RESPIRATORY THERAPIST

JOB DESCRIPTIONRespiratory TherapistDEPARTMENT: NursingPOSITION SUMMARY:The licensed and credentialed Respiratory Therapist responsible for performing duties and tasks of a respiratory carepractitioner. Upon the request of the physician, the Respiratory Therapist sets up and operates various types of respiratory careequipment to be utilized in the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory disease and/or illness.RESPONSIBLE TO:This position is responsible to the Director of NursingFLSA STATUS: Non-exemptESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:Explains to the resident, purpose and procedure of treatments, tests and equipmentUses knowledge of growth and development principles to anticipate care needs of resident in the adult and geriatricstages of developmentApplies criteria for recognition of abuse and follows policy for making appropriate referral/interventionConducts physician prescribed daily use of ventilator machine, various oxygen devices, nebulizer and ultrasonicnebulizer, with respect to the respiratory system of the residentPerforms chest physical therapy treatments involving percussion, postural drainage, and suctioning, in order tomobilize secretions and mucus in the lungs and to clear airway blockage in the respiratory systemPerforms set-up, operation and monitoring of ventilator when resident’s respiratory system is incapable of adequatespontaneous ventilationEnsures the adequate maintenance of ventilation during cardio-pulmonary resuscitationPerforms pulmonary functions studies determining the volume, distribution, and movement of air in the respiratorysystemRecords on respiratory care records and resident chart, all pertinent information of treatments, and resident response totreatmentsMaintains and records daily ventilator monitoring, internal and external battery logs, and ventilator weaning logsPerforms Pulse OximetrySets up oxygen via nasal cannula and simple face maskAssists resident with uncomplicated transfer in and out of bedReports to relief personnel, condition of residents and treatments to be administered/conductedProcesses respiratory therapy equipment – cleaning, sterilizing and packaging as requiredConducts regular rounds – checking residents’ oxygen equipment, replacing humidifiers as necessary, as well as spotcheckingother respiratory therapy equipment on a timely basis for his/her patient loadParticipates in the Hazardous Materials Program. Hazards include exposure to blood and body fluids, possiblecommunicable diseases, sharp objects and instruments, assorted chemicals and gasses as listed in the HazardousMaterials Program ManualPerforms such other functions as are identified by the Director of Nursing and Clinical Nurse ManagerQUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:Education: Associates or Bachelor’s Degree is Respiratory TherapyLicense: Current, valid Respiratory Therapist licensure to practice in the state, credentialed by the NationalBoard for Respiratory Care (NBRC)Current Basic Life Support CertificationWork Experience: Broad knowledge of respiratory care principles, procedures and practicePrevious clinical experience in the capacity of one of the following: Respiratory Therapy,Cardiology Technician or similar positionPrevious experience caring for patients with technology dependency (Medic-Cal requirement)Must be able to perform aspects of basic patient care, including but not limited to, 12 lead EKG asper established standards of practiceKnowledge of OBRA and Title XXII guidelines for LTCMust be able to work independently at timesLanguage Skills:Must be able to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical information, and to be easilyunderstood through verbal communication in the English language.Mathematical Skills:Must be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, commonfractions, and decimals.Ability to perform these operations using units of weight measurement, and volume.Communication Skills:Must have exceptional communication and customer service skills, and be empathetic.Ability to effectively communicate with patients, families, responsible parties, staff and outside resources andagencies. #J-18808-Ljbffr