Respiratory Therapist- PRN

Job Summary

The primary responsibility of the Respiratory Therapist is to assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Works as part of a team of physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to manage patient care.

Job Relationships

Responsible to: Director of Respiratory Therapy Position Directly Supervised: None Regular Contact with: All hospital personnel in Clinical departments, Physicians, and the public

Essential Job Functions

- Assumes responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, initiates and conducts therapeutic procedures, maintains patient records, and selects, assembles, checks, and operates equipment. Checks patient's charts for complete and correct physician's orders. - Administers respiratory therapy treatments, oxygen therapy, and performs pulmonary function testing. Performs arterial blood gas performance and analysis. Maintains arterial blood gas analyzer. Participates in quality control testing and performance testing on the ABG analyzer. Participates in performance improvement for the RT department. Participates as a member of the code blue team. Performs EKGs and records maintenance. - Sets up and operates devices such as mechanical ventilators and oxygen administration devices. - Provides emergency care including CPR, for adults, pediatrics, and infants. - Provides therapy to patients with knowledge of medications and precautions, measures patient's vital signs, consults with physicians if adverse reactions occur.

Qualification

- Work Experience Required: None - Education and Training: High school diploma or GED. Graduate from an AMA-approved course in Respiratory Therapy. Certified Respiratory Therapist, or certification eligible, Registered Respiratory Therapist or registry eligible as approved and recognized by the National Board of Respiratory Care. Licensed by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners as a Certified or Registered Respiratory Therapist. - Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required: Ability and knowledge to perform all treatments, testing, and modalities of Respiratory Care. Must maintain current Respiratory Therapy License and CPR certification. - Physical Requirements: Personnel applying for or being hired will be required to lift an average of 75 pounds. Must have the ability to communicate information and ideas to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. Must have the ability to listen to and understand information and ideas. Must have the ability to see details at close range. Must be able to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. - OSHA Exposure Category: A Have information and understand precautions and exposure to blood borne pathogens.