RRT (PRN)

Description

This job description reflects the general details considered necessary to fulfill the essential job functions and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all work requirements inherent in this position. Other specific job-related knowledge and skills may be required.

The Respiratory Therapists are to perform cardiopulmonary treatments and services to patients. Respiratory staff will work under Respiratory Supervisor, Manager, and Director of Ancillary Services. Respiratory staff must be able to lift patients, push equipment, work under stress, make independent judgements regarding patient care, and deal professionally with others. They are responsible for assuring that services are provided in a manner that is consistent with Ohio County Hospital policies, procedures, as well as the purpose, vision, and values. Respiratory Therapists must be proficient at taking vital signs, assessing and monitoring patient’s cardiopulmonary status, and performing CPR and basic first aid if needed. Respiratory Therapists are responsible for (but not limited to) aerosol therapy, oxygen therapy, pulmonary function testing, peak flow monitoring, incentive spirometry, noninvasive ventilation management (BiPAP and CPAP), proper Code Blue response and resuscitation, ventilator management, percussion therapy, electrocardiograms (EKG), Nerve Conduction Studies (EMG), Holter/Event set-up/scanning, stress testing, arterial blood gases, and electroencephalography.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Works in Respiratory Therapy department, as well as various other departments of the hospital performing respiratory therapy treatments/procedures. Consistently standing on feet, pushing equipment, and frequent bending, stooping, lifting, and pulling will be required. Will be required to provide direct patient care, which requires both fine and gross motor skills. Must be able to adapt to different personalities and stressful situations, not allowing them to interfere with the accuracy or quality of work performed. Subject to the hazard of contact with patients with communicable diseases and combative patients. Frequently subject to exposure to blood borne pathogens, dangerous and odorous chemicals and specimens (cleaning and disinfecting agents, chemicals, and preservatives). Occasional exposure to radiation and toxic chemicals is possible. May also occasionally be exposed to electrical hazards.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS:

1. Acceptable pre-employment health screening. (Noncommunicable diseases or disabilities which would prevent the employee from being able to perform the required functions of the job description in accordance with the American Disabilities Act)
2. Emotional Stability
3. Ability to function effectively under stressful circumstances
4. Acceptable attendance record
5. Must be able to see with or without correction well enough to read, observe signs and symptoms, and read monitoring equipment
6. Must be able to hear well enough to conduct a proper patient assessment (breath sounds, blood pressure, etc.)

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Communications
2. Skills/Knowledge
3. Patient Care/Satisfaction
4. Day Shift Full/Part-Time Specific Responsibilities

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Communications

1. Keeps Respiratory Supervisor informed on matters which are of importance to the well-being of the Respiratory Department (safety, morale, work methods, equipment, procedures, staffing, transfers, etc.)
2. Attends 75% of department staff meetings and initials minutes if not present for the meeting.
3. Attends mandatory hospital and department in-services. If not in attendance is responsible for obtaining information covered.
4. Regularly reviews posted memos, notes, and in-services. Signs all forms promptly.
5. Maintains confidentiality and complies with HIPAA, protecting patient privacy at all times.
6. Establish a good rapport with physicians, physician offices, and other hospital departments. Maintains a good working relationship with respiratory co-workers.
7. Informs director of actual or anticipated problems to include staffing, performance, or patient related concerns.
8. Listens attentively and request clarification and/or feedback as indicated.
9. If requested, will perform supervising and other reasonable management duties in absence of supervisor/manager.
10. Will communicate any competency or proficiency needs to the department supervisor and take the initiative to obtain additional training, on days off if necessary, to adequately perform job duties.
11. Exhibits the positive human relations skills on cooperation, dependability, courtesy, tactfulness, enthusiasm, and overall good attitude.
12. Consults with the appropriate personnel regarding important patient information i.e. history/labs/specific test, or any other information that would contribute to a safe procedure.
13. Frequently accesses email to stay up to date on information within the organization and provides a way of communication between staff members.
14. Performs all procedures according to established policies and procedures of OCH and adheres to legal compliance policies and other regulatory issues

