Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory Therapist

Under direction of Unit Manager, Director of Nursing and/or Administrator, is responsible for the evaluation, treatment, and care of residents with breathing disorders. Upon request of the physician, sets up and operates various types of respiratory care equipment to be utilized in diagnosis and treatment of respiratory disease.

Duties and responsibilities include:

• Demonstrates commitment to company's mission, values and standards of ethical behavior
• Reads prescriptions, measures arterial blood gases, and reviews resident information to evaluate resident condition.
• Sets up and operates devices such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment. Conducts physician prescribed treatments of a routine nature operating Intermittent Positive Pressure Breathing (IPPB) Machine, various oxygen devices, nebulizer and ultrasonic nebulizer in order to administer prescribed medicinal vapors and gases, humidity, and various oxygen concentrations to resident's respiratory system.
• With appropriate authorizations, performs arterial puncture, operates blood gas analyzer measuring and determining acid-base balance efficiency of ventilation, and metabolism of respiratory system.
• Monitors resident's physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes, and consults with physician if adverse reactions occur.
• Performs chest physical therapy treatments involving percussion, postural drainage, and suctioning in order to mobilize secretions and mucus in lungs and to clear airway blockage in respiratory system.
• Performs pulmonary function studies determining volume, distribution, and movement of air in respiratory system.

Knowledge, skills, abilities and qualifications include:

• 2-4 years' experience providing direct Respiratory Therapy care to multiple patients/residents preferred; previous experience in acute care respiratory unit or Skilled Nursing environment desirable
• Must have current, unencumbered California Respiratory License credentialed by the NBRC
• Graduation from approved Respiratory Therapy program preferred
• Must have current Basic Life Support certification

Benefits include:

• Medical insurance with Rx benefits
• Dental insurance
• Vision care
• Paid vacation