Respiratory Therapist

PURPOSE:

     The therapist is specially trained and experienced in the field of respiratory care and performs diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in all areas of the hospital under the direction of physicians.  This includes medical/surgical unit, emergency room, preop/post op and outpatient areas that treat all ages, from infants to geriatric.  

NATURE AND SCOPE:

Physical Demands:

     This position requires full range of body motion including handling, lifting and moving patients, manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination.  It requires standing and walking for extensive periods of time and occasional lifting and carrying items weighing up to 50 pounds.  It also requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range, working under stressful conditions or irregular hours and possible exposure to communicable diseases or bodily fluids.

Functions:

      Full time position but will consider part time or PRN 

     The therapist will be responsible for performing all modalities of respiratory care offered at Clara Barton Hospital. 

     Review physician orders, analyze patients diagnostic test results and provide appropriate therapy based on patients current clinical condition

     Instruct patient in use of various respiratory care equipment in a thorough and professionally manner

     Assess patients response to therapy

     Documents all treatments and therapies performed and charges for all supplies used

     Good communication skills in reporting outcomes of therapeutic interventions and recommendations to ordering physician or other departments that may be involved in a patients care

    Team member:   Works professionally with other employees, healthcare professionals and students

     Follows established policies within the hospital

     Performs routine and advanced therapy and is able to work independently

     Therapist will perform the daily work routine which includes but not limited to patient therapy, daily charges, ekgs, heart monitor set up, pulmonary functions, Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, ABG draws, scheduling of outpatient testing, respond to all emergencies, cleaning equipment and ordering and stocking supplies

     Maintain knowledge of current RT practice and current healthcare information.  Fulfills and maintains continuing education requirements for                    State of Kansas licensure.

 Knowledge and Experience:

   Associates degree or graduate of an Accredited program

   BLS and ACLS

   PALS (can acquire after hire)

   Intubation experience is a plus

   The therapist is required to understand the purpose, expected response, side effects and proper dosages of respiratory medications; understand the results of arterial blood gas determinations and have the capability of making appropriate decisions based on those results;  understand the indications and contraindications of the respiratory therapy modalities; understand airway management of the adult, child and infant; maintain certification in BLS ACLS and PALS; be proficient in emergent situations; be capable of performing all special diagnostic procedures; and must be able to convey information in a simple way that all staff can understand.

Principal Accountabilities:

1. Provides routine respiratory therapy and diagnostic testing as ordered by the physician.
2. Educates nursing staff and families on modalities of therapy as needed.
3. Verifies patient charges and documentation of therapy.
4. Interacts and works cooperatively with co-workers, patients, visitors and other staff members encountered.
5. Follows safety and aseptic procedures to ensure a safe, clean environment.
6. Follows confidentiality policies and procedures to assure the integrity of patient care.
7. General knowledge of computers including but not limited to :  electronic documentation, typing and email
8. Critical thinking and problem solving
9. Team player with fellow staff and patient focused attitude 

Measures of Effectiveness:

     The following are indicators of proficient performance in this position:

1. Patients receive their respiratory therapy treatments and tests in a timely manner.
2. The nursing staff and patient families are comfortable with the ordered therapy.
3. The charges and documentation are accurate.
4. A positive image of the hospital is presented through effective human relation skills.
5. A clean, safe environment is maintained.
6. Confidentiality policies and procedures are followed.
7. Team work