Respiratory Therapist (PRN)

Purpose Statement

The Respiratory Therapist (RT) is responsible for providing Respiratory Therapy care services in accordance with specific physician's orders, department policies and procedures.

The RT will treat patients for respiratory disorders and perform diagnostic studies according to the physicians' orders and document appropriately. Maintains clerical organization in the RT department.

May assist in the guidance and training of RT students and new personnel per the Acute Care Service Line Director direction.

Essential Functions

Ensure that Joint Commission, College of American Pathologist (CAP), Regulatory Compliance, and other regulatory standards are met.

Competently administer all accepted modes of respiratory care and electrodiagnostics, providing the RT has been approved for that particular procedure.

• Competently perform arteriotomies, run blood gases and CO-oximeter when properly approved.
• Attend and participate in in-service education programs and any stated or called department meetings.
• Represent Western Missouri Medical Center positively in all interactions inside/outside of the medical center.
• Work cooperatively with all members of the medical center personnel in the identification and solution to problems.
• Function as an effective liaison between medical staff, medical center staff, patients and their families.
• Endeavor to develop smooth working intra- and interdepartmental relationships.
• Endeavor to cultivate and maintain a good working relationship with the physicians by showing interest in their patients, and exhibiting the availability and capabilities of the RT department.
• Maintain adequate CEUs for Missouri RT license.
• Set-up and maintain medical gases as needed.
• Perform departmental filing as needed.
• Clean and store all equipment according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
• Document pertinent information regarding the care of patients in the electronic medical record (EMR).
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance.
• Perform other essential duties as assigned.

Education/Experience/Skill Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be registered or registry eligible by the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) and licensed by the State of Missouri as a Respiratory Care Practitioner.
• Current AHA or Red Cross BLS required.
• Current AHA or Red Cross ACLS required or obtained within 6 months of hire.
• NRP certified or obtained within 6 months of hire

Must be self-motivated and have the ability to work within the established policies, procedures and practices prescribed by the hospital/clinic.

Physical/Mental Requirements

• Must be able to sit and stand, intermittent 8 to 10 hours a day.
• Must be able to use standard office equipment, including the telephone and computer keyboard.
• Continuously works under pressure of near 100% accuracy while meeting inflexible deadlines.
• Continuously utilizes manual/bi-manual dexterity, near vision, speech, and hearing.
• Frequently stands, walks, sits and utilizes eye/hand coordination and color definition.
• Occasionally reaches above shoulder, regularly required to lift and/or carry up to 35 lbs.
• Occasionally walks on uneven surfaces.
• Conditions such as noise, odors, cramped workspace and/or fumes could sometimes cause discomfort.