Respiratory Therapist - PRNEdwardsville, Illinois

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Chief Nursing Officer, the Respiratory Therapist is responsible for providing cardiopulmonary care services in accordance with specific physician’s orders, department policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Job Specific:

• Maintains knowledge of the various methods of oxygen delivery, including the necessary equipment.  Remains alert to assess possible side effects to oxygen delivery.
• Administers respiratory therapy treatments, understands the purpose of each and the possible side effects associated with each.
• Sets-up and monitors mechanical ventilators and the associated critical care duties required for such treatment, such as airway management and tracheal suctioning.
• Able to assess patient pain interfering with optimal level of function or participation in rehabilitation.  Makes appropriate physician contact for intervention.
• Performs arterial punctures to obtain arterial blood samples for blood gas analysis, and understands the possible complications and contraindications associated with the procedure.
• Follows departmental equipment sterilization procedures.
• Documents all pertinent data on the patient’s medical record following completion of any service.
• Maintains a thorough knowledge of all departmental forms, flow charts, logbooks and their proper usage.
• Performs EKGs, types report interpretations, sends reports to physicians who requested them and files reports in department, according to department procedures.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly.  Inspects and tests respiratory therapy equipment to ensure that it is functioning safely and efficiently.
• Maintains thorough knowledge of hazards of oxygen therapy.
• Formulates a teaching plan based on identified learning needs of a patient and evaluates effectiveness of learning.  Patient’s family is included in teaching as appropriate.
• Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity.  Coordinates and directs patient care to ensure patients’ needs are met and that hospital policy is followed.
• Demonstrates ability to assess patient, his/her need, and ability to tolerate treatment and reassessment for response to treatment.
• Attends education in-service programs to maintain professional competency.  Obtains appropriate hospital-specific education and training.
• Performs all additional duties as assigned by the department manager.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly.  Inspects and tests respiratory therapy equipment to ensure that it is functioning safely and efficiently.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the differences in techniques and treatment modalities as performed on patients of varying ages, including geriatric patients, as well as the general patient population.
• Other duties as assigned.

Experience/Skills:

• Current State Respiratory Therapist Licensure.
• Graduate of an AMA-approved School of Respiratory Therapy.
• Current CPR certification. (Specify if BLS or ACLS)
• Three (3) or more years of previous experience in all aspects of cardiopulmonary services highly preferred.

Company Specific:

• Adheres to dress code, appearance is neat and clean and wears appropriate identification while on duty
• Completes annual health, safety, and education requirements. Maintains professional growth and development.
• Maintains confidentiality of all patient and/or employee information to assure patient and/or employee rights are protected.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and the skills necessary to provide age appropriate care to the patient population served.
• Reports to work on time as scheduled; adheres to policies regarding notification of absence.
• Attends all mandatory in-services and staff meetings.
• Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner.
• Complies with all organizational policies regarding ethical business practices.
• Communicates the mission, ethics, and goals of the hospital, as well as the focus statement of the department.
• Maintains current licensure/certification for position, if applicable.
• Consistently demonstrates Guest Relation’s skills to patients, physicians, visitors, employees, and any other individuals with whom they may come in contact.
• Consistently follows departmental and hospital Health, Safety, Security, Hazardous Materials policies and procedures.
• HIPAA: Conduct job responsibilities in accordance with HIPAA privacy laws, follow hospital policy in provision of patient confidentiality. Able to identify patient confidentiality issues and reports to proper hospital personnel immediately.
• Compliance: Conducts job responsibilities in accordance with standards set forth in Kindred’s Code of Conduct, Kindred policy and procedures, applicable federal and state laws, and applicable standards.

Language Skills:

• Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Additional languages preferred.

Skills:

• Basic computer knowledge.
• Knowledge of equipment utilized in evaluation and treatment.
• Must be able to determine appropriate patient procedures and evaluate results.
• Ability to maintain control and respond calmly and positively during crisis situations (i.e., Code).
• Appropriate telephone communication skills.

Physical and Safety Requirements:

• Good general health and stress coping ability. Ability to walk or stand for periods of at least 8 hours.Stooping, sitting, bending and carrying of items including the ability to lift or move patients.  Ability to clearly and effectively communicate with all constituents (patients, families, peers, and other healthcare team members) as needed for leadership, assessment, intervention, and professional development.  
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without compromising patient care.