Respiratory Therapist

Job Summary: Responsible for assessment and/or treatment of cardiac and pulmonary patient care throughout the hospital.

Job Responsibilities:

Assessment/Reassessment/Evaluation/Patient and Family Education

* Is knowledgeable and skilled in clinical assessment of the cardiopulmonary system; Read and follow physician orders, review patient information to assess patient condition, precautions to be observed, treatment type, duration of therapy, medication and dosage, and modifications which may be needed to be compatible with physician's orders.
* Monitor patient response to therapy; vital signs, arterial blood gases, pulse oximetry, NIOX and other diagnostic tests or laboratory results.
* Is a resource to patients and family members regarding improved cardiopulmonary health and the education and application or use of cardiopulmonary equipment.

Implementation

* Provides patient care in a safe, skillful, accurate and efficient manner to patients of all ages in acute, chronic and emergent care, adult rehabilitation, and cardiopulmonary diagnostics.
* Set up and safely operate respiratory devices such as invasive and non-invasive ventilators, nebulizers, aerosol generators, percussor, air compressor, as well as cardiac devices such as holter monitors, patient event monitors, electrocardiography, and stress testing equipment, defibrillator, and AED. Observe equipment function and adjust to obtain optimum results.
* Maintain quality controls and infection control practices during patient care. Maintain work area and storage of equipment in organized and clean condition.
* Perform daily oxygen rounds. Routinely check emergency equipment and supplies in the ED.
* Performs general office work; scan documents, schedule outpatient procedures, answer phones, order routine supplies, etc.

Documentation and Communication

* Is thorough, accurate, timely in completion of patient care documentation.
* Is thorough, accurate, timely in communication to hand-off of patient care information, and other information that impacts the operation of the department and interactions between departments.
* Demonstrates working computer skills and is able to navigate the electronic medical record.
* Demonstrates effective communication skills.
* Demonstrates flexibility to meet department, organization and patient needs; Takes call and works extra, as needed.
* Consults with Supervisor and/or Physician in event of adverse reactions. Documents notification of abnormal results.
* Reports to Supervisor when equipment repairs are needed.
* Demonstrate cardiopulmonary procedures to trainees and other health care personnel.
* Maintain, at minimum, Bi-annual CPR certification through the American Heart Association, timely completion of annual Heathstream education assignments, maintain IDFPR licensure and continuing education requirements.
* Provides relief staffing in CardioPulmonary Rehabilitation, as needed.

Qualifications

Standards: Service and Quality

Service

Is Customer focused

Anticipates customer needs

Adheres to customer service standards

Is Competent, caring and compassionate

Treats coworkers and customers with dignity and respect

Demonstrates competent, caring and compassionate behavior to customers and coworkers

People

Is conversation conscious

Assures confidentiality of patient and employee information

Is positive in interactions with others

Is courteous and respectful

Promotes a harassment free environment

Inspires the trust of others

Acts in accordance with hospital policies, meets the requirements of the Code of Conduct and identifies any conflicts of interest

Quality

Is excellent in patient care and service

Demonstrates multidisciplinary cooperation

Assists in obtaining excellent satisfaction scores of feedback

Is safety conscious

Demonstrates safety consciousness and supports safety initiatives

Is involved with improvement efforts

Supports performance improvement

Seeks ways to improve systems and services

Shows commitment to improvement efforts

Meets mandatory educational requirements

Growth

Is a loyal ambassador

Demonstrates commitment to hospital mission and vision

Is active and involved

Supports hospital initiatives

Champions innovation and supports change

Is a positive role model

Fosters team cooperation

Finance

Is a good steward of hospital resources

Develops/uses efficient work methods

Is cost effective

Conserves organizational resources

Education Requirements and Other Requirements:

Education Level: Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Care Program

Certification/Licensure: Current credentials with the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)

Certification required, Registry preferred. Current State of Illinois Respiratory Care Practitioner License required. Adult/Pediatric CPR certification required. ACLS/PALS certification preferred.

Experience Requirements: 6 - 12 months of clinical experience preferred.

Working Conditions: Tasks may involve exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues. All procedures or other job-related tasks that involve an inherent potential for mucous membrane or skin contact with blood, body fluids or tissues or a potential for spills or splashes of them. Use of appropriate protective measures is required.

Works under stressful situations, emergency conditions and/or frequent interruptions.