JOB DESCRIPTION
Respiratory Therapist (Full-Time)
DEPARTMENT: Nursing
POSITION SUMMARY:
The licensed and credentialed Respiratory Therapist responsible for performing duties and tasks of a respiratory care practitioner. Upon the request of the physician, the Respiratory Therapist sets up and operates various types of respiratory care equipment to be utilized in the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory disease and/or illness.
RESPONSIBLE TO:
This position is responsible to the Director of Nursing
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Explains to the resident, purpose and procedure of treatments, tests and equipment
- Uses knowledge of growth and development principles to anticipate care needs of resident in the adult and geriatric stages of development
• Applies criteria for recognition of abuse and follows policy for making appropriate referral/intervention• Conducts physician prescribed daily use of ventilator machine, various oxygen devices, nebulizer and ultrasonic nebulizer, with respect to the respiratory system of the resident
- Performs chest physical therapy treatments involving percussion, postural drainage, and suctioning, in order to mobilize secretions and mucus in the lungs and to clear airway blockage in the respiratory system
- Performs set-up, operation and monitoring of ventilator when resident’s respiratory system is incapable of adequate spontaneous ventilation
- Ensures the adequate maintenance of ventilation during cardio-pulmonary resuscitation
- Performs pulmonary functions studies determining the volume, distribution, and movement of air in the respiratory system
- Records on respiratory care records and resident chart, all pertinent information of treatments, and resident response to treatments
- Maintains and records daily ventilator monitoring, internal and external battery logs, and ventilator weaning logs
- Performs Pulse Oximetry
- Sets up oxygen via nasal cannula and simple face mask
- Assists resident with uncomplicated transfer in and out of bed
- Reports to relief personnel, condition of residents and treatments to be administered/conducted
- Processes respiratory therapy equipment – cleaning, sterilizing and packaging as required
- Conducts regular rounds – checking residents’ oxygen equipment, replacing humidifiers as necessary, as well as spot-checking other respiratory therapy equipment on a timely basis for his/her patient load
- Participates in the Hazardous Materials Program. Hazards include exposure to blood and body fluids, possible communicable diseases, sharp objects and instruments, assorted chemicals and gasses as listed in the Hazardous Materials Program Manual
- Performs such other functions as are identified by the Director of Nursing and Clinical Nurse Manager
JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Demonstrate knowledge of, and respect for, the rights, dignity and individuality of each resident in all interactions
- Appreciates the importance of maintaining confidentiality of resident and facility information
- Demonstrate honesty and integrity at all times in the care and use of resident and facility property
- Proficiently provides care in emergency situations and follows established emergency procedures and practices
- Maintain knowledge of, and implement resident care activities to promote, maintain, and/or restore health for assigned residents
- Assure that the rights of residents are respected and maintained by allowing for privacy and dignity in the provision of care
- Demonstrate good oral and written communication skills with residents, families, physicians, additional healthcare providers, and co-workers
Timely, accurately, and thoroughly prepare documentation in a manner that conforms to prescribed style and format, and to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business facility
- Demonstrates ability to relate approximately and work effectively with others, including evidencing discretion, practice, tact and diplomacy in interaction with employees, peers and administrative personnel
- Ability to prioritize multiple assignments without sacrificing the quality of the end product
- Possesses good judgment, organization, time management skills, and appropriate follow through skills
- Adapts to changing environments
- Works well under pressure and in emergency situations
- Effectively utilizes organization and problem solving skills under pressure
- Visual acuity is required to observe details of instruments required for life-support
- Self-initiated, highly motivated, and able to research available resources
- Reflects a positive attitude, dependability, loyalty, and be discreet in matters of confidentiality
- Maintains a professional appearance as it relates to dress, grooming, etc
- Possesses good presentation skills so as to present outcomes/results/recommendations (positive and negative) in a professional, useful and effective manner
- Other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:
Associates or Bachelor’s Degree is Respiratory Therapy
Current, valid Respiratory Therapist licensure to practice in the state, credentialed by the
National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)
Current Basic Life Support Certification
Broad knowledge of respiratory care principles, procedures and practice
Previous clinical experience in the capacity of one of the following: Respiratory Therapy,
Cardiology Technician or similar position
Previous 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 as per
established standards of practice
Knowledge of OBRA and Title XXII guidelines for LTC Must be able to work independently at times
