy role; uses good judgment when responding to the requests of physician

Takes action to remedy a critical situation.

When greeting a patient always introduces self in a pleasant manner, and asks patient's name.  Refers to patient by his/her name.

Demonstrates good rapport and cooperative working relations with all members of the Cardiorespiratory Department, knows all members by name; responds to co-workers with concern and cooperation.

Works at maintaining a good rapport and cooperative working relationship with all patient care personnel, with special emphasis towards nursing personnel and physicians.

Provides direction to patients, families, and visitors in a courteous and positive manner.

Handles telephone information requesting with courtesy, accuracy and respect for confidentiality.

Communicates with patients and with visitors in a positive and informative manner

Inspires confidence from patients, visitors, and co-workers by performing and communicating in a highly professional manner at all times.

Responsible for the completion of all procedures scheduled during the assigned shift; adjusts personal schedule in case of a real departmental need and in view of patient workload.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, 

High school diploma.

Graduate of a 2 year AMA approved Respiratory Care Program with 6 months of critical care experience and/or training

Has a current state license with the Board of Quality Assurance for Respiratory Care Practitioners. 

-AND-

Certified respiratory care practitioner with the National Board of Respiratory Therapy.Current BCLS, PALS, ACLS (AHA) certifications required

NRP certifcation required in the NICUCertified vascular and pulmonary technician preferred.Certified in arterial puncture preferred.

Compensation: 51.8 to 51.8 (USD)