Respiratory Therapist

POSITION PURPOSE: The Certified Respiratory Therapist is responsible for administering safe and competent respiratory care as ordered per physician. with emphasis in specialty areas (i.e., Emergency, Neonatal, Pediatric. Geriatric and Critical Care), monitoring mechanical ventilation, administering medications, patient assessment, and understanding ramifications of hemodynamic monitoring, understanding blood work results, monitoring, teaching, and training. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES: Supervisory-Specific Performance Expectations, Duties, and Responsibilities: o N/A Position-Specific Performance Expectations, Duties, and Responsibilities: o Competent delivery of all Respiratory Care procedures as outlined in the department policy and procedure manual. o Maintain accurate and complete documentation of all Respiratory Care procedures per department policy and procedures. o Verify Respiratory Care physician's orders. o Receive and give accurate and complete report. Update and complete patient information to reflect patient's current clinical status. Be prepared and ready to receive/give report at the specified report times. o Attend and participate in department in-services, meetings, patient care rounds, and mandatory hospital meetings. o Keep Supervisor apprised of changes in workload and patient acuity. o Enter into the department's computer all daily services and charges given to patients. o Demonstrate excellent working knowledge of Respiratory Care instruments and equipment. Perform troubleshooting with appropriate problem resolution. o Perform effective airway management to include bag/mask ventilation. Assist physician/intubation certified therapist with intubation. Demonstrate safe and appropriate suction techniques and use of artificial airways. o Assist in orientation/training of new employees, respiratory/nursing students, and precept new employees during orientation. o Perform arterial blood gas draws. o Initiate, maintain and monitor ventilator patients. Interpret flow volumes and pressure volume curves to initiate appropriate clinical changes. o Complete required continuous training and education, including department-specific requirements. o Comply with established personal protective equipment requirements necessary for protection against exposure to blood and other potentially infectious body fluids, chemical disinfectants, radiation, asbestos, and other hazardous substances. o Performs patient charge reconciliation. o Responsible for verifying accuracy and timely submission of time for payroll preparation. o Working knowledge of all cardiopulmonary equipment within training and education for CRT. o Proficiently performs all assigned modalities provided by cardiopulmonary. o Ability to translate medication into neonatal and pediatric doses uses proper equipment and procedure regarding patient size and any special needs regarding type and severity of disease. o Ability to assess geriatric patients for special needs uses proper equipment and procedure regarding patient age and needs regarding type and severity of disease. o Ability to fully assess patient respiratory status, make recommendations for appropriate therapeutic interventions and use assessment charting techniques to document status, progress and effect of therapeutics. o Demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served within the unit. o Performs other duties as assigned. Organization-Specific Performance Expectations, Duties, and Responsibilities: o Demonstrates 100% commitment to performance in accordance with the CHOICE values of MRH and representing the organization in a positive and professional manner. o Establishes and maintains effective verbal and written communication and good working relationships with all patients, staff, and vendors. o Adheres to MRH attire/dress code per policies and procedures. o Utilizes initiative; strives to maintain a steady level of productivity; self-motivated; and manages activity and time. o Completes annual education, training, in-service, and licensure/certification requirements; and attends departmental and organizational staff meetings or reads meeting minutes. o Maintains patient confidentiality at all times. o Reports to work on time as scheduled; completes work within designated timeframes. o Actively participates in departmental and organizational performance improvement and continuous quality improvement activities. o Strives to uphold regulatory requirements to ensure continual compliance with departmental, hospital, state, and federal regulations and policies. o Follows policies and procedures for infection control, safety, and risk management to ensure a safe environment for patients, the public, and staff. QUALIFICATIONS: Minimum Requirements: o Must be at least 16 years of age (21 for driving positions with a valid driver's license). o Must be able to legally work in the United States. o Must be able to pass a background check. o Must be able to pass a drug screen and breath alcohol test (if applicable). o Must complete employee health meeting. Required Education/Licensure/Certification: o High School Diploma or equivalent preferred. o Must be a graduate of a COARC approved Respiratory Care Program with the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) Credential according to guidelines set forth by the NBRC. o BLS certification (must be obtained within 90 days of hire). o NRP certifications (must be obtained within 6 months of hire). Experience: o At least one year respiratory experience in the hospital setting. o Pulmonary diagnostics, preferred. o Cardiac Diagnostics (EKG, Holter monitor, Event Monitor Cardiac Stress Testing), preferred.