Respiratory Therapist

Job Summary

This paragraph summarizes the general nature, level and purpose of the job.

Responsible for administering respiratory care to patients within the assigned areas, or as designated by the Manager. This position also performs respiratory care procedures and duties related to the operation and clinical application of ventilators used for mechanical ventilation. Meets patient's goals and needs and provides quality care by conducting pulmonary function tests; assessing and interpreting evaluations and test results; determining respiratory therapy treatment plans in consultation with physicians and by prescription.

Essential Functions

• The essential functions listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification.
• They are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities.
• Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Employees must abide by all Joint Commission Requirements including but not limited to sensitivity to cultural diversity, patient care, patient rights and ethical treatment, safety and security of physical environments, emergency management, teamwork, respect for others, participation in ongoing education and training, communication and adherence to safety and quality programs, sustaining compliance with National Patient Safety Goals, and licensure and health screenings.

Must perform all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the hospital's policies and procedures, including its Service Standards and its Code of Conduct.

• Administers aerosolized medication via Intermittent Positive Pressure Breathing (IPV), Intermittent Aerosol Therapy (HHN) Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI dry Powder Inhalers (DPI).
• Administers medical gases. Assist with routine trach care.
• Assures correct set-up, safety and function of all equipment/supplies necessary in the provision of patient care.
• Documents results and findings in the patient's records.
• Performs airway clearance maneuvers, Chest Physiotherapy (CPT) and Incentive Spirometry (IS) Cough Assist. Performs bedside pulmonary mechanics.
• Complies with national, local and medical center safety procedures and standards.
• Confers and discusses ventilator parameters and plan of care with the physician.
• Performs pulmonary function testing including; simple spirometry, maximum inspiratory force.
• Performs CPR and bag-mask ventilation. Performs nasotracheal and artificial suctioning.
• Provides education to patients, families, physicians, and other members of the health care team. Understands pharmacological indications, dosages and response to adverse drug reactions.
• Evaluates appropriateness of medical orders.
• Interprets data to optimize patient clinical objectives.
• Participates in clinical rounds with physicians, nurses and other health care providers.
• Recognizes, interprets and records signs and symptoms of respiratory dysfunction.
• Documents patient care services in department and patient electronic medical records.
• Assists with the clinical implementation of new equipment and/or procedures.
• Maintains patient confidence and protects PCHA operations by keeping information confidential.
• Maintains a safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Maintains knowledge of the indications, contraindications, and side effects of all forms of respiratory care, documents adverse patient responses, and takes appropriate corrective action when necessary.
• Maintains working knowledge of various equipment including volume, flow and pressure measuring devices, oxygen analyzers, stethoscopes, etc.
• Contributes to team efforts by accomplishing related results as needed.
• Participates in other duties and projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities as well as possession of any required licenses or certifications is qualifying.
• Education: Completion of a 2 year or 4 year AMA approved respiratory care program (Associates Degree or the equivalent), or satisfies experience requirements below.
• Experience: A minimum of 2 years progressively responsible and directly related work experience.
• License/Certification: RCP, BLS, NRP, PALS

Knowledge

These are the observable and measurable attributes and skills required to perform successfully the essential functions of the job and are generally demonstrated through qualifying experience, education or licensure/certification.

• Proficient in delivery of Nitrogen, Heliox other specialty gases.
• Proficient in the application mechanical ventilator modalities, including high frequency.
• Proficient in assisting physicians with bronchoscopes or perform sleep studies or perform pulmonary function testing.
• Competent in the application of Non-Invasive ventilation, Continuous Positive Airway.
• Up-to-date immunizations preferred.
• Ability to adjust communications to fit the needs and level of understanding of the receiver.
• Knowledge of computer systems and software used in functional area
• Knowledge of Medical Terminology
• Knowledge of new technologies (in specific field) and maintain and stay abreast of updates and changes
• Knowledge of the indications, contraindications, and hazards of continuous long-term or short term mechanical ventilation, various respiratory therapy techniques, and anatomy, physiology and pathology related to the respiratory system required

Additional Information: Pay Range

Compensation is based on the level and requirements of the role.

Salary within our ranges may also be determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, location, and abilities, as required by the role, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Typically, new team members join at the minimum to mid salary range.