Rehabilitation Respiratory Therapist

Summary

The Respiratory Therapist works under the supervision of the Respiratory Therapy Supervisor to deliver direct respiratory care to subacute care patients as assigned. They coordinate and monitor patient care, set up and manage ventilators, document therapy, communicate with healthcare providers, and participate in clinical education.

Essential Job Functions

• Provides direct patient care respiratory services as assigned.
• Carefully coordinates and monitors patient care according to departmental policies and procedures.
• Sets up, adjusts, and manages patients on continuous mechanical ventilation, ensuring airway patency, trach tube stabilization, and proper ventilator settings.
• Weans patients from continuous ventilation according to established procedures.
• Documents all therapeutic and diagnostic activities in the patient's medical record, including medication administration, ventilator settings, and patient responses.
• Affirmatively assesses the appropriateness of respiratory care ordered and discusses variances with the primary physician when necessary.
• Formulates an appropriate Respiratory Care plan based on patient assessment.
• Maintains quality assurance by identifying and addressing problems.
• Communicates effectively with all physicians utilizing respiratory care services in the clinical area.
• Participates in patient rounds and serves as a respiratory care resource person to other members of the health-care team.
• Communicates changes in the respiratory care plan with other healthcare team members.
• Explains treatment procedures to patients and/or family members to allay fears and elicit cooperation and ensures patient education regarding the pulmonary system.
• Participates in meetings and conferences to expedite and improve delivery of respiratory care.
• Proposes, develops, and helps implement techniques, methodology, and treatment modalities related to respiratory care.
• Assists in developing new clinical procedures in designated area.
• Performs emergency and acute Respiratory Care procedures in accordance with service policy and procedures.
• Responds to cardiopulmonary arrests and performs cardiopulmonary resuscitation and airway care as needed.
• Identifies the need for improved documentation forms.
• Identifies problem areas regarding departmental, staff, and patient safety.
• Performs peer review of other therapists working in the area of responsibility.
• Provides input to supervisor regarding staffing, equipment, and supply needs.
• Assembles, checks, corrects malfunctions, and performs quality controls on respiratory care equipment.
• Maintains clinical and professional competency based on established standards of practice.

Minimum Knowledge and Skills

• Graduation from an approved program in Respiratory Therapy.
• Associate’s Degree in Respiratory Care Technology preferred.
• Two years’ experience.
• Current California credential to practice Respiratory Care.
• Registered Respiratory Therapist or eligible for registration by the National Board of Respiratory Care.
• Ability to apply pediatric respiratory principles in the clinical setting.
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills required.
• Ability to problem solve.
• PALS certification required (may complete after hire).

Physical Requirements

• Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Ability to successfully demonstrate Respiratory Care competencies required.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
• The employee frequently is required to walk.
• The employee is frequently required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel or crouch.
• The employee must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• The employee must be in good health and demonstrate emotional stability so that they are able to cope with mental and emotional stress of the position.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Employee must be able to assist in evacuation of children during emergency situations.