Respiratory Therapist Per Diem

Position Summary

The Respiratory Therapist provides physician-directed therapy, diagnostic evaluation and care of patient clients with deficiencies and abnormalities associated with the cardiopulmonary system. The RT oversees all elements of clinic CPAP/BiPAP set ups, mask fittings, and troubleshooting of machines, cleaning of supplies and educating patient clients. The RT is the expert resource in the operation of all equipment relevant to the associated therapies.

Essential Functions

• Interprets physician’s diagnosis and fits PAP patient with the appropriate mask type and size.
• Ensures clinical performance according to physician orders; consults with patient’s physician regarding patient’s health and wellbeing when additional therapies or interventions may be needed.
• Consults with patient’s physician in the event of an adverse reaction to therapies introduced.
• Accounts for assigned caseload and self-audits performance to ensure positive clinical outcomes.
• Ensures all clinical performance is in accordance with state practices and KPHC policy and procedures.
• Complies with FDA, OSHA, ACHC and state standards and regulations.
• Utilizes clinical consulting when care is outside respiratory care scope of practice.
• Observes equipment function and adjusts equipment for optimum results; able to troubleshoot equipment issues.
• Educates patients, caregivers and other healthcare professionals (for in-services or as needed) regarding chronic disease management.
• Maintains a level of knowledge to interact with and retrieve chart information through an electronic medical records system.
• Prepares accurate charts for patient therapies and appropriate equipment set-ups; and maintains documentation necessary for equipment set-up or returns.
• Participates in ongoing education and training sessions regarding respiratory patient care.
• Coordinates delivery and information gathering with the intake coordinator, reimbursement specialist, and driver technician, when appropriate.
• Provides on-going training to respiratory intake and billing staff and driver technicians.
• Ensures compliance with all documented standards and staff accountability.
• Maintains inventory level for respiratory therapy equipment, facility tracking, and preventative maintenance.
• Participates in “on-call” rotation.
• Assists in marketing functions as needed.

Other Responsibilities

• Participates in weekly staff meetings.
• Participates in the Improvement Organization Performance meetings, as well as developing, implementing, and monitoring performance improvement indicators.
• Maintains patient confidentiality and rights.
• Maintains professional appearance and attitude at all times.
• Takes responsibility for self-protection while working in hazardous situations, and practices universal precautions.
• Performs other work-related duties as assigned.

Education, Experience, and Skills Required

• Minimum of Associates Degree from an AMA-approved respiratory care training program.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience providing respiratory therapy in a home care or hospital setting. Experience should include oxygen therapy, nebulizer, CPAP, BiPAP and aerosolized medications.
• Must hold registration or certification by the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) and a current RRT or CRT license from the State of Maine.
• In depth knowledge of Sleep Apnea as a disorder and diagnosis; able to communicate knowledge in formal presentation settings.
• In depth knowledge of Breathing Disorders associated with the therapies provided by the company.
• Current CPR certification.
• Current driver’s license in good standing.
• The RT communicates by telephone and in person with clients/patients who have inquiries. The RT must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations with excellent attention to detail and document as needed.
• Previous experience in a leadership role is desired.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None assigned

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS: The RT must be able to perform in a setting which includes sitting, standing, walking, and reaching at varying intervals throughout the workday.