Skills/Knowledge

1. Demonstrates a solid understanding of respiratory procedures, i.e., EKG, EMG, Holter/Event monitor set-up, ABG, stress testing, aerosol therapy, oxygen therapy, peak flow monitoring, incentive spirometry, invasive/noninvasive ventilation management, resuscitation, and percussion therapy.
2. Possesses solid understanding of the equipment operation and attached components.
3. Provides general safety for patients, fellow employees, and self in accordance with the hospital and departmental standards.
4. Follows proper patient identification procedures.
5. Wears ID badge at all times when on duty.
6. Reviews order, patient charts, and any other pertinent information before proceeding with the procedure. Will check with the ordering physician if further clarification is needed.
7. Demonstrates competency with the Hospital Information System (CPSI) and ECW.
8. During computer “downtime,” ensures proper procedures/processes are carried out.
9. Completes all work before leaving shift, informs the next shift of any pending procedures/issues before clocking out, i.e. “hand-off” communications.
10. Participates in orientation, training new staff, and completes appropriate competency/orientation forms.
11. Maintains inventory to ensure proper quantity of supplies are kept within the department, as well as efficient respiratory supplies in the emergency department, medical-surgical unit, and intensive care unit.
12. Will maintain continuing education as required by the Kentucky Board of Respiratory Care, and National Board of Respiratory Care (if applicable), and current BLS CPR certification, and forwards all updated copies to the Respiratory Supervisor and Human Resources.
13. Assesses work area environment for any patient/visitor/employee safety hazards. Reports all safety issues immediately to necessary parties.
14. Consistently assures all equipment, supplies, oxygen hook-ups, suction hook-ups, and medical gas cylinders are maintained properly and in excellent working condition at all times.
15. Assures all assigned individual duties/assignments are completed accurately and in a timely manner.
16. May be requested to be member of QI team.

Patient Care/Satisfaction

1. Interpret and enforces current standards of practice, policies, and procedures at Ohio County Hospital.
2. Interprets and enforces all hospital wide policies and procedures to include Infection and Exposure Control Plan, Personnel Policies, and Employee Health Policies.
3. Participates in Ohio County Hospital’s continuous improvement efforts by actively participating in data collection analysis of findings, identification of opportunities for improvement.
4. Provides a private/confidential environment and warm attitude when interacting with the patient. Do not conduct discussions around the patient room and hallways.
5. Obtains a thorough history from the patient and records on worksheet, requisition, and enters the diagnosis as listed on the physician order into CPSI.
6. Obtains readings for urgent procedures following Critical Test Results policy. Do not let a patient leave if a critical test result is identified, and contact the ordering physician for instructions.
7. Explains the procedure to the patient and family prior to every procedure. Always confirms correct side with the patient and clarifies if indicated, with ordering physician.
8. Always introduces self and department to patient. Provides explanations and information regarding all respiratory procedures/therapies provided to the patient.
9. Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide respiratory services to patients of all ages, and the ability to adapt for the patients’ individual needs.
10. Uses proper hand-washing techniques and follows all hospital policies related to hand-washing.

 Full/Part Time Specific Responsibilities

1. Demonstrates solid understanding of specialty procedures, i.e. PFT, EEG, EMG, and Holter/Event monitor scanning. Completes initial and annual competency covering each specialty procedure.
2. Completes weekly inspection of medical gas outdoor storage area, records on checklist.
3. Assures to follow proper EKG procedures, and distributes EKG appropriately.
4. Keeps adequate stock all of supplies in procedure room, i.e. EEG linens, paste, PFT filters, nose clips, etc.
5. Orders gas cylinders on Wednesdays, based on the cylinder par stock level. Assures these cylinders are distributed according to policy.
6. Keeps department area clean and free from clutter. Cleans laptop cart and EKG machine weekly.
7. Assures all stock is put away, in correct location. Also ensures stock is maintained in other department areas.

Qualifications

1. Completion of an Approved Respiratory Therapy Program
2. Completion of NBRC Therapist Multiple-Choice Exam, or equivalent, earning CRT or RRT credentials
3. Licensure by the Kentucky Board of Respiratory Care
4. BLS Provider or equivalent knowledge; ACLS provider or obtains within 6 months of employment; PALS provider certified strongly recommended