Respiratory Therapist

Overview

Respiratory Therapist Primary Responsibilities

The primary purpose of this position is to provide standard and specialized respiratory therapy services to adult and geriatric residents in accordance with physician's written orders and within the limits of acquired skills and capabilities. This position also requires knowledge of the behaviors, physical and emotional needs, life cycle changes, and comfort and care appropriate to the population served. 

Responsibilities

Respiratory Therapist Essential Functions

Provide and implement customer service and respiratory therapy treatment according to the facility population served; this includes:

• Providing excellent service to Patients following the facility’s mission statement.
• Maintaining confidentiality according to HIPAA guidelines; 
• Administering aerosol treatments, Bipap/Cpap, oximeters, incentive spirometers, peak flows, percussion/postural drainage, diaphragmatic/pursed lip breathing, tracheal suctioning, and aspiration;
• Understanding and adhering to the implementation of the Respiratory Therapy Protocol; 
• Understanding the delivery devices and medications as well as the desired effects and side effects used at BP;
• Understanding modifications of drug dosages that may be necessary within the resident population;
• Reporting side effects and adverse reactions to appropriate nursing personnel and Pharmacy personnel;
• Performing competently in emergency situations; 
• Understanding isolation techniques and implementing those techniques for isolated residents; 
• Maintaining skill in the assembly of all equipment; 
• Establishing and maintaining a positive and effective working environment and work relationships with other medical team members, residents, resident's family members, and visitors; 
• Demonstrating knowledge and skills necessary to provide respiratory therapy modalities to the population served; 
• Demonstrating knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life-span;
• Demonstrating the ability to assess data related to the resident's respiratory status; 
• Identifying the needs of respiratory residents; 
• Maintaining the confidentiality of all residents and their care to ensure resident rights, privacy and property are protected at all times; &
• Reporting and documenting resident and/or visitor incidents, accidents, complaints, or allegations according to the facility’s policy and procedure using the designated occurrence reporting system.

Provide respiratory documentation in accordance with facility policy and procedures by:

• Complying with safety requirements, Infection Control measures, and maintaining a clean work environment in accordance with facility policy as indicated by:
• Performing other duties as assigned by the Administrator.

Qualifications

Respiratory Therapist Essential Functions

 Must possess specific educational and experience requirements such as:

• A high school diploma or GED.
• Successful completion of the NBRC examination for Registered Respiratory Therapist or Registry eligibility, or certification by the State Respiratory Care committee.
• A current BLS 
• A current RCP license with the State of employment. Have a thorough understanding of the principles of safe effective Respiratory Therapy practices within the State of employment.