Respiratory Therapist

Department: Rehabilitation Services

Reports To: Director of Ambulatory Care Services

Salary: $30.98 - $45.56 per hour, based on experience and qualifications

SUMMARY

Works collaboratively with other professionals to support respiratory care including educating and as a staff resource. Responsible to work with the Rehabilitation Director to develop and provide patient respiratory care services. Administers respiratory therapy care and life support to patients with deficiencies and abnormalities of cardiopulmonary system under the supervision of physician and by prescription.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Reads prescription, interprets arterial blood gases, and reviews patient information to assess patient condition and determine requirements for treatment such as type and duration of therapy, and medication and dosages.

Determines most suitable method of administering inhalants, precautions to be observed, and modifications which may be needed that will be compatible with Physician's orders or the RCAT policy and procedure.

Sets up and operates devices such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators.

Operates equipment to ensure specified parameters of treatment such as volume, gas concentration, humidity, and temperature, and to administer medicinal gases and aerosol drugs to patients.

Monitors patient's physiological responses to therapy such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, venous blood gases, and blood chemistry changes.

Performs bronchopulmonary drainage and assists patient in performing breathing exercises.

Performs pulmonary function tests.

Documents assessments, interventions, plan of care as appropriate within the electronic medical record.

Assist the department Director in development of new policy and procedures as requested.

Consults with Physician in event of adverse reactions.

Maintains knowledge of Respiratory and Cardiovascular medications, treatments and their correct administration, based on age of the patient and his/her condition.

Ability to assess patient, his/her needs and ability to tolerate treatment and reassessment for response to treatment. Interacts professionally with patient/family and involves patient/family in the formation of the plan of care.

Ability to read prescription, measure and draw arterial blood gases, review patient information and determine requirements for treatment, and operate devices and equipment to ensure specified parameters.

Formulates a teaching plan based on identified learning needs of the patient and evaluates effectiveness of learning; patient's family is included in teaching as appropriate. Uses a collaborative interdisciplinary approach to patient care.

Demonstrates knowledge of sleep disorders, respiratory therapy and treats patient appropriately based upon professional standards.

Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly. Inspects and tests respiratory therapy equipment to ensure it is functioning safely and efficiently.

Demonstrates an ability to be flexible and organized, and function under stressful situations.

Acts as a resource, provides in-service training for staff.

Effectively communicates routinely with department director regarding problems, questions, etc. regarding patient care and/or other job-related functions/responsibilities.

Participates in QA/PI activities to ensure improved quality of patient care.

Responsible for continued professional growth by completing at least 2 courses per year in the web-based educational program in addition to all other assigned courses.

Follows and supports the policies and procedures of the hospital and the standards of JCAHO as required for full accreditation.

Exhibits respect and professionalism in all forms of communication.

Considers age-related factors when dealing with patients ranging from neonates, pediatrics, adolescents, adults and geriatrics. Applies knowledge of age-related factors appropriately in accordance with professional standards and departmental policies and procedures.

Implements quality assurance standards and programs to assure compliance with standards of Joint Commission, as required for full accreditation.

This job description in no way states or implies these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Associate's degree (A. A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as physician orders and medical terminology, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before individual patients and/or family members.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

State of Minnesota license in good standing, credentialed with NBRC as CRT or RRT. Current BLS certification.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 5 pounds routinely and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and risk of radiation. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Welia Health is an equal-opportunity employer.

This position is a non-exempt status.