Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory Therapist

The Respiratory Therapist is directly responsible and accountable for the care given to his/her assigned patients of all ages in accordance with departmental standards, policies and procedures. This includes detailed initial and ongoing assessments of patient needs, including life threatening emergencies, administration and evaluation of respiratory care treatments, supervision of others in the delivery of respiratory care and the accurate performance of pulmonary and cardiac diagnostic procedures.

Job Requirements

Knowledge of/Skill/Ability to: A thorough knowledge of respiratory care principles and procedures; knowledge and skills in techniques of good patient care. Must be able to read and write English as well as speak and understand English. Must be willing to flex up for short-term needs such as vacations or illness. Willingness to flex down or go home early if patient census and workload do not support full shift. Must be dependable regarding attendance and self-motivated. Must possess the ability to work independently yet also as a team member. Must possess the skills and judgment to act quickly, knowledgeably, and appropriately in any situation.

License/Certification

RCP currently licensed with Oregon Health Authority (OHA). Current BLS certification through the American Heart Association required upon hire and henceforth kept current. ACLS and NRP within 6 months of hire, PALS/ENPC within 12 months of hire and henceforth kept current. Registered Respiratory Therapists must hold in good standing, a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential earned from the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC). Must provide a copy of High School Diploma or Equivalent.

Education and/or Experience

Education: Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Therapy program which is supported by the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), or its predecessor the Joint Review Committee for Respiratory Therapy Education (JRCRTE),or accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Previous satisfactory acute care hospital experience of one year preferred. Previous satisfactory Respiratory Care experience relevant to the patient population of this facility. Continuing Education: To maintain licensure, respiratory therapists must complete 15 hours of continuing education every 2 years.

Physical Demands and Work Environment Conditions / ADA Compliance

Walking and standing much of the time while on duty. Long shifts or occasional overtime necessary. Ability to lift and transfer patients is required, usually with the assistance of co-workers. Normal or corrected vision is required. Normal or corrected hearing is necessary to distinguish differences in heartbeats, breathing and monitor alarms. Manual dexterity is required to operate equipment. Subject to physical and emotional stress of fast paced work environment. Occasional exposure to infectious diseases. Pushes/pulls loaded adult stretchers, beds, wheelchairs, crash carts and equipment carts. Transfers patients to/from cars, stretchers, beds, chairs and ambulates as necessary. Tolerates bending, sitting, standing, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling for 8 – 12 hours (shift dependent). Lifts or carries up to 50 lbs.