Respiratory Therapist – SNF or Sub-acute – $35/hr

POSITION SUMMARY:

The licensed and credentialed Respiratory Therapist responsible for performing duties and tasks of a respiratory care practitioner. Upon the request of the physician, the Respiratory Therapist sets up and operates various types of respiratory care equipment to be utilized in the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory disease and/or illness.

Education: Associates or Bachelor’s Degree is Respiratory Therapy

License: Current, valid Respiratory Therapist licensure to practice in the state, credentialed by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)
Current Basic Life Support Certification

Work Experience: Broad knowledge of respiratory care principles, procedures and practice
Previous clinical experience in the capacity of one of the following: Respiratory Therapy, Cardiology Technician or similar position
Previous experience caring for patients with technology dependency (Medic-Cal requirement) Must be able to perform aspects of basic patient care, including but not limited to, 12 lead EKG as per established standards of practice
Knowledge of OBRA and Title XXII guidelines for LTC
Must be able to work independently at times

Language Skills:

• Must be able to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical information, and to be easily understood through verbal communication in the English language.

Mathematical Skills:

• Must be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to perform these operations using units of weight measurement, and volume.

Communication Skills:

• Must have exceptional communication and customer service skills, and be empathetic.
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, families, responsible parties, staff and outside resources and agencies.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Explains to the resident, purpose and procedure of treatments, tests and equipment
• Uses knowledge of growth and development principles to anticipate care needs of resident in the adult and geriatric stages of development
• Applies criteria for recognition of abuse and follows policy for making appropriate referral/intervention
• Conducts physician prescribed daily use of ventilator machine, various oxygen devices, nebulizer and ultrasonic nebulizer, with respect 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
• Performs pulmonary functions studies determining the volume, distribution, and movement of air in the respiratory system
• Records on respiratory care records and resident chart, all pertinent information of treatments, and resident response to treatments
• Maintains and records daily ventilator monitoring, internal and external battery logs, 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, sterilizing and packaging 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 for his/her patient load
• Keys information into computer systems, including EMR
• Participates in the Hazardous Materials Program. Hazards include exposure to blood and body fluids, possible communicable diseases, sharp objects and instruments, assorted chemicals and gasses as listed in the Hazardous Materials Program Manual
• Performs such other functions as are identified by the Director of Nursing and Clinical Nurse Manager

JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Demonstrate knowledge of, and respect for, the rights, dignity and individuality of each resident in all interactions
• Appreciates the importance of maintaining confidentiality of resident and facility information
• Demonstrate honesty and integrity at all times in the care and use of resident and facility property
• Must be able to key information into computer systems
• Proficiently provides care in emergency situations and follows established emergency procedures and practices
• Maintain knowledge of, and implement resident care activities to promote, maintain, and/or restore health for assigned residents
• Assure that the rights of residents are respected and maintained by allowing for privacy and dignity in the provision of care
• Demonstrate good oral and written communication skills with residents, families, physicians, additional healthcare providers, and co-workers
• Timely, accurately, and thoroughly prepare documentation in a manner that conforms to prescribed style and format, and to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business facility
• Demonstrates ability to relate approximately and work effectively with others, including evidencing discretion, practice, tact and diplomacy in interaction with employees, peers and administrative personnel
• Ability to prioritize multiple assignments without sacrificing the quality of the end product
• Possesses good judgment, organization, time management skills, and appropriate follow through skills
• Adapts to changing environments
• Works well under pressure and in emergency situations
• Effectively utilizes organization and problem solving skills under pressure
• Visual acuity is required to observe details of instruments required for life-support
• Self-initiated, highly motivated, and able to research available resources
• Reflects a positive attitude, dependability, loyalty, and be discreet in matters of confidentiality
• Maintains a professional appearance as it relates to dress, grooming, etc
• Possesses good presentation skills so as to present outcomes/results/recommendations (positive and negative) in a professional, useful and effective manner
• Other duties as assigned

PHYSICAL CAPACITIES: (With or Without the Aid of Mechanical Devices)

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Must be able to see and hear or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately to ensure that the requirements of this position can be fully met.
• Must be able to push, pull or grab frequently.
• Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this facility which includes an annual TB screening and physical examination.
• Must be able to stand, walk, talk, hear, feeland see for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds and carry up to 20 pounds on a frequent basis.
• Assist with turnover or re-positioning patients frequently, up to 40 pounds.
• Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Inside work, normal temperatures, some noise, occasional fumes/odors, chemical exposure and potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

This job cannot be performed without exposure to the stresses associated with an intimate, 24 hour skilled care environment that delivers care and services primarily to disabled and cognitively impaired residents in an aging population. Examples of these stresses include, but are not limited to: emergency health or safety response, weekend and holiday duty, unusual or impaired behavior by residents, family reactions to having a loved one in a nursing home, death and dying, oversight of state surveyors, ombudsmen and federal officials, presence of consultants and attorneys, and variable involvement of medical staff.

HIPAA is a law that must be followed by all healthcare personnel at every level. This position is a Mandated Reporter regarding the suspicion of elder abuse and may have access to Protected Health Information (PHI).

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

Every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position. However, this in no way states or implies that these are the only duties you will be required to perform. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from this position.

I have read this job description and fully understand the requirements. I understand that proprietary information remains the property of the company and confidential information must remain within the confines of the company during and after employment. I hereby accept the position of Respiratory Therapist and agree to perform this position in a safe manner and in accordance with the facility’s established procedures. I understand that as a result of my employment, I may be exposed to blood, body fluids, burn, infections diseases, air contaminants (including tobacco smoke), hazardous chemicals, and to the Hepatitis B virus, and that I will be responsible for following company policies and procedures when in contact with any of the situations described above.

I understand that my employment is at will. My employment is for no definite or determinable period and may be terminated at any time with or without prior notice at the option of either myself or the company. No promises or representations contrary to the foregoing are binding on the company unless made in writing and signed by me and the facility Administrator.

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