Respiratory Therapist- PRN

Respiratory Therapist

The primary responsibility of the Respiratory Therapist is to assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Works as part of a team of physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals to manage patient care.

Responsible to: Director of Respiratory Therapy

Position Directly Supervised: None

Regular Contact with: All hospital personnel in Clinical departments, Physicians, and the public

Essential Job Functions:

• Assumes responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, initiates and conducts therapeutic procedures, maintains patient records, and selects, assembles, checks, and operates equipment. Checks patient's charts for complete and correct physician's orders.
• Administers respiratory therapy treatments, oxygen therapy, and performs pulmonary functions testing. Arterial blood gas performance and analysis. Maintains arterial blood gas analyzer. Performs quality control testing and participates in performance testing on the ABG analyzer. Participates in performance improvement for the RT department. Participates as a member of code blue team. Performs EKGs and record maintenance.
• Sets up and operates devices such as mechanical ventilators, and oxygen administration devices.
• Provides emergency care including CPR, for adults, pediatrics, and infants.
• Provides therapy to patients, with knowledge of medication and precautions, measuring patient's vital signs, consulting with the physicians if adverse reactions occur.

Qualification:

Work Experience Required: None

Education and Training: High school diploma or GED. Graduate from an AMA approved course in Respiratory Therapy. Certified Respiratory therapist, or certification eligible, Registered Respiratory Therapist or registry eligible as approved and recognized by the National Board of Respiratory Care. Licensed by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners as a Certified or Registered Respiratory Therapist.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required: Ability and knowledge to perform all treatments, testing, and modalities of Respiratory Care. Must maintain current Respiratory Therapy License and CPR certification.

Physical Requirements: Personnel applying for or being hired will be required to lift an average of 75 pounds. Must have the ability to communicate information and ideas to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. Must have the ability to listen to and understand information and ideas. Must have the ability to see details at close range. Must be able to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

OSHA Exposure Category: A Have information and understand precautions and exposure to blood borne pathogens.