SOUTH SUNFLOWER COUNTY HOSPITAL

Respiratory Therapist

Job Summary:

Under the supervision of the Respiratory Care Services Medical Director, Department Director, and the Shift Supervisor, the Respiratory Care Practitioner is responsible for providing respiratory care services in accordance with specific physician’s orders, department policies, and procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Maintains knowledge of the various methods of oxygen delivery, including the necessary equipment. Remains alert, assesses possible side effects to oxygen delivery.
Administers respiratory therapy treatments, understands the purpose of each and the possible side effects
Sets-up and monitors mechanical ventilators and the associated critical care duties required for such treatment, such as airway management and tracheal suctioning.
Able to assess patient pain interfering with the optimal level of function - makes appropriate physician contact for intervention.
Performs arterial punctures to obtain arterial blood samples for blood gas analysis, and understands the possible complications and contraindications associated with the procedure.
Follows departmental equipment sterilization procedures.
Documents all pertinent data on the patient’s medical record following completion of any service.
Maintains a thorough knowledge of all departmental forms, flow charts, logbooks, and their proper usage.
Performs all duties as outlined in the “Shift Responsibilities” section for the shift that the therapist works.
Performs all additional duties as assigned by the Department Director.
Performs EKGs, sends reports to physicians who requested them, and files report in the department, according to department procedures.
Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the differences in techniques and treatment modalities as performed on patients of varying ages, including neonate, pediatric, adolescent, and geriatric patients.
Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of oxygen concentrations and medication doses as they relate to patients of varying ages, including neonate, pediatric, adolescent, and geriatric patients.
Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly. Inspects and tests respiratory therapy equipment to ensure that it is functioning safely and efficiently.
Formulates a teaching plan based on the identified learning needs of a patient and evaluates the effectiveness of learning. Assures that patient’s family is included in teaching as appropriate.
Ability to safely intubate a patient and secure an ET tube.
Ability to change out tracheostomy tubes.
Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Coordinates and directs patient care to ensure patients’ needs are met and that hospital policy is followed.
Demonstrates the ability to assess patient, his/her need, and ability to tolerate treatment and reassessment for a response to treatment.
Attends education in-service programs to maintain professional competency. Obtains appropriate hospital-specific education and training.
Adheres to dress code, appearance is neat and clean.
Completes annual education requirements.

Demonstrates Competency in the Following Areas:

Maintains regulatory requirements.
Maintains patient confidentiality at all times.
Reports to work on time and as scheduled, completes work within the designated time.
Wears identification while on duty, uses computerized punch time system correctly.
Completes in-services and returns in a timely fashion.
Attends annual review and department in-services, as scheduled.
Attends at least 9 staff meetings annually, reads and returns all monthly staff meeting minutes.
Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner.
Actively participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities.
Complies with all organizational policies regarding ethical business practices.
Communicates the mission, ethics, and goals of the facility, as well as the focus statement of the department.

Regulatory Requirements:

Current State Respiratory Therapist Licensure.
Graduate of an AMA-approved School of Respiratory Therapy.
BLS certification.
Three or more years of previous experience in all aspects of cardiopulmonary services.

Language Skills:

Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
Additional languages preferred.
Strong written and verbal skills.

Skills:

Basic computer knowledge.
Ability to Intubate.
Ability to perform NEB treatments.
Ability to use ABG machine, ventilators, IPPB, EKG, bedside PF screeners.
Ability to perform chest PT.

Physical Demands:

For the physical demands of the position, including vision, hearing, repetitive motion, and environment, see the following description.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without compromising client care.