Registered Respiratory Therapist

Registered Respiratory Therapist

Administers respiratory treatments, procedures, and diagnostic testing at Sleep Apnea Department under the direction of the physician. Makes members/patients and their needs a primary focus of ones actions; develops and sustains productive member/patient relationships. Actively seeks information to understand member/patient circumstances, problems, expectations, and needs. Builds rapport and cooperative relationship with members/patients. Considers how actions or plans will affect members; responds quickly to meet member/patient needs and resolves problems.

This position, knows and complies with all Kaiser Permanente quality, safety, and emergency policies and procedures. Demonstrates quality and effectiveness in work habits and clinical practice in every interaction with patients, colleagues, providers, and leadership. Ensures patient safety in the preparation and provisioning of care related to but not limited to medications, procedures, infection prevention, fall prevention, including consistent use of two patient identifiers and procedural time outs. Reports safety hazards, accidents and incidents, and unsafe working conditions promptly.

Performs diagnostic testing including testing including, but not limited to, spirometry with and without bronchodilators, MVV, DLCO, LV, methocholine changes, 02 protocol testing, 02 saturation, exercise testing for home oxygen use, using a variety of equipment. Performs arterial punctures to obtain specimens for arterial blood gases. Fits masks for patients who have obstructive sleep apnea. Coordinates treatment from inception to completion of treatment.

Analyzes, evaluates and interprets polysomnographic results and develops an appropriate treatment plan in accordance with department procedures. Assess patients physical signs and symptoms and adjusts treatment plan when needed.

Collects scientific data and compiles comparative analysis with standard and testing equipment for blind studies to determine effectiveness.

Administers respirator care including aerosol therapy, oxygen therapy, oral and tracheal suctioning, nebulizer treatments and obtains specimens as required. Performs bronchial hygiene, postural drainage percussion.

Documents patient assessments, test results, treatment plans and recommendations in patient charts and monitors patient throughout treatment providing education for tracheotomy care, lung disease, home oxygen therapy, and breathing retraining. Participates in providing in-service education for physicians and support staff.

Maintains respirator care equipment in clean, safe and calibrated condition through maintenance checks. Also troubleshoots equipment when needed.

Performs other duties as assigned.

In addition to defined technical requirements, accountable for consistently demonstrating service behaviors and principles defined by the Kaiser Permanente Service Quality Credo, the KP Mission as well as specific departmental/organizational initiatives. Also accountable for consistently demonstrating the knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors necessary to provide superior and culturally sensitive service to each other, to our members, and to purchasers, contracted providers and vendors.

Basic Qualifications:

• Experience: N/A
• Education: Successful completion of a Respiratory Therapist training program approved by the American Medical Association. High school diploma or equivalent.

License, Certification, Registration:

• Respiratory Therapist License (Colorado) OR Polysomnographic Technologist Certificate
• Basic Life Support within 3 months of hire
• National Provider Identifier required at hire

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to operate respiratory equipment and perform related technical procedures.
• Demonstrated customer service skills, customer focus abilities and the ability to understand Kaiser Permanente customer needs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prefer six (6) months of work experience as a registered respiratory therapist.
• Previous sleep apnea experience.
• Experience in pulmonary function testing highly recommended as this role will support Pulmonary