Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory Therapist

Department: Administration

FLSA Classification: Non-exempt

Reports to: Director of Rehabilitation & Administrator

Schedule: DAY and NOC Shift

Overview of the Position

The Respiratory Therapist role evaluates, treats, and cares for patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorders. Practicing under the direction of the Respiratory Department Head. Respiratory therapists assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care therapeutic treatments and diagnostic procedures, including the supervision of respiratory therapy Technicians.

In this capacity, the Respiratory Therapist is expected to practice safe and ethical care within their designated scope of practice, as defined by the State Regulatory Agency, and under the direction of the Respiratory Department Head. It is essential for the Respiratory Therapist to be aware of their own limitations and to proactively seek advice and assistance when necessary.

Specific duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Assesses patients and recommends respiratory therapy treatments.

• The doctor recommends respiratory therapy treatments.

• Plans, prepares and administers respiratory therapy treatments including IPPB, aerosol, chest physical therapy, incentive spirometry, and sputum inductions, in accordance with established policies and procedures.

• Performs diagnostic pulmonary and cardiac tests.

• Inspects, tests, maintains and operates respiratory therapy equipment.

• Responds to “code blue” calls and assists by maintaining the patient’s airway and performs CPR.

• Instructs respiratory technicians.

• Patient care documentation is timely, legible, and efficient.

• Notes are concise, pertinent and meet departmental documentation standards.

• Oral reporting is clear, concise, relevant, and timely.

• Utilize resources and materials in an efficient and safe manner.

• Performs all duties promptly in a competent and caring manner.

• Present a neat appearance and dress in compliance with the client facilities’ policies.

• While on assignment, the Respiratory Therapist is responsible and accountable to their assigned patients and to the client institution. The Respiratory Therapist is under the direct supervision of the Department Head or other assigned personnel and must have the ability to follow directions/instruction from his/her supervisor.

Qualifications

• Associate degree from an accredited respiratory therapy program.

• Current license as a Respiratory Therapist as required by the state of California.

• One-year full time experience as a Respiratory Therapist.

• Current CPR/BLS Certification.