Respiratory Therapist

POSITION TITLE: Respiratory Therapist

DEPARTMENT: Respiratory

EMPLOYEE REPORTS TO: Director of Respiratory Therapy Services

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-time, Part-time, or Per Diem

DESCRIPTION OF POSITION

This job description is a record of the essential functions of the listed job. The job description provides the employee, CEO, Human Resources, applicants and other agencies with a clear understanding of the job, where it fits into the organization, and the skill and work requirements in relation to other jobs. Jobs are always changing to some degree and the existence of the approved job description is not intended to limit normal change and growth. The facility will make reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified individuals who are capable of performing the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

POSITION SUMMARY

Demonstrates competent patient assessment skills for various age groups. Responsible

for direct and indirect cardiopulmonary care and patient services. Delivers routine and

critical care services consistent with departmental policies and procedures which include

but are not limited to, a full range of cardiorespiratory treatments. These are

administration of pulmonary medications, treatments, diagnostic procedures,

cardiopulmonary resuscitation, airway management, and education for patient, family and healthcare team members. Performs ECG’s, interdepartmental transports on ventilator assisted patients, ABG’s, assistance with Bronchoscopies and any other related Cardiopulmonary Care procedures and duties as assigned. May give instruction to others in the proper use and care of equipment; and does related work as required.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Sets up and operates respiratory equipment and apparatus in the administration of respiratory therapy treatment as prescribed by a physician.
• Operates blood gas analysis equipment and report results.
• Makes rounds to check and make operating adjustments to respiratory therapy equipment in use or on standby in patient areas; cleans assembles, maintains, and repairs equipment as needed.
• Sets up and maintains long term ventilators.
• Performs screening pulmonary function tests.
• Assists cardiac arrest team, when needed, by supplying oxygen, performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation or artificial respiration or securing and maintain respiration equipment.
• Reads patients’ charts and checks transcribed orders against those of the physician.
• May act as lead worker; adjust assignments based on census and availability of staff, may check and review work of others and may train others as assigned.

Requirements

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

License/Certificate

• Possession of a valid Respiratory Care Practitioner license issued by State of California Respiratory Care Board.
• Current BLS certification
• Current ACLS certification
• Current PALS certification
• Registered by the NBRC (National Board of Respiratory Care)
• NRP and dysrhythmia recognition are highly recommended

Ability to: Administer a variety of respiratory therapy treatments and modalities; maintain and perform minor repairs to respiratory therapy equipment and to adjust it to individual patient needs; assist with patient and family education; keep records and prepare reports; follow oral and written instructions; establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, physicians co-workers and others; train and lead others.

Physical/Mental Requirements: Mobility – frequent operation of a keyboard, standing for long periods of time, walking, pushing/pulling and bending/squatting; occasional sitting for long periods of time, operating heavy equipment, running and stair climbing. Frequency of Lifting – frequent lifting of 5 to 30 lbs.; occasional lifting of 30 to 70 lbs., and restraining, lifting/turning heavy objects or people. Visual Requirements – constant use of overall vision, color perception, eye/hand coordination and depth perception; frequent reading/close up work and field of vision/peripheral. Dexterity – frequent holding, reaching, grasping, repetitive motion and writing. Hearing/Talking – frequent hearing of normal speech, hearing on the telephone/radio, talking in person and talking on the telephone. Emotional/Psychological – constant public contact and concentration; frequent exposure to emergency situations, trauma, grief or death, decision making and working weekends/nights; occasional exposure to hazardous materials, working alone and overtime/travel. Environmental Conditions - frequent exposure to noise; occasional exposure to dirt, dust, smoke, fumes, poor ventilation, indoor cold/heat and hazardous materials.

DEMANDS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF WORK, EQUIPMENT USAGE, AND WORK ENVIRONMENT.

