Respiratory Care Practitioner

About the role

This role defines the Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) who serves as a clinician at the clinical departments in both inpatient and outpatient areas. Employs the use of evidence-based practice, department and service area initiatives, and grows individually as a professional. Adheres to the Emory Behavioral Standards, Emory Service Culture Guidelines, and provides Patient and Family Centered Care. Consistently meets departmental/hospital quality & safety goals.

Competencies

• Completes and maintains all competencies
• Refers and guides others in the use of policies and procedures in the clinical setting
• Assures competence to function if working in new area
• Assures equipment is functioning properly and is ready for emergent situations; taking items out of service and reporting failures as needed

Assumption of duties

• Assesses unit work and report to supervisor/charge anticipates needs
• Participate in patient round discussions and identifies alternate methods of therapy or mechanical ventilation
• Competent in clinical areas as appropriate
• Other duties as assigned

Service area support

• Suggest modifications to care to patient care team
• Acquires resources not readily available
• Serves as a resource for ventilator management
• Regularly attends department meetings (75%)
• Regularly attends in services and educational offerings

Professional activity

• Partners in product evaluation and selection
• Reviews policies and procedures to guide practice
• Encouraged to attend one professional Local, State or National Respiratory conference every two years
• 10 CEUs required annually

Qualifications

Education: Associates degree in Respiratory Care.

Experience: New Graduate to 2 years experience.

Judgment: Employee may work independently under the general direction of their leader.

Licensure & certification

• Currently licensed as an active Respiratory Care Practitioner in the state of Georgia
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential by the National Board of Respiratory Care
• Preferred membership in American Association of Respiratory Care (AARC)
• BLS required
• ACLS required for adult critical care within 6 months of hire
• NRP required for Special care nursery/NICU

Physical requirements

• 20-50 lbs; 0-33% of the work day (occasionally)
• 11-25 lbs, 34-66% of the workday (frequently)
• 01-10 lbs, 67-100% of the workday (constantly)
• Lifting 50 lbs max
• Carrying of objects up to 25 lbs
• Occasional to frequent standing & walking
• Occasional sitting
• Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing)
• Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks

Environmental factors

Factors affecting environment conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include, but are not limited to:

• Blood-borne pathogen exposure
• Bio-hazardous waste
• Chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors
• Communicable diseases
• Electrical shock
• Floor Surfaces
• Hot/Cold Temperatures
• Indoor/Outdoor conditions
• Latex
• Lighting
• Patient care/handling injuries
• Radiation
• Shift work
• Travel may be required
• Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators
• Environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks