Respiratory Therapist - Cardiac Rehab

ELIGIBLE FOR CMH EMPLOYEE REFERRAL BONUS : PRIORITY RECRUITMENT

The Respiratory Therapist is directly responsible and accountable for the care given to his / her assigned patients of all ages in accordance with departmental standards, policies and procedures. This includes detailed initial and ongoing assessments of patient needs, including life-threatening emergencies, administration and evaluation of respiratory care treatments, supervision of others in the delivery of respiratory care and the accurate performance of pulmonary and cardiac diagnostic procedures.

Job Requirements

Knowledge of / Skill / Ability to : A thorough knowledge of respiratory care principles and procedures; knowledge and skills in techniques of good patient care. Must be able to read and write English as well as speak and understand English. Must be willing to flex up for short-term needs such as vacations or illness. Willingness to flex down or go home early if patient census and workload do not support full shift. They must demonstrate a thorough understanding of pulmonary and cardiovascular findings as they pertain to the assessment of a patient's functional capacity. Utilizes active listening and behavioral skills in health counseling. Demonstrates an understanding of the psychosocial issues affecting adherence to various interventions strategies and the development of an integrated treatment plan. Must be dependable regarding attendance and self-motivated. Must possess the ability to work independently yet also as a team member. Must possess the skills and judgment to act quickly, knowledgeably, and appropriately in any situation.

License / Certification

Respiratory Therapist currently licensed with Oregon Health Authority ( OHA). Respiratory Therapists must possess the national advanced level credential; Registered Respiratory therapist (RRT). Current BLS Certification through the American Heart Association required upon hire and henceforth kept current. ACLS within 6 months of hire and henceforth kept current. Pulmonary Disease Educator course and / or Pulmonary Rehabilitation Certificate course completion is preferred.

Education and / or Experience

Education : Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Therapy program which is supported by the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), or its predecessor the Joint Review Committee for Respiratory Therapy Education (JRCRTE),or accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Previous satisfactory Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehab experience of one year preferred. Previous satisfactory Respiratory Care experience relevant to the patient population of this facility. Continuing Education : To maintain state licensure, respiratory therapists must complete 15 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) requires that all credentials obtained on or after July 1, 2002 are required to complete and submit a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education every 5 years.

Physical Demands and Work Environment Conditions / ADA Compliance

Walking and standing much of the time while on duty. Long shifts or occasional overtime necessary. Ability to lift and transfer patients is required, usually with the assistance of co-workers. Normal or corrected vision is required. Normal or corrected hearing is necessary to distinguish differences in heartbeats, breathing and monitor alarms. Manual dexterity is required to operate equipment. Subject to physical and emotional stress of fast-paced work environment. Occasional exposure to infectious diseases. Pushes / pulls loaded adult stretchers, beds, wheelchairs, crash carts and equipment carts. Transfers patients to / from cars, stretchers, beds, chairs and ambulates as necessary. Tolerates bending, sitting, standing, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling for 8 - 12 hours (shift dependent). Lifts or carries up to 50 lbs.