PERCENTAGE OF WORK TIME

• Standing/Walking -34-66%
• Sitting -34-66%
• Twisting -1-33%
• Lifting/Carrying -34-66%
• Pushing/Pulling -1-33%
• Climbing (Ascending/descending) -1-33%
• Bending/Stooping -34-66%
• Using arm muscles frequently or for extended periods. -1-33%
• Using leg muscles frequently or for extended periods. -1-33%
• Using back muscles frequently or for extended periods. -1-33%

LIFTING REQUIREMENTS – Individuals in patient care positions are required to lift

a patient with or without assistance.

• 2-10 Pounds -67-100%
• 11-20 Pounds -67-100%
• 21-30 Pounds -67-100%
• 31-40 Pounds -34-66%
• 41-50 Pounds -34-66%
• 51 Pounds or More -34-66%

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

• Working in hot, cold, wet surroundings -1-33%
• Working outdoors -1-33%
• Working with or near chemicals -1-33%
• Working near radiation sources -1-33%
• Potential exposure to communicable diseases -1-33%
• Working with hazardous waste materials -1-33%
• Utilizing essential upgraded or adaptive equipment as industry standards require -1-33%
• Using hand tools -1-33%
• Potential for cuts and bruises -1-33%

EXCHANGE OF IDEAS

• Ability to express or exchange ideas. -67-100%
• Ability to understand communication of others with or without adaptive devices. -67-100%
• Ability to perform secondary math. -67-100%
• Ability to read at a secondary level. -67-100%

WORKPLACE BEHAVIORS

I. RESULTS ORIENTATION – Meets current objectives and positions the organization

for future growth. Completes daily tasks and assignments and processes large

volumes of work associated with the operation of the department.

II. SOCIAL SENSITIVITY - Builds positive relationships based on respect for others.

Demonstrates a helpful, positive attitude. Maintains effective communication with

peers, medical staff, patients, visitors, and families.

III. QUALITY OUTCOMES – Meets and exceeds expectations of internal and external

customers. All organizational and departmental standards regarding quality of

performance are met. Demonstrates a strong commitment to confidentiality.

Participates in quality improvement programs as directed.

IV. SAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENT – Demonstrates an awareness of and adherence

to safety and legal requirements established at the facility with an emphasis on

maintaining a safe environment for all persons working in the facility.

• Accident/Injury Reporting – Reports any accidents, injuries, and unsafe equipment and conditions to supervisor by the end of the shift and reports any pre-existing conditions as identified by the ADA.
• Unsafe Conditions – Immediately reports and corrects, if possible, unsafe conditions or equipment.
• Workplace Standards – Compiles with relevant regulations, standards and policies governing safe workplace environment (OSHA, Accreditation, etc.)
• Safety Techniques – Maintains current knowledge of all aspects of the facility’s safety program by attending safety-related training as mandated upon hire and thereafter as required by facility.
• Modified Work – Accepts modified work assignments after receiving the physician’s release to return to work following an accident/ injury.

F. Follows Prescribed/Recommended Treatment – Follows the

prescribed/recommended treatment given by treating physician(s) after an

accident/injury.

V. EDUCATION – Participates in required in-services and educational programs on an

ongoing basis.

VI. ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY – Follows all facility guidelines outlining

standards of attendance and punctuality. Responsible for reporting to and completing

work at assigned times.

UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS

Universal precautions will be observed in order to prevent contact with blood or other

potentially infectious materials. Under circumstances in which differentiation between body fluid types is difficult or impossible, all body fluids shall be considered potentially infectious materials. All blood or other potentially infectious materials will be considered infectious regardless of the status. The category shown below is designed to communicate the risk of exposure for this particular position.

Category I

Tasks involve light contact with moist body substances, non-intact skin or mucous

membranes. Department procedures define and require use of minimum protective

measures to perform the task.

Category II

Tasks involve no contact with moist body substances, non-intact skin or mucous

membranes; however, employment may require performing unplanned Category I task.

Appropriate protective measures are readily available.

Category III

Tasks of employment involve no contact with moist body substance, non-intact skin or

mucous membranes.