Respiratory Therapist

Type

Full-time

Education

Associates Degree in Respiratory Therapy/ Valid RRT/ BLS Certified

Experience

Strong working knowledge of most up to date therapy procedures for patients

Contact Information

Contact: Shauna Zamora
Phone: 502-254-0009
Email: shauna.zamora@valhallapa.com
Website: valhallapa.com

Description

Job Description: Respiratory Therapist

Prepared by: Human Resources (7-2017)

Position Title Respiratory Therapist

Department Clinical

Reports to: Facility Administrator

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

General Purpose

The Respiratory Therapist restores patient%u2019s pulmonary function; alleviates pain; supports life planning and administrating medically prescribed respiratory therapy.

Essential Duties

%u2022 Perform necessary procedures with non-invasive methods such as CPAP, BIPAP therapies, and Trilogy Vents.

%u2022 Educates and counsel staff members on basic respiratory therapy procedures

%u2022 Create therapy programs for patients based on the specific instructions of Physicians

%u2022 Engage in diagnostic evaluation, treatment and control of deficiencies and abnormal functions found in the patient%u2019s cardiopulmonary system

%u2022 Meets patient%u2019s goals and needs and provides quality care by conducting pulmonary function tests; assessing and interpreting evaluations and tests results; determining respiratory therapy treatment plans in consultation with physicians and by prescription.

%u2022 Helps patient accomplish treatment plan and supports life by administering inhalants; operating mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators.

%u2022 Administers respiratory therapy treatments by performing bronchopulmonary drainage; assisting with breathing exercises; monitoring physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes; directing treatments given by aides, technicians, and assistants.

%u2022 Evaluates effects of respiratory therapy treatment plan by observing, noting, and evaluating patient%u2019s progress; recommending adjustments and modifications.

%u2022 Completes discharge planning by consulting with physicians, nurses, social workers, and other health care workers; contributing to patient care conferences.

%u2022 Assures continuation of therapeutic plan following discharge by designing home exercise programs; instructing patient, families, and caregivers in home exercise programs; recommending and/or providing assistive equipment; recommending outpatient or home health follow-up programs.

%u2022 Documents patient care services by charting in patient and department records.

%u2022 Maintains patient confidence and protects facility operations by keeping information confidential.

%u2022 Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.

%u2022 Protects patients and employees by adhering to infections-control policies and protocols.

%u2022 Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer%u2019s instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs.

%u2022 Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networkers; participating in professional societies.

%u2022 Develops respiratory therapy staff by providing information; developing and conducting in-service training programs.

%u2022 Complies with federal, state, and local legal and certification requirements by studying existing new legislation; anticipating future legislation; enforcing adherence to requirements; advising management on needed actions.

%u2022 Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.

Qualification

Education and/or Experience %u2022 Associate Degree in Respiratory Therapy

%u2022 Excellent communication skills, written and verbal

%u2022 Strong working knowledge of most up to date therapy procedures for patients

%u2022 Excellent bedside manner

Language Skills Ability to read technical procedures. Ability to read and comprehend policy and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, coworkers and families.

Mathematical Skills Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations.

Reasoning Ability Ability to solve practical problems. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations %u2022 Valid RRT or CRT license, current and in good standing, CPR Certified

%u2022 Employee must meet continue education requirements per state practices. Must maintain a license in good standing at all time with the state board.

Physical Demands

The essential functions of this position require the following physical abilities:

Standing and /or walking very frequently. Sitting occasionally. Reaching with hands and arms frequently, pushing/pulling very frequently. Talking and /or hearing very frequently. Tasting and /or smelling very frequently. Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and or excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or excess of 20 pounds of force constant to move objects. Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling occasionally. Close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception in vision: ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

Additional Information

Note: Nothing in this job specification restricts management%u2019s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.

I have read and understand the duties of my position:

Print Name________________________________________ Date____________

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Updated on October 25, 2019