Respiratory Therapist

Description

Position Summary

The Respiratory Therapist works with residents that suffer from chronic respiratory diseases like asthma, bronchitis and emphysema to name a few.  Respiratory Therapists have knowledge of the scientific principles underlying cardiopulmonary physiology and pathophysiology enabling them to effectively assess, educate and treat residents in the long-term care facility.

Position Responsibilities

The Respiratory Therapist has knowledge in diagnosing lung and breathing disorders and recommending treatment methods for the frail geriatric residents and other patients at the facility.   Responsibilities of the Respiratory Therapist include (but are not limited to): 

• Promotes and maintains a focus of patient-centered care
• Adheres to laws, rules & regulations and practices ethical integrity and interpersonal skills
• Maintains compliance with long-term care regulations including federal, state and health regulations
• Responsible to the Chief Operating Officer for the overall respiratory assessments and treatments that aligns with excellence in patient care outcomes
• Has strong leadership abilities in enforcing laws, rules & regulations, ethical integrity and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of state and federal regulations and ability to implement and maintain compliance with these regulations governing the facility resident care
• Perform assessments and diagnostic procedures to determine patient treatment needs
• Make recommendations for respiratory care and treatment
• Perform treatment procedures according to patient needs
• Train staff on signs and symptoms of respiratory illness and perform infection control training
• Modify care plan based on patient progress and treatment effectiveness in coordination with the facility and physician
• Operate, maintain, and repair respiratory equipment to ensure proper functioning, cleanliness, and operation
• Comply with all outlined safety and health standards
• Document accurately and efficiently patient’s respirator care
• Educate the patient, family, and team on respiratory problems and treatment
• Promote and set the example for resident rights helping protect and enhance those rights
• Ensure appropriate reports are complete and submitted accurately and timely
• Working knowledge of respiratory equipment and medical supplies
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage the emotional stress of working with and caring for terminally ill patients/families
• Comfortable working independently
• Perform position duties in a manner as to assure resident safety and rights are priority
• Adheres to the facility corporate compliance program and promotes the program in a positive and effective manner
• Performs other position-related duties as assigned, depending on assignment/shift setting

Other Responsibilities

• Follows facility OSHA safety rules and procedures
• Follows facility policies and procedures and adheres to federal and state regulations for long-term care
• Respects cultural and religious practices of patients
• Upholds HIPAA regulations
• Maintains a punctual and dependable attendance record

Position Requirements

• Associate’s Degree in Respirator Care from an accredited respiratory care program 
• Minimum of (2) years LTC experience, preferred
• Federal, State, and MHI required credentials current and on file
• Cognitive skills as related to the position

Working Conditions

Because the nursing home provides round-the clock care, working hours may include days, nights, weekends and holidays.  A Respiratory Therapist works in a climate controlled and well-lighted environment with a smoke-free policy.  Travels to various facilities and/or works in an office and walks throughout the facility.  Has a risk of exposure to infectious diseases, receives training in handwashing practices, and has access to personal protective equipment if direct exposure is anticipated.  Is subject to interruptions, noise, and odors daily.  

Physical Demands

• Periods of sitting at a desk and working on computer.  Prolonged periods of standing, bending, and reaching
• Lifting and carrying continuously.  The ability to lift up to twenty (20) pounds occasionally.  Assistance in moving, lifting or transferring of patients may involve lifting of up to fifty (50) pounds occasionally and if necessary 
• Fine motor skills
• Visual acuity

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and talk or hear.  The employee is frequently required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach forward with hands and arms.  The employee is occasionally required to sit and stoop, kneel, or crouch.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift or move 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.  

Physical Demand Ratings are an estimate of the overall strength requirements that are consider to be important for an average, successful work performance of a specific job. The overall physical demand rating for a Respiratory Therapist falls within the medium classification (10 to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally.  Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work.