Respiratory Care Practitioner RRT

Job Title

Respiratory Therapist

Overview of Position

Delivers patients care and diagnostic testing according to professional practice standards, while providing support for Genesis HealthCare System divisions. Acts as a resource through making decisions utilizing critical thinking. Reviews existing clinical data, collects or recommends obtaining additional pertinent clinical data. Evaluates all data to determine the appropriateness of the prescribed respiratory care plan and participates in the development of the respiratory care plan. Assembles, and assures cleanliness of all equipment used in providing respiratory care.

Essential Duties

1. Reviews data in the patient record and recommends diagnostic procedures to restore pulmonary function, alleviate respiratory-associated pain, and promote patient recovery.

2. Collects and evaluates clinical information.

3. Perform therapeutic procedures, evaluate and report results.

4. Determine appropriateness of and participate in developing and recommending modifications to respiratory care plans: mechanical ventilator management, spirometry, co-oximetry; ABG sampling and analysis; pressure-volume, flow-volume loops, and cuff pressure.

5. Selects, obtains and assures equipment readiness.

6. Understands and performs assessment-based patient care.

7. Performs quality control procedures for: blood analysis devices; diagnostic equipment; ventilator volume/flow/pressure calibration; gas metering devices.

8. Conducts therapeutic procedures to maintain a patent airway, adequate ventilation, oxygenation and remove bronchopulmonary secretions.

9. Evaluates and monitors patient's response to respiratory care and recommends modifications in therapeutic procedures.

10. Demonstrates ability to identify when to accept and refer complex issues to the next level to facilitate problem resolution.

11. Provides clinical direction to respiratory staff throughout the shift of duty and area of responsibility when assigned charge.

12. Demonstrates proficiency with clinical knowledge to be a resource person for new employees.

13. Directs treatments given by Respiratory Technical Assistants, students, and orientees.

14. Stays current with department information and changes by attending department meetings and reading the weekly Huddle.

15. Complies with federal, state, and local legal and certification requirements by studying existing and new legislation, anticipating future legislation, enforcing adherence to requirements, and advising management on needed actions.

Qualifications

1. Graduate of a CoARC accredited respiratory program.

2. Current registry or certification through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) in good standing.

3. Medical Board of Ohio Respiratory Care license in good standing.

4. RRT or CRT required.

5. Current BLS certification required. ACLS preferred.

6. Current NRP certification or must obtain within six (6) months of hire.

7. Current PALS certification or must be obtained within one (1) year of hire.

8. Ability to read, write and explain or describe moderately complex information to other hospital staff and patients.

9. Attention to detail and ability to organize and prioritize under pressure.

10. Displays common sense and ability to make quick decisions.

11. Experience with therapeutic skills, airway management and diagnostic testing.

Patient Centered Care & Behavioral Expectations

1. Living the Genesis Mission, Vision, and Values:

• Performs work in a manner that is quality focused.

• Treats patients, co-workers, visitors and volunteers with courtesy, compassion, empathy, and respect.

• Results oriented and focused on achievement of objectives.

• Acknowledges and responds to the diversity of people and the situation.

• Encourages peers (others) to be owners of change.

• Always makes the effort to anticipate and exceed customer needs and expectations.

• Possesses the ability to engage others with patience and understanding.

• Acts in a manner that creates positive first and lasting impressions.

• Demonstrates the ability to own issues until they are resolved.

2. Patient Centered Care (patients/families, physicians, co-workers, all other internal/external customers):

• Introduces self and role…connects with everyone.

• Communicates effectively (i.e., advising others of actions, pertinent information, time durations, etc.) and asks for feedback.

• Asks for and anticipates needs and concerns of others.

• Maintains a positive work environment for staff and a healing environment for patients (i.e., safe, clean, quiet, etc.)

• Maintains the dignity and privacy of each person; manages confidential/sensitive information appropriately.

• Responds to requests in an appropriate and timely manner.

• Exits patient/customer encounters courteously, asking if there are additional needs that can be addressed.

3. Promotes Patient and Employee Safety:

• Demonstrates safe Patient Handling (i.e., transfers, transport, care administration, nutrition, medication, etc.)

• Demonstrates safe Materials Handling (i.e., appropriate use and disposal of chemicals, infectious wastes, etc.)

• Demonstrates appropriate knowledge of Infectious Disease precautions and use of proper protective equipment.

• Demonstrates Slips/Trips and Falls Awareness.

• Actively contributes to maintaining a safe, clean and quiet environment.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 1. Works in a hospital environment.

2. Employee has requirements to travel to all floors. May be required to drive to other locations. Answers telephone calls, uses personal computer, other business machines and medical equipment, which require the ability to apply finger dexterity. Individual bends, reaches, pushes, and pulls.

3. Must be able to regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

4. Vision abilities required include up close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

5. Required to rotate shifts and regular days off. All system employees must be willing to work all shifts, extra hours, holidays, and emergency shifts as required.

This description reflects in general terms the type and level of work performed. It is not intended to be all-inclusive, nor portray the specific duties of any one incumbent.

Thank you for your interest in employment at Genesis. Genesis is committed to being an equal opportunity employer. Selection of applicants for employment is based only on qualifications and the requirements of a specific job.