Reg Respiratory Therapist I

Job Summary

Absolutely assesses patients' pulmonary status, determines appropriateness of orders, and administers various modes of supportive or restorative therapy, with or without medical gases or pharmacological agents to restore normal cardio-pulmonary function. Conducts various cardio-pulmonary diagnostic tests upon physicians’ orders to determine the existence or extent of cardio-pulmonary disease.

Job Duties

• Administers safe, effective respiratory treatments and medical gas therapy consistent with current standards of practice, to restore normal cardio-pulmonary function.
• Maintains equipment and supplies to ensure decontamination, disinfection, sterilization of supplies.
• Maintains a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
• Follows work-related duties in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Completes all required safety, infection control, and age-specific programs as prescribed.
• Documents and communicates the effects and effectiveness of therapy administered to ensure continuity of care between other members of the healthcare team.
• Uses background knowledge and clinical skills to mentor students from clinical affiliates.
• Uses background knowledge and clinical skills to assess patients' cardiopulmonary status to implement a Respiratory Care Plan appropriate for the patient's age groups.
• Compares ordered therapy to patients' cardiopulmonary status, recommending, when necessary, more appropriate, more cost-effective, or less invasive therapy to achieve the therapeutic objective.
• Explains the purpose and benefits of ordered therapy, teaching the patient proper therapy techniques to elicit patient cooperation and ensure effective therapy.
• Initiates and maintains cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (BLS).
• Takes responsibility for self-development by acquiring skills and sharing experiences which support organizational/department objectives.
• Pursues excellence and service, demonstrating desire and effort to be a continuous learner as evidenced by the following: Identifies personal goals and objectives annually as a part of performance appraisal. Completes Federal, State, and System annual requirements. Identifies self-development opportunities and makes the effort to take advantage of those opportunities.
• Serves as a team leader per department policy.
• Attends staff meetings as required, participates in training programs, ensures completion of annual competencies.
• Stays up to date with Health System information by reviewing written and electronic communications from various sectors of the System.
• Works within and as a member of the Sleep Disorders Team but is able to function independently when necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Registered Respiratory Therapist as described by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)
• Holds current mandatory certification in the state to practice Respiratory Therapy in the state where work is being performed.
• Associate degree in applied science or equivalent.
• All Registered respiratory therapists must maintain their credential as described in the Continuing Competency of the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
• Failure to maintain the credential will result in a demotion transfer to Respiratory Technician until their credential is reinstated by the NBRC.
• ACLS certification - if not already certified, will be required post-hire.