Respiratory Care Practitioner - NICU, Per Diem, Day Shift (SEIU)

Nestled on the Central California Coast, Adventist Health Sierra Vista has been providing care to our community since 1959. Our 162-bed acute care facility includes a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and county designated trauma center. San Luis Obispo offers the excitement of a lively community while being a fifteen-minute drive from the serenity of Avila Beach, known for their natural hot springs, and Pismo Beach, known for their sand dunes and eucalyptus trees. Featuring a charming downtown, comfortable coastal weather, idyllic views, and an active lifestyle San Luis Obispo offers much to be had.

Job Summary:

Performs basic and critical respiratory care services. Has the ability to work well without supervision as well as maintain supervision over others, as delegated. Provides respiratory care services for the adult and geriatric patient. Provides respiratory care for patients with respiratory disease, as ordered by the physician and in accordance with current department policies concerning all phases of respiratory therapy. Completes paperwork, electronic medical records, flow sheets, and charges for each patient. This position is represented by SEIU.

Job Requirements:

Education and Work Experience:

• Graduate of an approved Respiratory Therapy Program.: Required

Licenses/Certifications:

• Registered Respiratory Therapist (NBRC-RRT) credential or Certified Respiratory Therapist (NBRC-CRT) credential: Preferred
• Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license: Required
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from approved vendor per AH policy: Required
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification from approved vendor per AH policy: Required
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification from approved vendor per AH policy: Required
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification from approved vendor per AH policy: Required

Facility Specific License/Certifications:

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from approved vendor per AH policy: Required
• AHA-ACLS or ARC-ALS: Required
• AHA-PALS or ARC-PALS: Required
• AHA-NRP or ARC-NALS: Required

Essential Functions:

• Assesses and documents the appropriateness of prescribed therapy (including recommendations) for patients receiving respiratory care services. Administers aerosol and oxygen therapy, while maintaining charts. Draws arterial blood gases per policy and physician order. Provides care to ventilator patients. Assists in department record keeping and operation, as well as participation in training and supervision of new employees. Documents care given; maintains records of treatment given; generates necessary documents for charges or record keeping. Assists in the instruction of nursing personnel in surveillance of patient and equipment after initial installation.
• Performs pulmonary function tests, drainage procedures, and provides additional patient care regarding cardio respiratory disease. Provides suggestions regarding the patients’ treatment and pulmonary progress. Provides assistance in cardio respiratory rehabilitation. Provides instruction to patients and family in the nature of cardio respiratory disease and its ramifications.
• Makes rounds to check all respiratory therapy equipment in use or on standby in patient areas. Ensures completion of the initial ventilator bundle orders upon initiation of mechanical ventilation. Ensures compliance of VAP bundle for all patients receiving mechanical ventilation. Identifies measurable and reasonable outcomes while using appropriate therapy interventions to resolve patient needs. Updates and communicates the diagnosis throughout the patient's stay based on patient's changing condition and disease status.
• Assists with maintenance and processing of equipment and products used in providing respiratory therapy services.
• Serves as a knowledge resource to the physician and hospital staff in relation to the technical aspects of respiratory care and the effectiveness of methods to administer safe respiratory therapy. Assists in stocking and re-ordering parts and equipment. Assists in the set up of specialty equipment. Keeps the equipment clean and ready for its next use. Assists physicians with bronchoscopies and special procedures. Assists with quality control, staff schedules and competencies.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Organizational Requirements:

Adventist Health is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our associates and patients. Therefore, we require that all associates receive all required vaccinations as a condition of employment and annually thereafter, where applicable. Medical and religious exemptions may apply.

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