Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) - Per Diem, Variable (East Los Angeles)

About the Role

The Respiratory Care Practitioner evaluates pulmonary dysfunction and performs cardiopulmonary procedures to treat and care for patients through respiratory therapy and ventilatory assistance. This role is responsible for assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating patient needs, providing patient education, and initiating and updating patient care plans. Performs life-saving efforts for infant, pediatric, and adult patients and performs related duties such as stocking supplies or cleaning and setting up equipment.

Responsibilities

• Assesses patients' need for respiratory care by validating physician orders, interviewing patients, performing assessments, and providing appropriate recommendations.
• Initiates and conducts therapeutic procedures, evaluates treatment efficacy, and modifies prescribed therapeutic procedures.
• Provides emergency care, including airway management and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Performs cardiopulmonary diagnostic procedures, calculates test results, analyzes specimens for abnormalities, and evaluates implications of test results.
• Participates in department and hospital-wide performance improvement initiatives.
• Maintains, cleans, and calibrates equipment and instruments according to manufacturer instructions and hospital policy to ensure safety, integrity, and accuracy for patient use.
• Follows appropriate procedures for notification and removal of non-functional/unsafe equipment.
• Evaluates clinical data to determine the appropriateness of prescribed respiratory care, participates in the development of the respiratory care plan, and provides care using clinical protocols.
• Ensures timely, accurate, and complete patient clinical documentation, including charges and billing.
• Maintains institutional compliance with professional, accrediting, and regulatory standards of care.
• Ensures Infection Control procedures and HIPAA compliance.
• Empathizes with patients and support systems, expresses compassion, and demonstrates care appropriate for age, cultural, religious, gender identity, or ethnic background.
• Engages in caring behaviors, taking ownership for work, and acts deliberately in interactions with patients, families, physicians, and co-workers.

Requirements

• Associate Degree related to pulmonary function
• Current Licensure as a Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) in the State of California
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) (if graduated after 2015)
• AHA Basic Life Support (BLS)
• AHA Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
• AHA Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English
• Ability to work variable shifts including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to maintain flexibility and composure in a constantly changing environment
• Hospital Fire and Life Safety Card (Los Angeles City Employees only)

Preferred Qualifications

• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification
• Previous experience as a Respiratory Care Practitioner in an acute care hospital
• Bachelor of Science Degree
• Bilingual skills to communicate effectively with patients and families

Physical Requirements

These are requirements normally expected to perform regular job duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Standing: Constantly
• Walking: Constantly
• Sitting: Occasionally
• Reaching with Hands and Arms: Constantly
• Climb or Balance: Occasionally
• Stooping, Kneeling, Crouching, or Crawling: Occasionally
• Talking: Frequently
• Hearing: Constantly
• Seeing: Constantly
• Performing repetitive motions with arms or hands: Frequently
• Lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling up to 10 lbs: Constantly
• Lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling up to 25 lbs: Frequently
• Lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling up to 50 lbs: Frequently
• Lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling greater than 50 lbs: Frequently
• Driving: None

Pay

Min - $40.83 / Max - $40.83