Respiratory Therapist

JOB TITLE:                     Respiratory Therapist 

DEPARTMENT:              Cornerstone Village North HCC

SUPERVISOR:                 Respiratory Manager(s) 

POSITION SUMMARY:

Assists the Department Manager(s) to plan, organize, develop and direct the overall operations of the Respiratory Therapy Department in accordance with current federal, state and local standards, guidelines and regulations that govern our facility. Provides resident care and clinical expertise for the unit in order to assure that high quality standards and practices are maintained. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Preforms assessments of residents to be admitted by evaluating the level and amount of respiratory care required by prospective residents in relation to existing respiratory therapists’ capabilities. Ensures that there is a written plan of care (preliminary and comprehensive) for each resident that identifies the respiratory problems/needs of the resident, indicates the care to be given, and goals to be accomplished.
• Participates in the resident’s plan of care (preliminary and comprehensive) that identifies the respiratory problems/needs of the resident, indicates the care to be given, and goals to be accomplished.
• Encourages the resident and his/her family to participate in the development  and review of the resident’s respiratory plan of care.
• Participates along with the resident and his/her family in the development and review of the resident’s respiratory plan of care.
• Assist the Resident Assessment/Care Plan Coordinator in planning, scheduling and revising the MDS, including the implementation of RAPs and Triggers.
• Assures that the 24 hour nursing report identifies change in the resident’s respiratory status (if needed) and accurately reflects any issues that need to be acted upon on a daily basis. 
• Establishes priorities based on resident respiratory care needs.
• Demonstrates performance of technical skills necessary to safely provide respiratory care appropriate to the resident population and age specific needs.
• Works with the Manager(s) to develop, allocate and control the budget for the Respiratory Therapy Department.
• Works with the Manager on the recommendation of equipment and supply needs required to meet the respiratory care of the residents.
• Attends and participates in continuing educational programs designed to keep abreast of changes in the profession, as well as to maintain a current professional licensure.
• Ensures that all resident care rooms, treatment areas, respiratory equipment, etc., are maintained in a clean, safe and sanitary manner. 
• Monitors residents and takes appropriate action for side effect and adverse reactions to medications.
• Adheres to all infection control policy and procedures.
• Administers and documents all respiratory treatments as ordered and in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Signs and dates all entries made in the residents medical record.
• Completes incident report, supervisory investigation and documentation of actions according to Incident/Accident policy and procedures.
• Assures that each resident’s family/responsible party and physician are notified of any significant change in resident condition.
• Establishes priorities based on resident needs. 
• Complies with the day-to-day functions of the respiratory department in accordance with current state, federal, and facility rules, regulations, policies and procedures utilizing effective organizational skills. 
• Ensures that assigned medication nurse and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are aware of the resident’s care plans. 
• Provides direct respiratory care to residents in accordance with the resident’s care plan and wishes.
• Assumes responsibility for the identification of potential safety hazards and for the identification of noncompliance with Cornerstone Village guidelines and policies. 
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

COMPENTENCIES:

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies to perform the essential functions to this position.

• Problem solving—the individual identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner, gathers and analyzes information skillfully.
• Customer service—the individual manages difficult client/customer situations, responds promptly to customer needs, solicits customer feedback to improve service, responds to requests for service and assistance and meets commitments. Exhibit genuine interest in resident; patience and tact in dealing with residents, families, and visitors; initiative and judgement in recognizing symptoms indicative of residents need for emergency medical intervention; willingness to perform a variety of simple repetitive tasks. 
• Planning/organizing—the individual prioritizes and plans work activities and uses time efficiently.
• Quality control—the individual demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness, monitors own work to ensure quality and applies feedback to improve performance.
• Quantity—meets productivity standards and completes work in a timely manner.
• Adaptability—the individual adapts to changes in the work environment, manages competing demands and is able to deal with frequent change, delays or unexpected events.
• Dependability—the individual is consistently at work and on time, follows instructions, responds to management direction and solicits feedback to improve performance.
• Safety and security—the individual observes safety and security procedures and uses equipment and materials properly. 

EDUCATION:

• Requires a certificate of completion for Respiratory Therapy from an accredited college or university. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

1. To be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
2. To be able to reach, bend, kneel and squat.
3. To be able to walk and stand on a repetitive and constant basis.
4. To be able to use step stools.
5. To be able to hear call system, pager signals, walkie-talkies and spoken English language.
6. To be able to wear protective gloves supplied by facility.
7. To be able to be in contact with domestic pets.

DISCLAIMER:

This job description reflects essential functions required to successfully fill this position. It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

RECEIPT AND ACCEPTANCE STATEMENT:

I acknowledge and understand that:

• Receipt of the job description does not imply nor create a promise of employment, nor an employment contract of any kind, and that my employment is at-will.
• The job description provides a general summary of the position in which I am employed, that the contents of this job description are job requirements and, at this time, I know of no limitations, which would prevent me from performing these functions with or without accommodation. I further understand that it is my responsibility to inform my supervisor at any time that I am unable to perform these functions.
• Job duties, tasks, work hours and work requirements may be changed at any time.
• Acceptable job performance includes completion of job responsibilities as well as compliance with the policies, procedures, rules and regulations. 
• I have read and understand this job description. 

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Signature of applicant/employee      Date

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Signature of witness        Date