What are the responsibilities and job description for the Registered Respiratory Care Practitioner position at Adventist Health?
Adventist Health Sonora has been one of the area's leading healthcare providers since 1900. We are comprised of a 72-bed hospital, 30 medical offices, comprehensive cancer care and a vast scope of award-winning services located throughout Tuolumne and Calaveras counties and the surrounding areas. Sonora is known for its friendly hometown charm, vast outdoor experiences and lively downtown. The allure of Sonora's close-knit community is complimented by its proximity to Yosemite National Park, as well as just a quick drive to Lake Tahoe.
Job Summary:
Performs basic and critical respiratory care services. Has the ability to work well without supervision as well as maintain supervision over others, as delegated. Provides respiratory care services for the adult and geriatric patient. Provides respiratory care for patients with respiratory disease, as ordered by the physician and in accordance with current department policies concerning all phases of respiratory therapy. Completes paperwork, electronic medical records, flow sheets, and charges for each patient.
Job Requirements:
Education and Work Experience:
- Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent (some certifications will require Bachelor’s): Preferred
- Master's Degree: Preferred
- Three years' technical experience: Preferred
Licenses/Certifications:
- Registered Respiratory Therapist (NBRC-RRT) credential or Certified Respiratory Therapist (NBRC-CRT) credential: Required in CA, OR, and HI
- Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license: Required in CA
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) or Basic Life Support (BLS OR HS-BLS OR RQIBLS) certification: Required
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification: Preferred
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS OR HS-ACLS OR RQIACLS) certification: Required
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS OR HS-PALS OR RQIPALS) certification: Preferred
- Pediatric Emergency Assessment, Recognition and Stabilization (PEARS) certification: Preferred
Essential Functions:
- Assesses and documents the appropriateness of prescribed therapy (including recommendations) for patients receiving respiratory care services. Administers aerosol and oxygen therapy, while maintaining charts. Draws arterial blood gases per policy and physician order. Provides care to ventilator patients. Assists in department record keeping and operation, as well as participation in training and supervision of new employees. Documents care given; maintains records of treatment given; generates necessary documents for charges or record keeping. Assists in the instruction of nursing personnel in surveillance of patient and equipment after initial installation.
- Performs pulmonary function tests, drainage procedures, and provides additional patient care regarding cardio respiratory disease. Provides suggestions regarding the patients’ treatment and pulmonary progress. Provides assistance in cardio respiratory rehabilitation. Provides instruction to patients and family in the nature of cardio respiratory disease and its ramifications.
- Makes rounds to check all respiratory therapy equipment in use or on standby in patient areas. Ensures completion of the initial ventilator bundle orders upon initiation of mechanical ventilation. Ensures compliance of VAP bundle for all patients receiving mechanical ventilation. Identifies measurable and reasonable outcomes while using appropriate therapy interventions to resolve patient needs. Updates and communicates the diagnosis throughout the patient's stay based on patient's changing condition and disease status.
- Assists with maintenance and processing of equipment and products used in providing respiratory therapy services.
- Serves as a knowledge resource to the physician and hospital staff in relation to the technical aspects of respiratory care and the effectiveness of methods to administer safe respiratory therapy. Assists in stocking and re-ordering parts and equipment. Assists in the set up of specialty equipment. Keeps the equipment clean and ready for its next use. Assists physicians with bronchoscopies and special procedures. Assists with quality control, staff schedules and competencies.
- Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
Organizational Requirements:
Adventist Health is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our associates and patients. Therefore, we require that all associates receive all required vaccinations, including, but not limited to, measles, mumps, flu (based on the seasonal availability of the flu vaccine typically during October-March each year), COVID-19 vaccine (required in CA, HI and OR) etc., as a condition of employment, and annually thereafter. Medical and religious exemptions may apply.
