Respiratory Therapist

Primary Function

The Respiratory Therapist (RT) provides critical, emergency, or general therapy to care for patients with temporary or chronic respiratory conditions. The RT participates in the development of policies and procedures and performance improvement activities for development of a comprehensive RT program. This position may function in a variety of settings including Emergency Department, Inpatient, Outpatient, and Skilled Nursing.

Job Description

• Demonstrates excellent customer service skills.
• Assess patient’s respiratory conditions and formulates appropriate treatment plans.
• Administers respiratory therapy treatments, including but not limited to invasive and non-invasive ventilators, therapeutic gas administration devices, and aerosol therapy. Monitors patient's responses to therapy (vital signs, arterial blood gases, radiology findings, and blood chemistry changes) and uses appropriate judgement and protocols to make recommendations concerning the plan of care and patient needs.
• Performs diagnostic procedures as outlined in policy.
• Responds to all cardiac/respiratory emergencies (Code Blue/Rapid Response) in the facility when on duty and initiates appropriate resuscitative measures. Maintains current CPR/ACLS/PALS.
• Maintain accurate patient records and documentation in compliance with healthcare regulations and hospital policy.
• Participate in hospital committees and workgroups as needed and as appropriate.
• Inspects and tests equipment. Disassembles, cleans, and reassembles equipment as required. Performs duties in accordance with patient safety and infection control guidelines to maintains a safe environment
• Maintains an adequate supply of equipment and related supplies in patient care areas.
• Maintains logs for equipment.
• Participates in traditional and e-learning programs as well as an on-going quality improvement program.
• Works effectively with other company employees, managers, and departments.
• Performs all job functions with Company Mission, Vision, and Goal Statements in mind.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Education/Experience

• Registered Respiratory Therapist with the NC Respiratory Care Board and current Respiratory Care Practitioner required.
• At least 3 years of experience as a Registered Respiratory Therapist in a hospital setting required.
• Asthma Educator Specialist certification preferred.
• Experience with home care and cardiac/pulmonary rehabilitation preferred.
• Evidence of current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Advanced Life Support (ACLS) certification preferred. Incumbent will acquire ACLS certification within 3 months and maintain thereafter.
• Pediatric Life Support (PALS) certification preferred. Incumbent will acquire PALS certification within 3 months and maintain thereafter.

Job Knowledge

• Requires critical thinking skills, decisive judgement, and the ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Possesses thorough working knowledge of anatomy, general medical conditions, general respiratory therapies and interventions.
• Possesses the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions related to respiratory care of patients.
• Knowledge of physical, cultural, emotional, behavioral needs of patients of all age groups from infancy to the elderly.
• Knowledge of social and cultural needs of patients as this relates to patient care and patient education.
• Patient education knowledge and skills.
• Ability to develop plans of care.
• Knowledge of applicable medications and dosages in order to recognize desired effects, side effects and complications of their use.
• Knowledge of use and function of respiratory equipment and supplies.
• Knowledge of emergency procedures.
• Knowledge of patient safety and infection control standards and policies.
• Knowledge of typing, basic computer skills, and familiarity with computer-based appointment scheduling.

Complexity of Duties

The RT provides a range of duties related to respiratory care that includes patient assessment, development of a plan of care, therapeutic measures, diagnostic testing, and operation of specialized equipment. The respiratory therapist must recognize and respond appropriately to patient conditions that deviate from normal and identify, analyze and report on causative factors and reactions.

Guidelines consist of professional standards, respiratory therapy policies and procedures, standing orders with hospital policies and procedures. The respiratory therapist also complies with federal, state, accreditation and local regulations.

These guidelines are not always specifically applicable to the individual patient or situation and independent judgment is required in selecting the most appropriate guideline, and applying the intent of the guideline to the specific situation at hand.

The respiratory therapist receives assistance from the Clinical Director and medical staff.

Responsibility for Accuracy

The incumbent has a positive effect upon the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery of the patient. The RT is responsible for following policies and procedures and exercising independent judgment in the prevention of errors. Errors can have a negative impact on patient outcome.

Evaluations and observations are used to modify and develop clinically appropriate treatment plans. Work can be verified of checked by the immediate supervisor, other health care providers or systems checks, but usually the responsibility for accuracy relies solely on the incumbent.

Contacts with Others

This employee is in contact with patients, community members, vendors, local and state officials, and other federal agencies. Interactions require tact, courtesy, and profession etiquette. Must maintain a positive image and working relationship with others.

Confidential Data

The provision of medical care means this position will have access to patient records and highly confidential information. Incumbent must function with utmost integrity to safe guard this information. Complies with EBCI policy on confidentiality of patient records, Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority Confidentiality policy and HIPAA requirements. Violations of confidentiality regulations may result in disciplinary action.

Mental/Visual/Physical

Job duties can be mentally/emotionally stressful at times. Close mental concentration and attention to detail are required. Physical activities require the ability to walk, sit, reach, bend, and lift while assisting patients to walk, transfer, or turn. Some physical exertion and stamina is required. Must have visual acuity, manual dexterity, and the ability to speak and hear. Must be able to lift 30 lbs.

Environment

Works primarily in a hospital environment. The work environment involves moderate risks of exposure to infectious disease, radiation, electrical hazards, and irritant chemical and explosive gases. Employee must strictly adhere to OSHA guidelines and protocol for maintaining sterile conditions.

Customer Service

Consistently demonstrates superior customer service skills to patients/customers by demonstrating characteristics that align with CIHA’s guiding principles and core values. Ensure excellent customer service is provided to all patients/customers by seeking out opportunities to be of service.