Registered Respiratory Therapist- PRN

Organizational Description

The Respiratory Therapy Department is responsible for all respiratory needs for assigned patients of all ages, infants through adult. The therapist shall assume responsibility for implementing and assessing the rehabilitation needs of the patients and dispersing of respiratory interventions.

Interaction

Primarily Interacts with: administration, physicians, employees, clinical and non-clinical departments, patients, visitors, and volunteers.

Essential Functions

Reads prescription, measures arterial blood gases, and review patient information to assess patient condition and determine requirements for treatment, such as type and duration of therapy, medication and dosages.

Determines most suitable method of administering inhalants, precautions to be observed, and modifications which may be needed that will be compatible with physician’s orders.

Sets up and operates devices, such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, and aerosol generators.

Operates equipment to ensure specified parameters of treatment, such as volume, gas concentration, humidity, and temperature, and to administer medical gases and aerosol drugs to patients.

Monitors patient’s physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes.

• Performs bronchopulmonary drainage and assists patient in performing breathing exercises.
• Performs pulmonary function testing to be used by physician in diagnosis of case.
• Observes equipment function and adjusts equipment to obtain optimum results to therapy.

Maintains established departmental policies and procedures. Objectives, quality assurance program, safety, environmental and infection prevention and control standards.

• Consults with physicians in the event of adverse reactions.
• Ensures adequate stock of supplies within department.
• Demonstrates respiratory care procedures to trainees and other healthcare personnel.
• Cooperates with other personnel to achieve departmental objectives and maintain good employee relations, inter-departmental objectives and infection control policies.
• Maintains patient’s chart that contains pertinent identification and therapy information.
• Orders repairs when needed.
• Provide exemplary customer service.
• Maintain confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA.

Cooperate with other personnel to achieve departmental objectives and maintain good employee relations, inter-departmental objectives and infection control policies.

Cordially demonstrate timeliness and professionalism in appearance, communications, and actions during all interactions and with all individuals and entities.

Solve practical problems, dealing with a variety of issues, and interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written and oral form.

Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, in-service meetings and workshops.

• Attend meetings as required.
• Perform other duties as requested or assigned.

Requirements

Ability to Use Equipment, Tools, Materials, Machines

Computer, telephone, facsimile machine, copier, scanner, printer, calculator and other standard office equipment.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

Education

Must be a graduate of a two (2) year AMA approved RT program or equivalent and have successfully completed the registry exam administered by the NBRC.

• Must hold a current license in Respiratory Care approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services.
• Must obtain the required hours set forth by the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) via cardiopulmonary seminars, conferences, online educational webinars, and all other acceptable educational tools on an annual basis.
• Must hold certifications for: BLS, ACLS, PALS, and NRP.

Experience

• One year customer service experience required.
• Prefer one (1) year experience in acute care hospital with some experience working in intensive care areas.

Personal Job-Related Skills / Abilities

• Must be committed to quality and patient safety at all times.
• Excellent command / highly proficient in spoken and written English; bilingual in Spanish preferred.

Basic computer skills, including but not limited to: Microsoft Office, information security, scheduling and payroll systems, electronic medical documentation, and email.

Must be effective at adjusting to change, prioritizing duties, handling stress and effectively communicating face-to-face and/or over the telephone.

• Must be able to work independently, and flexibly, and as a part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Must be able to manage several interruptions throughout the shift.
• Must have strong interpersonal and communication skills, verbal and written.
• Must have strong time management skills.
• Must be able to work under pressure while interacting in a helpful, courteous manner with a high degree of patient contact.
• Sufficient hearing, vision and dexterity to perform duties safely.

Physical and Mental Requirements

Physical

• Activity Up to %
• Walking: 40
• Squatting: 1
• Standing: 60
• Pulling: 30
• Kneeling: 1
• Reaching: 30
• Sitting: 5
• Lifting up to 30lbs: 20
• Pushing: 5
• Wrist/Finger Movements: 90
• Bending: 10
• Climbing: 1

Mental

Stress Level Moderate to High

Individual Position Core Competencies

• Quality
• Service Excellence
• Compassion
• Professionalism

Fiscal Responsibility

• Required education within first 60 days (if employee is from outside organization).
• GrahamRMC Orientation
• Department Orientation

Continuing/Annual Education and Training

• As needed to maintain certification/ licensure of position
• CPR/BLS, ACLS, PALS, and NRP
• Falling Star Program
• Safety Storm Program
• Supervision

Employees Supervised: No

ADA Requirements

• Each category is grouped under a percentage rating based on the frequency the condition is expected to occur.
• Frequency of Condition 1-33% 34-66% 67%+
• 1-33%
• Extreme Heat
• Extreme Cold
• Extreme Swings in Temperature
• Extreme Noise
• Working Outdoors
• Mechanical Hazards
• Electrical Hazards
• Explosive Hazards
• Fume/Odor Hazards
• Dust/Mite Hazards
• Chemical Hazards
• Toxic Waste Hazards
• Radiation Hazards
• Wet Hazards
• Heights
• 34-66%

Other Conditions: Long and/ or irregular hours. Standing, walking, bending, stooping, reaching, lifting, pushing and pulling. Several interruptions throughout the day.

• 67%+
• Working Indoors

OSHA Classification

Identify with a check the OSHA Job Category that describes this job. The intent is to enhance worker protection by identifying any risk in the performance of routine and reasonably anticipated job-related functions.

X_ Category I: Tasks that involve exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues.

All procedures or other job-related tasks involve an inherent potential for mucous membrane or skin contact with blood, body fluids or tissues or a potential for spills or splashes of them are Category I tasks. Use of appropriate protective measures, such as gloves, masks, goggles, and gown are required for every employee engaged in Category I tasks.

_ Category II: Tasks that involve no exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues but employment may require performing unplanned Category I tasks.

The normal work routine involves no exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues, but exposure may be required as a condition of employment. Appropriate protective measure, such as gloves, masks, goggles, and gown are readily available to every employee engaged in Category II tasks.

_ Category III: Tasks that involve no exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues and Category I tasks are not a condition of employment.

The normal work routine involves no exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues (although situations can be imagined or hypothesized under which anyone, anywhere might encounter potential exposure to body fluids).

Persons who perform these duties are not called upon as part of their employment to perform or assist in emergency medical care or first-aid or to be potentially exposed in some other way.

Tasks that involve handling implements or utensils, use of public or shared bathroom facilities or telephone and personal contacts such as handshaking are Category III tasks.

Additional Information

The employee will demonstrate continuous commitment to the maintenance of a clean and safe work environment that is compliant with applicable regulatory agency requirements. The employee will follow established infection control procedures.

The employee will ensure the effective and safe use of all equipment used in his/her activities, if applicable.

The competence of the employee in performing his/her job duties is evaluated during orientation to his/her position and will be demonstrated, maintained, and improved on an ongoing basis. The employee will adhere to the assigned schedule and report to work on-time.

The employee shall abide by the requirements set forth in the Code of Conduct and report suspected violations of the Code of Conduct.

The employee will recognize, appreciate and incorporate an employee’s, patient's and patient’s family's unique differences, such as culture, spiritual beliefs, gender, race, ethnicity, lifestyle, socioeconomic status, age, and values, into an individualized plan of care or plan of action.

The statements contained in this position description reflect the general duties considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job as identified, and shall not be considered a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

The job description does not constitute a contract of employment and the company or employee may exercise its employment-at-will rights at any time.