Respiratory Therapist

POSITION SUMMARY

Demonstrates competent patient assessment skills for various age groups. Responsible for direct and indirect cardiopulmonary care and patient services. Delivers routine and critical care services consistent with departmental policies and procedures which include but are not limited to, a full range of cardiorespiratory treatments. These are administration of pulmonary medications, treatments, diagnostic procedures, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, airway management, and education for patient, family and healthcare team members. Performs ECG’s, interdepartmental transports on ventilator assisted patients, ABG’s, assistance with Bronchoscopies and any other related Cardiopulmonary Care procedures and duties as assigned. May give instruction to others in the proper use and care of equipment; and does related work as required.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

License/Certificate:

· Possession of a valid Respiratory Care Practitioner license issued by State of California Respiratory Care Board.

· Current BLS certification

· Current ACLS certification

· Current PALS certification

· Registered by the NBRC (National Board of Respiratory Care)

· NRP and dysrhythmia recognition are highly recommended

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Sets up and operates respiratory equipment and apparatus in the administration of respiratory therapy treatment as prescribed by a physician.

2. Operates blood gas analysis equipment and report results.

3. Makes rounds to check and make operating adjustments to respiratory therapy equipment in use or on standby in patient areas; cleans assembles, maintains, and repairs equipment as needed.

4. Sets up and maintains long term ventilators.

5. Performs screening pulmonary function tests.

6. Assists cardiac arrest team, when needed, by supplying oxygen, performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation or artificial respiration or securing and maintain respiration equipment.

7. Reads patients’ charts and checks transcribed orders against those of the physician.

8. May act as lead worker; adjust assignments based on census and availability of staff, may check and review work of others and may train others as assigned.