Respiratory Therapist

This is a part-time / 12 hour shift (6 : 00am-6 : 30pm)

POSITION SUMMARY

The purpose of your job position is to perform the duties of respiratory care upon the physician’s request by following the federal, state, and local guidelines that govern the facility and as directed by the DON and Administrator.

The Respiratory Therapist will treat each resident fairly, kindly, and show them dignity and respect. They will refer to each resident by their name. They will communicate clearly, empathetically, and effectively when speaking to residents, family members, visitors, all staff and governmental agencies. They will work cooperatively with all departments and multidisciplinary teams. They will demonstrate patience, initiative and willingness to assist residents that may be difficult or in discomfort. They will relate all pertinent information concerning a resident's condition to a charge nurse as required. They will be committed to always doing the right thing.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Conducting physician prescribed treatments of a routine nature operating Intermittent Positive Pressure Breathing (IPPB) Machine, various oxygen devices, nebulizer and ultrasonic nebulizer in order to administer prescribed medicinal vapors and gasses, humidity and various oxygen concentrations to the respiratory system of the resident

Explaining the purpose and procedure treatments to residents

Performing chest physical therapy treatments involving percussion, postural drainage, and suctioning in order to mobilize secretions and mucus in the lungs and to clear airway blockage in the respiratory systems

If authorized, performing arterial puncture, operates blood gas analyzer measuring and determining the acid base balance efficiency of ventilation, and metabolism of the respiratory systems

Setting up, operating and monitoring ventilators

Ensuring the adequate maintenance of ventilation during cardio-pulmonary resuscitation

Performing pulmonary function studies determining the volume, distribution, and movement of air in the respiratory system

Timely recording of all respiratory care records in residents chart

Reporting treatments to be conducted and condition of residents to relief personnel

Processing respiratory therapy equipment - cleaning, sterilizing and packaging as required

Performing preventative maintenance and repair of equipment as needed

Frequent rounding to check residents oxygen equipment, replacing humidifiers as necessary, as well as spot-checking other respiratory equipment on a timely basis

Participating in the Hazardous Material Program. Hazards include exposure to blood and body fluids, possible communicable diseases, sharp objects and instruments, assorted chemical and gasses as listed in the Hazardous Materials Program Manual

Participating in QC activities as requested

Protecting each resident's file and data with confidentiality per HIPAA standards.

Abiding with all facility policies and procedures including not disclosing user ID codes and passwords

Every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position. However, it in no way states or implies these are the only duties you will be required to perform as directed by management. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or is an essential function of the position.

REQUIREMENTS

Education / Licensure

Current California Respiratory License (credentialed by the NBRC)

Must have valid BLS certification

Qualifications / Experience

Minimum of 1-year work experience, skilled nursing setting preferred

Must be able to read, write, understand and communicate proficiently in English language

Must possess excellent time management skills

Working Conditions

May be involved with residents, family and government agencies

May be requested to work beyond scheduled working hours at times

May be exposed to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including TB and the AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses

Physical Requirements

Must be able to sit, stand, bed, twist, walk and move intermittently throughout the day

Must be able to work under stress and in emergency situations.

Must be able to work under conditions that require sitting, standing, walking, reaching, pulling, pushing and grasping.

Visual acuity is required to observe details of instruments required for life support.