Respiratory Therapist

We are seeking a Respiratory Therapist to join our team

Centrally located in the heart of San Fernando Valley, California Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center offers the best in nursing, rehabilitation and sub-acute care. Our goal is to help every individual accomplish his or her highest level of independence while enhancing the resident's quality of life.

We are a skilled nursing facility looking for dynamic associates to provide our residents with a best-in-class experience.

Certified/Registered Respiratory Therapist (RT) Requirements

• Employment is contingent upon background check, fingerprints, TB test, physical, and ongoing training and maintaining an active certificate in good standing
• HBV vaccination not required, but suggested and available
• This position requires regular, reliable, and punctual attendance
• Graduation from an accredited school. Previous clinical experience in respiratory therapy and caring for patients with technology dependency (Medi-Cal requirement)
• Current, verifiable Respiratory Care License in the State of California and successful completion of facility ventilator class
• Current Basic Life Support Certification
• Available to work a flexible schedule, including week-ends and evenings
• Knowledge of OBRA and Title XXII guidelines for LTC
• Knowledge of long-term care resident needs. Requires mental maturity to deal with fast-paced work environment
• Ability to speak Spanish or any other non-English language helpful but not required
• Must be aware of and understand the needs of the residents
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently carry up weight of up to 25 pounds, as well as lift or move a weight of up to 40 pounds using a "buddy" system or appropriate lift equipment or tools. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus

Primary Respiratory Therapist Responsibilities:

• Sets up and operate various types of respiratory care equipment to be utilized in the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory disease and/or illness in the sub-acute unit. Assists in providing a clean, safe, dignified, happy and healthy environment for residents by performing the following duties
• Complies with the facility's attendance policy requiring regular, reliable, and punctual attendance
• Explains to the resident being treated, the purpose and procedure of treatments, tests, and equipment
• Conducts 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 gases, humidity, and various oxygen concentrations to the respiratory system of the resident
• Performs 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 system
• Performs set-up, operation and monitoring of ventilator when resident's respiratory system is incapable of adequate spontaneous ventilation
• Ensures the adequate maintenance of ventilation during cardio-pulmonary resuscitation
• Records on respiratory care records and resident chart, all pertinent information of treatments, and resident response to treatments
• Maintains and records daily ventilator monitoring and ventilator weaning logs
• Performs Pulse Oximetry
• Sets up oxygen via nasal cannula and simple face mask
• Assists resident with uncomplicated transfer in and out of bed
• Reports to relief personnel, condition of residents and treatments to be administered/conducted
• Processes respiratory therapy equipment - cleaning as required
• Conducts regular rounds - checking residents' oxygen equipment, replacing humidifiers as necessary, as well as spot-checking other respiratory therapy equipment on a timely basis
• Reads prescription, measures arterial blood gases, and reviews patient information to assess patient condition and determine requirements for treatment such as type and duration of therapy, and medication and dosages
• Determines most suitable method of administering inhalants, precautions to be observed, and modifications which may be needed that will be compatible with Physician's orders
• Sets up and operates devices such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators
• Operates equipment to ensure specified parameters of treatment such as volume, gas concentration, humidity, and temperature, and to administer medicinal gases and aerosol drugs to patients
• Monitors patient's physiological responses to therapy such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes
• Performs bronchopulmonary drainage and assists patient in performing breathing exercises
• Performs pulmonary function tests to be used by Physician in diagnosis of case
• Consults with Physician in event of adverse reactions
• Maintains patient's chart that contains pertinent identification and therapy information
• Inspects and tests respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently
• Maintains a collaborative working relationship with the nursing staff, subacute care unit, and collaborative working relationship with the unit's Clinical Care Coordinator, Director of Nursing and Administrator
• Performs such other functions as are identified by the Facility's Clinical Care Coordinator and/or Director of Nursing, Administrator

PAY SCALE: $26 - $38 / Hour

Depending on a number of factors, including, but not limited to location, regularly scheduled work shift, knowledge, skills, experience, and expertise.

#NURSING

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