RESPIRATORY THERAPIST

POSITION SUMMARY
Provides respiratory therapy (invasive and noninvasive) to patients from newborn to the elderly, as ordered by physicians, according to established standards and practices and oversee the supervising of the Respiratory Therapy Department in the absence of the Chief of the Respiratory Department.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES
1.      Maintain established hospital/departmental policies, procedure, objectives, performance improvement, safety, environmental and infection control.
2.      Assist with care and maintenance of department equipment and supplies.
3.      Possesses the ability to provide respiratory therapy (invasive and noninvasive) to patients as ordered.
4.      Therapy/services provided include: Administration of aerosolized medication, oxygen administration, airway management, postural drainage (chest physiotherapy/physical therapy), rapid responses (Codes), mechanical and noninvasive ventilation, respiratory consultation and the discontinuation of therapy, all per physician’s order.
5.      Responds to all Code Blue, Code Green, STEMI Alerts, and Trauma Alerts.
6.      Documenting and charging of Respiratory services.
7.      May perform intubation if trained, under supervision.
8.      Set up equipment for physician and assist physician during procedure.
9.      Perform arterial blood gas sampling.
10.   Make recommendation for appropriate therapy by notifying physician for neonates, pediatric and adult patients. Provide emergency treatment as authorized.
11.   Responsible for the equipment set up, initiation and management of patients on continuous ventilation
12.   Attends meetings as required
13.   Maintain department records, reports and files as required.
14.   Subjected to long irregular hours, prolonged extensive or considerable standing/walking.  Pushes/pulls or moves/lifts heavy equipment/supplies.  Physical condition commensurate with the requirements of the position.
15.   Work is performed in a hospital setting.  Universal precautions apply; Subject to hazards of flammable, explosive gases.  May or occasionally be exposed to patient elements.  Regularly exposed to the risk of blood borne disease.  Exposed to hazardous anesthetic agents, body fluids and wastes.
16.   Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
1.      Graduate of an approved RCP program
2.      Board credentialed as a Certified or Registered Respiratory Therapist by the National Board of Respiratory Care
3.      BLS (Basic Life Support) Certification

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
1.     Graduate of an accredited two (2) or four (4) year program in respiratory therapy
·       Associates Degree
·       Bachelor’s Degree
2.     Certifications in the following:
ACLS (Advance Cardiac Life Support),
PALS (Pediatric Advance Life Support),
NRP (Neonatal Pediatric Program)

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
1.      Knowledge of the theories and practices of respiratory care and skilled in the application of professional respiratory theories and practices.
2.      Knowledge of analytical and grammatical skills necessary to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
3.      Organizational and multi-tasking skills are essential.
4.      Knowledge of hospital/departmental policies and procedures, emergency protocols, JCAHO and CMS standards.
5.      Knowledge in basic government structure.
6.      Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationship with employees of the health care facility
7.      Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
8.      Ability to make independent judgments in relation to respiratory practices.
9.      Familiarity with Medical software, spreadsheet and overall computer skills
10.   Ability to display time management skills
11.   Skilled in maintain records and preparing reports.
12.   Work is performed under the general supervision of the Chief Respiratory Therapist, who assigns duties, describes scope of goals and objectives and furnishes guidance only on critical issues.  Work is reviewed through reports and department meetings
13.   Ability to display good interrelationships with all medical units, support services, physicians and nursing, patients/family and visitors.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Work in a climate-controlled and well-lighted environment with a smoke-free policy. Employee will work in an office and throughout the building daily. Has Category 1 risk of exposure to infectious diseases, but receives training in hand hygiene practices, Universal Precautions and has access to personal protective equipment if direct exposure is anticipated; is subject to interruptions and noise daily.