Respiratory Therapy Tech

Job Title:                                Certified Respiratory Therapist

                                                Registered Respiratory Therapist

Classification:                        Non-Exempt/Hourly

Reports To:                            Director of Respiratory Therapy

Position Type:                       Full-Time

Hours Worked/Shift:            Monday - Friday

Summary:  Respiratory Therapist restores patient’s pulmonary function, alleviates pain, and supports life by planning and administering medically prescribed respiratory therapy. The Respiratory Therapist meets patient’s goals and needs and provides quality care by conducting pulmonary function tests, assessing, and interpreting evaluations and test results, and determining respiratory therapy treatment plans in consultation with physicians and by prescription. They help patient accomplish treatment plans and supports life by administering inhalants, operating mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatuses, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators.

 Essential Functions:  

1. Administer all forms of Respiratory Therapy modalities that include nebulizer treatments, PEP therapy, CPT and postural drainage, medical gas therapy, CPAP, BIPAP, heated high flow therapy, nasotracheal suctioning and ventilator management.
2. Administer respiratory medications and understand dosage, effects, and side effects.
3. Follow and understand therapist driven protocols   
4. Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.
5. Perform and understand full pulmonary function tests and spirometer testing
6. Draw and run arterial blood gas testing and follow trends.
7. Perform and understand electrocardiograms.
8. Perform and setup all forms of oximeter testing, including overnight oximeter testing, exercise oximeter testing, and 6-minute walk tests.
9. Setup and download Holter monitors. 
10. Performs Cardiac Rehab/Pulmonary Rehab, monitors vital signs, directs the patient through an individualized treatment plan and provides related health education.
11. Perform airway management, including intubation, trach management, endotracheal tube management, and airway suctioning.
12. Responds to Code Blues’ appropriately by utilizing and following BLS and ACLs guidelines.
13. Completes all paperwork associated with the department, including daily worksheets and is responsible for completing all charges of supplies, tests, and therapies.
14. Document patient-care services by charting in patient and department records.
15. Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.
16.  Participates in and attends in-services, facility-wide and department meetings
17. Shares “on call” coverage from end of dayshift to the morning of next day shift. 
18. Must be available to work any day of the week including weekends and holidays which will be split amongst the staff.
19. Assist in the respiratory therapy education to providers, nurses, aides, and students.

Competencies:   

1. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
2. Excellent organizational and time management skills.  
3. Knowledge of respiratory care and respiratory care issues.
4. Knowledge of and ability to use various computer programs and applications.

Position Qualifications:  

Minimum Education:  Graduate from an AMA approved school for Respiratory Therapy with status as registry eligible or certified by the National Board for Respiratory Therapy.            

Minimum Experience:  Critical care skills preferred.

Certifications/Licensures:  Kansas RCP, BLS, NRP, ACLS.  

Working Environment:  Works in a clean, well-lighted, heated, and air-conditioned area.  Exposure to unpleasant sights, smells, and infectious diseases.  Work schedule may vary, and call time is necessary.   

 Physical Demands:  **

**Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position accountabilities without compromising patient care or departmental efficiency.  However, should it de determined that the employee cannot meet the position accountabilities with or without accommodation, it is the right of GRMC to release the individual under Kansas “Employment at Will” doctrine**

Professional Requirements:  Adheres to policies, procedures, and always maintains confidentiality.  Attends annual in-services completes annual education in a timely manner.  Represents GRMC in a positive, professional manner on the job, electronically and in the community.  Complies with all hospital policies regarding ethical business practices; communicates the mission statement & core values of GRMC both on and off the job.