Respiratory Therapist

Job Summary:

As a Respiratory Therapist at Kaiser Permanente, you will play a critical role in ensuring the proper operation and functioning of respiratory therapy equipment. You will monitor patients' physiological parameters during therapy and administer medical gases and aerosolized drugs as needed.

Key Responsibilities:

• Initiate therapy under a physician's order and make appropriate recommendations for modalities of therapy.
• Implement therapy for and monitor patients while on continuous mechanical ventilators and all modes of positive pressure breathing devices.
• Utilize clinical and other data to assess cardiopulmonary status of patients.
• Assist in intubation and provide bedside spirometry.
• Evaluate ventilator-dependent patients' readiness to wean.
• Administer humidified medical gases as ordered by practitioners with authority to prescribe.
• Interpret blood gas results and consult with attending physicians/practitioners regarding appropriate therapy.
• Perform arterial punctures and withdraw blood samples from indwelling lines.
• Provide ventilatory support during special procedures and coordinate transport of ventilatory equipment.
• Implement and monitor care of patients on heated aerosols and CPAP as per practitioner order.

Requirements:

• Completion of a clinical rotation in critical care/intensive care environment, to include care of respiratory needs of acutely ill patients.
• Associates degree with major in Respiratory Therapy or a certificate of completion from a Respiratory Care Program.
• Respiratory Therapist License (Hawaii) required at hire.
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program required at hire from American Academy of Pediatrics.
• Basic Life Support required at hire.
• Registered Respiratory Therapist Certificate within 3 months of hire from National Board of Respiratory Care.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with NICU (neonatal intensive care) and cardiac surgery patients.

About Kaiser Permanente:

Kaiser Permanente is a leading healthcare organization dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered care. We are committed to improving the health of our members and the communities we serve.