Registered Respiratory Therapist

Position Summary: 

The Registered Respiratory Therapist will administer respiratory care to neonate, pediatric, adult and geriatric patients with cardiopulmonary system deficiencies and abnormalities and will train and act as a resource for respiratory department.

Minimum Qualifications:

Required

• Montana Licensure (Registered Respiratory Therapist)
• Registered Respiratory Therapist Certification (NBRC)
• American Heart Association BLS
• American Heart Association ACLS within 3 months of hire
• American Heart Association PALS within 3 months of hire
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) within 3 months of hire

Preferred

• Certification in Neonatal-Pediatric Specialist (NBRC-NPS) and/or Adult Critical Care Specialist (NBRC-ACCS)

Essential Job Functions:

In addition to the essential functions of the job listed below, employees must have on-time completion of all required education as assigned per DNV requirements, Bozeman Health policy, and other registry requirements.

• Maintains knowledge of the various methods of oxygen delivery, including the necessary equipment. Remains alert, assesses possible side effects to oxygen delivery.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the differences in technique and treatment modalities as performed on patients of varying ages, including pediatric, adolescent and geriatric patients.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of oxygen concentrations and medication doses as they relate to patients of varying ages, including pediatric, adolescent and geriatric patients.
• Administers respiratory therapy treatments, and nebulized medications. Understands the purpose of each and the possible side effects associated with each.
• Sets-up and monitors mechanical ventilators and the associated critical care duties required for such treatment.
• Performs arterial punctures to obtain arterial blood samples for blood gas analysis, and understands the possible complications and contraindications associated with the procedure.
• Follows departmental equipment sterilization procedures.
• Documents all pertinent data on the patient’s medical record following completion of any service.
• Maintains a thorough knowledge of electronic health record, departmental forms, flow charts, logbooks and their proper usage.
• Formulates a teaching plan based on identified learning needs of a patient and evaluates effectiveness of learning. Patient’s family is included in teaching as appropriate.
• Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Coordinates and directs patient care to ensure patient’s needs are met and that hospital policy is followed.
• Ability to assess patient, his/her need, and ability to tolerate treatment and reassessment for response to treatment.
• Works with other departments and disciplines to coordinate patient care.
• Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly. Inspects and tests respiratory therapy equipment to ensure that it is functioning safely and efficiently.
• Participates in performance improvement activities and CQI teams when discussion pertains to department concerns, workflow and mission.
• Attends education in-service programs to maintain professional competency. Obtains appropriate hospital-specific education and training.
• Independently pursues professional development opportunities through professional organizations and other continuing education opportunities.
• Attends department meetings and utilizes communication tools such as hospital email to stay informed of department and hospital issues and updates.
• Performs all additional duties as assigned by the department manager.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Advanced math skills; ability to collect, analyze, interpret and/or present complex data.
• Detail oriented, organizational skills and the ability to prioritize.
• Ability to work in a busy and stressful environment.
• Ability to work varied shifts.
• Exercises tact, discretion, sensitivity and maintains confidentiality.
• Computer applications, MS Office, EMR, internet applications and standard office equipment.

Schedule Requirements

• This role requires regular and sustained attendance.
• The position may necessitate working beyond a standard 40-hour workweek, including weekends and after-hours shifts.
• On-call work may be required to respond promptly to organizational, patient, or employee needs.

Physical Requirements

• Lifting (Repeatedly – 50 pounds): Exerting force occasionally and/or using a negligible amount of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects or people.
• Sit (Occasionally): Maintaining a sitting posture for extended periods may include adjusting body position to prevent discomfort or strain.
• Stand (Repeatedly): Maintaining a standing posture for extended periods may include adjusting body position to prevent discomfort or strain.
• Walk (Repeatedly): Walking and moving around within the work area requires good balance and coordination.
• Climb (Rarely): Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, and the like using feet and legs; may also use hands and arms.
• Twist/Bend/Stoop/Kneel (Repeatedly): Twisting, bending, and stooping require flexibility and a wide range of motion in the spine and joints.
• Reach Above Shoulder Level (Repeatedly): Lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling objects as necessary above the shoulder, requiring strength and stability.
• Push/Pull (Repeatedly): Using the upper extremities to press or exert force against something with steady force to thrust forward, downward, or outward.
• Fine-Finger Movements (Continuously): Picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working primarily with fingers rather than using the whole hand as in handling.
• Vision (Continuously): Close visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures and to read computer screens, printed materials, and handwritten materials.
• Cognitive Skills (Continuously): Learn new tasks, remember processes, maintain focus, complete tasks independently, and make timely decisions in the context of a workflow.
• Exposures (Continuously): Bloodborne pathogens, such as blood, bodily fluids, or tissues. Radiation in settings where medical imaging procedures are performed. Various chemicals and medications are used in healthcare settings. Job tasks may involve handling cleaning products, disinfectants, and other substances. Infectious diseases are caused by contact with patients in areas that may have contagious illnesses. Emotionally challenging situations, such as dealing with distressed patients or difficult family interactions.

*Frequency Key:  Continuously (100% - 67% of the time), Repeatedly (66% - 33% of the time), Occasionally (32% - 4% of the time), Rarely (3% - 1% of the time), Never (0%).