Respiratory Therapist

The Respiratory Therapist will provide appropriate respiratory care to all patient populations in the form of diagnostic modalities, pulmonary disease prevention, application of invasive and noninvasive therapeutic modalities and patient assessment and facilitation of appropriate care.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Meets patient's goals and needs and provides quality care by conducting pulmonary function tests; assessing and interpreting evaluations and test results; determining respiratory therapy treatment plans in consultation with physicians and by prescription.
• Helps patient accomplish treatment plan and supports life by administering inhalants; operating and managing noninvasive and invasive mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, humidification, and aerosols; administration of drugs and medications to the cardiopulmonary system; cardiopulmonary resuscitation; performing and maintaining the natural and artificial airways. These procedures are performed in critical care and non-critical care areas, on patients of all ages, in accordance with the mission, vision and values of Greene County General Hospital.
• Administers respiratory therapy treatments by performing bronchopulmonary drainage; assisting with breathing exercises; monitoring physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial and venous blood gases, and blood chemistry changes; directing treatments given by aides, technicians, and assistants.
• Performs blood gas puncture and analysis.
• Displays comprehensive knowledge of therapy procedures for patients ranging from neonatal to geriatric.
• Evaluates effects of respiratory therapy treatment plan by observing, noting, and evaluating patient's progress, recommending adjustments and modifications.
• Completes discharge planning by consulting with physicians, nurses, social workers, and other health care workers, contributing to patient care conferences.
• Assures continuation of therapeutic plan following discharge by designing home exercise programs; instructing patients, families, and caregivers in home exercise programs; recommending and/or providing assistive equipment; recommending outpatient or home health follow-up programs.
• Documents patient care services by charting in patient and department records.
• Maintains patient privacy and confidentiality and protects hospital operations by keeping information confidential.
• Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Protects patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.
• Assists in training and evaluating students and new employees.
• Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer's instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
• Complies with federal, state, and local legal and certification requirements by studying existing and new legislation; anticipating future legislation; enforcing adherence to requirements; advising management on needed actions.
• Demonstrates clear ownership of workplace and patient safety.
• Reports mistakes, near misses, adverse events and quality and safety concerns.
• Participates in the development and implementation of safety and quality improvement activities.
• Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
• Other duties as may be assigned.

Job Qualification Requirements:

Education:

Graduate of a CoARC (Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care) accredited Respiratory Therapist Program. Associates Degree required; Bachelor's degree preferred.

Licensure/Certification: Registry eligible or Indiana Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) required. BLS required; ACLS, PALS and NRP certification required within 6 months of hire.

Experience: One year of critical care experience, and two years of hospital-based respiratory care experience preferred. Strong verbal and written communication skills required. Ability to work collaboratively with minimal supervision.

Physical Requirements: Sitting, standing, walking frequently. Able to lift 50 lbs. frequently.

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