CNA, Intern

Respiratory Therapist

The Respiratory Therapist (RT) is a licensed healthcare professional responsible for the assessment, treatment, monitoring, and care of patients with cardiopulmonary conditions. The RT provides respiratory care services in accordance with physician orders, departmental policies and applicable regulatory requirements, while maintaining the highest standards of clinical practice and patient safety. Working collaboratively with the interdisciplinary healthcare team, the RT delivers safe, evidence-based respiratory care across all patient populations and care settings. The RT works in a manner that maintains efficient operations, a positive work environment and supports the mission, vision, and values of Summit Pacific Medical Center (SPMC).

This is a Per-Diem position

Job Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Perform comprehensive assessments based on patient condition and physician orders.

Administer respiratory care services including but not limited oxygen therapy, aerosolized medications, airway clearance techniques, and lung expansion therapies.

Manage and monitor invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation including initiation, adjustments, and weaning per protocol or physician orders.

Perform and assist with airway management procedures, including intubation assistance, artificial airway suctioning, and emergency airway support.

Conduct diagnostic procedures such as arterial blood gases, pulse oximetry, capnography, pulmonary function testing, and electrocardiogram (ECG).

Respond to emergency events including codes, rapid responses and respiratory distress.

Accurately document all assessments, treatments, patient responses, and communication on the electronic medical record (EMR).

Participates in discharge planning by collaborating during patient care conferences with physicians, nurses, social workers, and other healthcare professionals.

Educate patients and families on respiratory conditions, equipment use, and treatment plans.

Ensure proper cleaning, disinfection and operational readiness of respiratory equipment.

Participate in quality improvement initiatives, audits, and performance monitoring activities.

Comply with all applicable clinical protocols, policies and regulatory requirements.

Staff Member Responsibilities

Maintain current licensure, certifications, and required competencies.

Practice within the scope defined by state licensure, professional standards and SPMC policies.

Demonstrate accountability, professionalism, and ethical conduct at all times.

Exhibit strong work skills by consistently executing job responsibilities in accordance with SPMC standards for quality, accuracy, productivity, and timeliness.

Show flexibility by adjusting priorities and focus as needed to achieve expected results.

Follow infection prevention, life safety and workplace safety policies.

Communicate effectively and respectfully with patients, families, and healthcare team members.

Participate in orientation, ongoing education, skills validation, and mandatory training.

Report safety concerns, adverse events, and equipment issues promptly. Support precepting, mentoring, and teamwork as assigned.

Establishes and sustains professional working relationships with supervisors and colleagues.

Maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and privacy policies.

Organizational Responsibilities

Adhere to SPMC's mission, vision, values and code of conduct.

Support a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Fosters an environment of trust, treats others with courtesy and respect. Does not engage in gossip or triangulation.

Comply with all organizational policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

Promote respectful workplace behavior and collaboration across departments.

Participate in departmental meetings, committees, and organizational initiatives.

Contribute to efficient resource utilization and cost-effective care delivery.

Support accreditation, survey readiness, and performance improvement efforts.

Required Education and Experience

Graduate of an associate or bachelor's degree program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) in Respiratory Therapy.

A minimum of two years of directly relevant experience in an acute care environment is required.

Experience with acute care, critical care, mechanical ventilation and emergency response preferred.

Pediatric and neonatal experience preferred.

Required Licenses, Certifications and/or Registrations

Current, active and unrestricted Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license issued by the Washington State Department of Health.

Currently credentialed as a Registered or Certified Respiratory Therapist through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). (Registered Respiratory Therapist preferred)

Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association (AHA).

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), required within 30 days of hire.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Knowledge of cardiopulmonary anatomy, physiology, and pathology.

Knowledge of respiratory therapy modalities, equipment, and treatment techniques.

Knowledge of mechanical ventilation, oxygen delivery systems, and non-invasive ventilation.

Knowledge of infection prevention, patient safety standards and regulatory requirements.

Knowledge of applicable federal, state and professional standards governing respiratory care practices.

Skilled in performing respiratory assessments and administering respiratory therapies.

Skilled in managing and troubleshooting respiratory equipment.

Skill in accurate and timely clinical documentation. Ability to apply clinical judgment and critical thinking in routine and emergency situations.

Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with the healthcare team.

Ability to maintain professionalism, accountability and high standards of patient safety.

Ability to apply age specific principles of growth and development, and life stages to meet each patient's needs.

Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the differences in technique and treatment modalities as performed on patients of varying ages, including pediatric, adolescent and geriatric patients.

Knowledge of home respiratory therapy equipment. Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of oxygen concentrations and medication doses as they relate to patients of varying ages.

Proficient in the use of current technology, including Microsoft Office products. Ability to learn and effectively use electronic medical records and other systems and equipment.

Ability to work independently within the scope of professional practice, performing a wide variety of assignments that require the use of independent judgment, problem-solving, organization, and prioritization skills.

Physical Requirements

Lifting & Carrying

Task Frequency

Lift less than 10 lbs. Frequent

Lift 1035 lbs. Occasional

Lift more than 35 lbs. Occasional

Carry less than 10 lbs. Frequent

Carry 1035 lbs. Occasional

Carry more than 35 lbs. Occasional

Movement & Positioning

Task Frequency

Push/Pull 035 lbs. Frequent

Sitting Occasional

Standing Frequent

Walking Frequent

Bending/Stooping Occasional

Crouching Occasional

Environmental Exposure

Exposure Frequency

Exposure to BBPFrequent

Sensory Requirements

• Vision: Within normal range with or without corrective devices
• Hearing: Within normal range with or without corrective devices
• Speech: Within normal range with or without corrective devices

FTE:

0

Work Shift:

TECH Contract 12 hour shifts in a 40 hour work week

Working Location:

Elma, Washington