RESPIRATORY THERAPIST

Respiratory Therapist

Metter, GA 30439

Job Description

Responsible for assisting in meeting patients' needs for all age groups (neonates, infant, children, adolescents, adults, and geriatrics) in the areas of cardiopulmonary care, clinical procedures as delegated, transporting, and safety needs. He/she will communicate with team members in a timely manner about his/her observations of the patient's progress, needs, and problems. Maintains established departmental/hospital policies, procedures, objectives, performance improvement, patient safety, and infection control. Works as a member of a unit based multidisciplinary patient care team.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS of this job description include but are not limited to:

• Supporting the mission, vision, and core values of the organization.
• Provides cardiopulmonary assessment of patient of all age groups (as listed above) requiring consult and emergency cardiopulmonary care.
• Provides patient care and administration of respiratory care following the policies and procedures of this organization and documents in appropriate area.
• Provides and document patient education for patients receiving cardiopulmonary care
• Maintains competency and participates in performance improvement activities.
• Monitor respiratory care service orders (documentation in patient medical records in accordance with federal and state requirements).
• Provides care in a non-judgmental, non-discriminatory manner that is sensitive to the patient's and family's diversity, preserving their autonomy, dignity and rights.
• Reports patient condition to appropriate personnel during shift.
• Maintains current competency in cardiopulmonary specialty by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies
• Functions as a contributing team member & communicates effectively with all levels of people.
• Promotes positive public relations to physicians, patients, visitors, other employees, and the community.
• Confidentiality Maintain patient, team member and employer confidentiality. Comply with all HIPAA regulations.
• Provides for patients'/significant others' rights and safety; strives to manage situations in a manner to reduce risk while following legal and regulatory standards.
• Performs other tasks and duties as assigned in an efficient, effective and cost conscious manner, complying with all hospital policies, procedures, and regulations.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, QUALIFICATION and EDUCATIONAL AND /OR EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Must have completed an accredited respiratory therapy program.
• Must be an active registered respiratory therapist (RRT) or registry eligible with RRT credential obtained with six months from hire.
• Current basic life support (BLS) and advance life support (ACLS) required.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to:
  • determine appropriate course of action in more complex situations
  • work independently, exercise creativity, be attentive to detail, and maintain a positive attitude
  • manage multiple and simultaneous responsibilities and to prioritize scheduling of work
  • maintain confidentiality of all medical, financial, and legal information
  • complete work assignments accurately and in a timely manner
  • communicate effectively, both orally and in writing/electronically
  • handle difficult situations involving patients, physicians, or others in a professional manner
• Provide excellent customer service skills and basic computer skills required
• Possesses good interpersonal skills, initiative, integrity, flexibility, adaptability, and must be a team player

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORKING CONDITIONS:

May be exposed to patient elements, prolonged, extensive or considerable standing/walking, sitting, bending/twisting, kneeling/squatting, reaching, climbing and should be able to lift 25 or more pounds using proper lifting techniques. Rapidly changing and stressful environment. Ability to communicate with various levels of people. Possible exposure to communicable and infectious disease and hazardous materials. Occasional exposure to unpleasant patient or unit elements (accidents, injuries and illness). Contact with patients under a wide variety of circumstances. Subject to varying and unpredictable situations. Handles emergency or crisis situations. Subject to many interruptions. Occasional pressure due to multiple tasks and inquiries.

The information in this job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification and requirements for the performance of this job.

They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Candler County Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug Free Workplace.