RESPIRATORY THERAPIST

Job Type

Full-time

Description

The Respiratory Therapist performs a variety of therapeutic and diagnostic cardiopulmonary procedures that are intended to improve the cardiopulmonary status of patients with the use of appropriate equipment and supplies.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCITONS/RESPONSIBILITES:

• Provides healthcare service that contributes to the physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual well-being of each person served.
• Performs a variety of duties necessary for the respiratory care of Jackson Parish Hospital patients, under the supervision of the respiratory department manager.
• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to perform patient assessments, complete diagnostic testing, including, but not limited to: holter monitor, spirograms, end-tidal CO2 monitoring, peak flows, and pulse oximetry.
• Maintains knowledge of various methods of oxygen delivery, including the necessary equipment. Able to evaluate the effectiveness of oxygen and hazards thereof.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors. Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Coordinates and directs patient care to ensure patient's needs are met and that hospital and department policies are followed.
• Manages, operates, cleans, inspects, tests, troubleshoots, completes required maintenance, and assembles all respiratory equipment safely, correctly, and effectively.
• Administers respiratory therapy treatments, understands the purpose of each and the possible side effects associated with each, along with contraindications. Knowledgeable of all respiratory medications and able to assess for adverse reactions. Follows departmental policy and procedure regarding medications to reduce medication errors.
• Maintains knowledge of respiratory department computerized and manual charting, ordering, documenting and charging of all respiratory services and procedures.
• Attends department meetings and educational in-services to maintain professional competency. Obtains appropriate hospital-specific education and training when necessary.
• Participates in department data collection and quality assurance to insure quality patient care and safety. Participates in blood gas laboratory internal and external quality control, proficiency testing, calibration verifications, and performance improvement processes.
• Performs arterial punctures to obtain arterial blood gas samples for blood gas analysis, understands possible complications and contraindications associated with the procedure. Able to interpret results and report critical values to the physician. Follows blood gas laboratory guidelines, policies and procedures.
• Responds to all emergency situations within the facility and provides critical care duties or procedures required for treatment, airway management, CPR, intubation, and portable ventilator placement and monitoring.
• Knowledgeable and skilled to perform the respiratory therapist position requirements and is able to demonstrate through the successful completion of competencies established for the position and has an understanding of the differences in technique, treatment modalities, oxygen concentrations, and medication dosages as performed on patients of varying ages for neonate, pediatric, adolescent, geriatric, and the general population.
• Educates hospital staff when necessary. Coordinates and directs patient care to ensure that the patient's needs are met and that hospital policy is followed. Educates patients, families, and significant others based on identified learning needs and evaluates effectiveness of learning. Treats all hospital staff, patients, families, and significant others with dignity and respect.
• Adheres to all Jackson Parish Hospital policies, procedures, safety plans, and all standards imposed by regulatory organizations.
• Regular attendance and timeliness is required. Unexcused absences will not be tolerated.
• Adheres to department and hospital dress code policy and procedure. Professional appearance is mandatory, this includes, but not limited to: uniform/scrubs - must be neat and clean, hair- neat, clean and appropriate for work, cologne/body odor - must not be offensive, fingernails - must be neat and clean. Artificial nails of any kind are not allowed, footwear- must be a medical professional or tennis shoe.
• Performs all/any additional duties as assigned by the respiratory department manager.

This description is a general statement of required essential functions performed on a regular and continuous basis. It does not exclude other duties as assigned.

Requirements

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• Graduate of AMA approved school of Respiratory Therapy
• Associate or Bachelor's Degree preferred
• Minimum of 3 year experience in multiple disciplines of respiratory care preferred

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Must have a current Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiner's License to practice respiratory therapy as a licensed Respiratory Therapist.
• Current BLS certification. ACLS and PALS required within six months of hire.
• Membership in state affiliation, National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) or American Association of Respiratory Care (AARC) is preferred.

LANGUAGE SKILLS/ REQUIREMENTS

• Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Additional languages preferred.
• Strong written and verbal skills.
• SKILL REQUIREMENTS:
• Ability to work alone or with minimal supervision.
• Professional/Courteous rapport with patients, families, co-workers, physicians and visitors.
• Ability to work under and handle stress in an appropriate manner.
• Ability to work long hours between breaks and meals may be required.
• Basic Computer skills.

MACHINERY/TOOLS/EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to operate and troubleshoot all respiratory department equipment, including, but not limited to: BiPAP, CPAP, Auto Ventilator, End-Tidal CO2 Monitor, Pulse Oximeter (finger/continuous), Glidescope (all intubation equipment), Omni Cell, ABG machine, The Vest CPT machine, Hand Held Manual CPT machine, Calibration equipment, Suction Machines, Oxygen cylinders and regulators, Holter Monitor, Holter Monitor downloading and scanning equipment, Spirogram machine, and a variety of supplies, extensions, and connectors associated with each of the machinery mentioned. Also, nursing call system, telephone, fax machine, copy machine, computer, and printer.

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