Respiratory Therapist - Full Time - Pulmonology

Job Summary: 

This is a clinical position responsible for evaluating, treating and caring for patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorders.  This individual, under the direction of a physician, has the primary responsibility for all respiratory care, therapeutic treatments and diagnostic procedure.  Work is performed in accordance with NOMS policies and procedures/applicable federal and state laws.  This role may occasionally require travel to other office locations to support business needs.

Essential Functions:

1. Complies with HIPAA and OSHA rules and regulations.
2. Provide emergency care as needed including artificial respiration, external cardiac massage and assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
3. Set up and operate devices such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems and aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.
4. Determine requirements of treatment, such as type, method and duration of therapy, precautions to be taken, and medication and dosages, compatible with physicians’ orders.
5. Monitor patient’s physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes, and consult with physician if adverse reactions occur.
6. Read prescription, measure arterial blood gases, and review patient information to assess patient condition.
7. Work as part of a team of physicians, nurses and other health care professionals to manage patient care.
8. Enforce safety rules and ensure careful adherence to physician’s orders.
9. Maintain charts that contain patient’s pertinent identification and therapy information.
10. Inspect, clean, test and maintain respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently, ordering repairs when necessary.
11. Educate patients and their families about their conditions and teach appropriate disease management techniques, such as breathing exercises and the use of medications and respiratory equipment.
12. Explain treatment procedures to patients to gain cooperation and allay fears.
13. Relay blood analysis results to physician.
14. Perform pulmonary function and adjust equipment to obtain optimum results in therapy.
15. Perform bronchopulmonary drainage and assist or instruct patients in performance of breathing exercises.
16. Demonstrate respiratory care procedures to trainees and other health care personnel.
17. Teach, train, supervise, and utilize the assistance of students, respiratory therapy technicians and assistants.
18. Use a variety of testing techniques to assist doctors in cardiac and pulmonary research and to diagnose disorders.
19. Make emergency visits to resolve equipment problems.
20. Conduct tests, such as electrocardiograms, stress testing, and lung capacity tests to evaluate patients’ cardiopulmonary functions.

Competencies:

1. Knowledge of the health care field.

2. Skill in performing tasks correctly. 

3. Skill in understanding patient education needs and effectively sharing information with patients and their families. 

4. Skill in identifying equipment problems and correcting or notifying supervisor. 

5. Ability to be flexible and handle changing priorities.

6. Ability to communicate clearly.

7. Ability to project a pleasant and professional image.

8. Ability to plan, prioritize and complete delegated tasks.

9. Ability to apply written instructions and standardized work practices. 

10. Ability to read and comprehend patient information.

11. Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

Education and Work Experience:

1. Associate Degree

2. Minimum of two years’ experience preferred

Certification and Licenses Required:

1. Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) certification

2. Current CPR certification

3. Required to maintain CE requirements

Environmental/Working Conditions:

Combination of medical office and exam/procedure room settings. Well-lighted, well-ventilated, adequate space. Exposure to communicable diseases and other conditions common to medical office setting.

Physical/Mental Demands:

Must be able to use appropriate body mechanics techniques when making necessary patient transfers and helping patients with walking, dressing, etc. Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds of supplies.

OTHER DUTIES:  This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

NOMS is an equal opportunity employer committed to high standards of business conducted and civic responsibility.  This includes our policy of offering fair and equal opportunities to every employee or applicant for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation) age, national origin, disability or genetic information, or status as a Vietnam-Era or special disabled veteran, or any other protected classes, in accordance with applicable law.

NHHPIJ