Respiratory Therapist - Ventilator Services

Respiratory Care Department Employee

This employee is responsible for participating in the performance of the day-to-day activities of the Respiratory Care Department, including but not limited to therapy procedures, in service education, tracheotomy and ventilator management and weaning, as well as interdisciplinary care with both core and ancillary staff. This employee is also responsible for the completion of the therapist's duties both for general population of the facility, as well as home care when necessary.

Responsibilities Include:

• Performs any and or all duties of the respiratory care program as required
• Adheres to Policy and Procedure
• Adheres to work schedule
• Also responsible for assisting in emergency coverage when the need arises
• Consults with family members, physicians, and other health care professionals as appropriate
• Takes on active role in in-service education of employees as well as the community
• Assist with Q.A. and other reports as requested
• Assists with on call for company needs
• Provides updates consistently to supervisor for changes and patient status
• Participates in checking for safety, care, and cleaning of equipment and maintenance of the department
• Key Interfaces
• Patients & Patient families
• Unit Pulmonologist/Physician/Nurse Practitioner
• Facility staff (physical/speech/occupational therapy, social services, nursing, core care group)
• Regional Hospitals & Home care (referral sources)
• Respiratory Therapy Staff/Peers
• Unit Manager
• Required Critical Behaviors
• Will need to cope with the demands of both patients and families
• Will need to maintain patient and employee confidentiality
• Must demonstrate professional demeanor and appearance
• Must have ability to gain and maintain thorough knowledge of paperwork and apply policy and procedure appropriately

Additional Skills and Responsibilities:

• Troubleshoot/problem solve equipment
• Make independent clinical decisions
• Must have strong communication skills for coordination of care
• Must be sensitive to the physical and psychosocial needs of fragile patients and families
• Must be responsive to family, staff, and facility needs
• Must be able to function in stressful situations
• Must be able to recognize and effectively communicate needs to manager
• Must adhere to policy and procedure
• Must participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, as well as all mandatory staff meetings and in-services
• Exhibit team building and participation skills
• Willingness to learn new techniques and apply

Education and/or Experience:

• Proof of Negative TB testing (either skin or negative Chest X-Ray)
• 2 years of experience in ventilator management (either Acute or Home Care) preferred, but not required
• Must complete minimum of six hours of training per year in Infection Control and Blood Borne Pathogen, OSHA, safety issues, HIPAA, any new products of services, and any other issues necessary for job requirements
• Must complete state required Continuing Education Credits for purpose of Respiratory Therapy Licensure
• High School Graduate (Diploma) or equivalent
• Must hold a valid driver's license

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Must be a graduate of an approved AMA School for Respiratory Care
• Current State License required
• Credentialed by the NBRC
• Current BLS Certification