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.
• Carefully coordinates and monitors patient care according to departmental policies and procedures.
• Sets up, adjusts, and manages patients on continuous mechanical ventilation, including maintaining airway patency, auctioning, stabilizing trach tubes, monitoring cuff pressures, and ensuring ventilators deliver proper volume, mode of ventilation, pressures, respiratory rates, and oxygen concentration.
• When indicated, weans patients from continuous ventilation according to established procedures.
• Documents all therapeutic and diagnostic activities and results in the patient's medical record, including date, time, and duration of therapy, medications administered, power source, supplemental O2 (if any), heart and respiratory rate, breath sounds, description of sputum production and cough, complications or adverse effects (if any), response to therapy, and general observations.
• Absesses the appropriateness of respiratory care ordered and discusses variances with primary physician when necessary.
• Formulates an appropriate Respiratory Care plan based upon patient assessment.
• Maintains quality assurance by monitoring and identifying problems.
• 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.
• Participates in meetings and conferences designated 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 all cardiopulmonary arrests 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.
• Maintains clinical and professional competency based upon established standards of practice.

Minimum Knowledge And Skills Required By The Job

• Education: Graduation from an approved program in Respiratory Therapy. Associate’s Degree in Respiratory Care Technology preferred.
• Experience: Two years’ experience.
• Certifications: Current California credential to practice Respiratory Care. Registered Respiratory Therapist or eligible for registration by the National Board of Respiratory Care.
• Other Skills: 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.
• Frequently required to walk.
• Frequent sitting; climbing or balancing; stooping, kneeling or crouching.
• Intermittent movement throughout the workday.
• Must be in good health and demonstrate emotional stability to cope with mental and emotional stress of the position.
• Specific vision abilities required: 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.

Sevita

We are a leading provider of home and community-based specialized health care. We believe that everyone deserves to live a full, more independent life. We provide people with quality services and individualized supports that lead to growth and independence, regardless of the physical, intellectual, or behavioral challenges they face. We've been doing this for over 50 years, and today, our 40,000 team members continue to innovate and enhance care for the 50,000 individuals we serve across the U.S. As an equal opportunity employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.