Rehabilitation Respiratory Therapist

Summary

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

Essential Job Functions

• Provides direct patient care respiratory services as assigned.
• Captures and documents all therapeutic and diagnostic activities in the patient's medical record.
• Assesses the appropriateness of respiratory care ordered and discusses variances with the primary physician when necessary.
• Formulates an appropriate Respiratory Care plan based upon patient assessment.
• Maintains clinical and professional competency based upon established standards of practice.
• Communicates effectively with all physicians utilizing respiratory care services in clinical area.
• Participates in patient rounds in designated clinical area and serves as 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.
• Proposes, develops, and helps implement techniques, methodology, and treatment modalities related to respiratory care.
• Assists in development of new clinical procedures in designated area.
• Performs emergency and acute Respiratory Care procedures in accordance with service policy and procedures.
• Responds to all cardiopulmonary arrest and performs cardiopulmonary resuscitation and airway care as needed.
• Identifies the need for development of improved documentation forms.
• Identifies problem areas regarding departmental, staff and patient safety.
• Performs peer review of other therapists working in area of responsibility.
• Provides input to supervisor regarding staffing, equipment, and supply needs.
• Assembles, checks and corrects malfunctions and performs quality controls on respiratory care equipment.

Minimum Knowledge And Skills Required By The Job

• 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

• Medium Work: 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.
• Frequent walking.
• Frequent sitting.
• Frequent climbing or balancing.
• Frequent stooping, kneeling or crouching.
• Intermittent movement throughout the workday.
• Good health and emotional stability required 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.