POSITION SUMMARY

Under general supervision performs skilled respiratory therapy work of average difficulty in delivering treatments to patients as ordered by a physician; may give instruction to others in the proper use and care of equipment; and does related work as required.

This is the journey level class in the Respiratory Care Practitioner series. An employee in this class is responsible for fully skilled administration of respiratory therapy and treatment to patients. Work may include training, serving as a lead worker or giving guidance to less experienced personnel.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS License/Certificate:

Possession of a valid Respiratory Care Practitioner license issued by State of California Respiratory Care Board. Current BLS certification. ACLS and PALS certification must be obtained within 6 months of hire.

Ability to:

Administer a variety of skilled respiratory therapy treatments and modalities; maintain and perform minor repairs to respiratory therapy equipment and to adjust it to individual patient needs; assist with patient and family education; keep records and prepare reports; follow oral and written instructions; establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, physicians co-workers and others; train and lead others.

Physical/Mental Requirements:

Mobility - frequent operation of a keyboard, standing for long periods of time, walking, pushing/pulling and bending/squatting; occasional sitting for long periods of time, operating heavy equipment, running and stair climbing. Frequency of Lifting - frequent lifting of 5 to 30 lbs.; occasional lifting of 30 to 70 lbs., and restraining, lifting/turning heavy objects or people. Visual Requirements - constant use of overall vision, color perception, eye/hand coordination and depth perception; frequent reading/close up work and field of vision/peripheral. Dexterity - frequent holding, reaching, grasping, repetitive motion and writing. Hearing/Talking - frequent hearing of normal speech, hearing on the telephone/radio, talking in person and talking on the telephone. Emotional/Psychological - constant public contact and concentration; frequent exposure to emergency situations, trauma, grief or death, decision making and working weekends/nights; occasional exposure to hazardous materials, working alone and overtime/travel. Environmental Conditions - frequent exposure to noise; occasional exposure to dirt, dust, smoke, fumes, poor ventilation, indoor cold/heat and hazardous materials.

TYPICAL DUTIES

• Sets up and operates respiratory equipment and apparatus in the administration of respiratory therapy treatment as prescribed by a physician.
• Operates blood gas analysis equipment and report results.
• Makes rounds to check and make operating adjustments to respiratory therapy equipment in use or on standby in patient areas; cleans assembles, maintains, and repairs equipment as needed.
• Sets up and maintains long term ventilators.
• Performs screening pulmonary function tests.
• Assists cardiac arrest team, when needed, by supplying oxygen, performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation or artificial respiration or securing and maintain respiration equipment.
• Reads patients' charts and checks transcribed orders against those of the physician.
• May act as lead worker; adjust assignments based on census and availability of staff, may check and review work of others and may train others as assigned.