Respiratory Therapist

Job Description

Job Description

Department:
Respiratory
Schedule/Status:

Standard Hours/Week:

General Description:
Under the supervision of the Respiratory Supervisor, The Respiratory Therapist provides all therapeutic respiratory care procedures utilizing a multidisciplinary process in an acute or critical care environment. Demonstrates a strong knowledge and understanding of the disease process with all procedures performed. Performs assessment and reassessment of the patient with the development of the care plan.

Key Responsibilities:

• Performs all therapeutic, acute, or critical respiratory therapy procedures based on established standards.  Evaluates effectiveness and makes recommendations for change. Demonstrates competency in all procedures within the scope of practice, as appropriate for all ages of patients served.     
• Competent in performing and teaching others in all critical care procedures and protocols, including: intubation, ventilator management, disaster/emergency equipment use, arterial and pulmonary artery line set up, arterial puncture and analysis, and weaning from mechanical ventilation to extubating. 
• Competent to apply skills to use, teach others, and troubleshoot problems with specific types of cardiopulmonary equipment, including: mechanical ventilator, disaster/emergency equipment use, blood gas analyzer, CPAP/BiPAP, pulse oximeter, hemodynamic monitor, ECG, ETCO2 monitor.  Cleans and assembles equipment and ensures it as ready for patient use.  Maintains and evaluates equipment items.  Submits work orders as appropriate. 
• Participates in the formation of a patient care plan through assessment and reassessment activities regarding Respiratory Care.  Provides professional advice to expedite patient treatment.  Collaborates with other health team members to formulate agreeable healthcare goals with the patient and /or family. 
• Completes all work by the end of the shift, including documentation, reports, equipment processing, shift report preparation, and other related duties to ensure proper continuum of care.  Assists with maintaining a neat and orderly work area. 
• Competent in the performance of all bedside ECG testing.  Recognizes arrhythmias and communicates findings, as appropriate.  Proficient with processing the reports.  Responds as a member of the Code Blue team.  
• Assists with completion of all log sheets and daily checks as appropriate.  Evaluates and assists with maintaining inventory items.    
• Submits process improvement opportunities and may participate in process improvement projects. 
• Performs similar or related duties as assigned.
• Knows fire, disaster and safety procedures and regulations as it pertains to the work area

Requirements:

Formal Education:

• Associate's Degree or other Two Year College equivalent required. 
• AMA Approved Respiratory Therapy Program preferred

Work Experience:

• 0 - 1 year experience

Required Licenses, Certifications, Registrations:

• State of Florida Certification (TT) or Registration (RT) required upon hire.
• BCLS, ACLS through The American Heart Association required upon hire.
• PALS through The American Heart Association (AHA) highly preferred upon hire; required within clinical orientation period.
• NRP through The American Heart Association (AHA) or American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is highly preferred upon hire; required within 90 days of hire. 

Part-Time Benefits: 
Eligible to participate in a number of PMC-sponsored benefits, including: 

• Annual Accrual of 72 Personal Leave Bank (PLB) Hours 
• Health Insurance 
• 403(b) Retirement Program 
• Tuition Reimbursement/Educational Assistance 
• EAP, Flex Spending, Accident, Critical and Other Applicable Benefits