Respiratory Care Therapist – $10,000 Sign-On Bonus

Reports To: Director of Respiratory Care

Department: Respiratory – 7095

Shift: Days – 5a-5p / 7a-7p / 11a-11p

Weekends: Yes

$10,000 SIGN-ON BONUS

Broad Function:

Under the direction of a physician, perform a range of therapeutic, diagnostic, and life support procedures in accordance with department procedures and policies. Responsible for assisting in the development, coordination, and implementation of patient and staff education and development.

Major Responsibilities:

THERAPEUTIC MODALITIES AND VENTILATOR CARE:

• Safely and effectively administer various therapeutic modalities such as postural drainage, hyperinflation therapy, aerosol therapy, and other associated duties according to established department procedures.
• Always check patient chart for proper written physician orders on initial therapy and on all changes.
• Review patient chart, laboratory data, and medical history for pertinent information related to the safe and efficient delivery of care.
• Thoroughly explain to each patient the procedure about to be performed: relax and reassure patient to insure cooperation and compliance.
• Always monitor and evaluate patient response to therapy, during and immediately after procedure; notify nursing and respiratory charge personnel of any adverse reactions.
• Accurately deliver medication as prescribed; know proper contraindications, and adverse reaction of all medication used in respiratory care.
• Daily assess patient and, when necessary, communicate to physician patient response to therapy.
• Consistently able to complete routine patient treatment procedures within an acceptable time frame.
• Make every effort to start initial therapy within shift ordered.
• Immediately perform all respiratory therapy procedures ordered on a STAT basis.
• Know proper parameters, indications, contraindications of ventilator therapy used in department; notify nursing and respiratory charge personnel of any malfunction and / or adverse reaction.
• Monitor and evaluate patient / ventilator status every 2 hours or as needed; document status every 2 hours or after any parameter change.
• Respond immediately to any problems with patient / ventilator.
• Regularly monitor status of patient’s artificial airway when on ventilator.
• Document patient status on all types of weaning processes at appropriate times.
• Suggest appropriate changes in ventilator parameters based on patient laboratory data, nutritional status, and medical / surgical condition.
• Continually communicate with patient regarding patient / ventilator status to promote cooperation and compliance.
• Demonstrate a through knowledge of the therapy and operation of various equipment used in the department. Able to quickly trouble-shoot equipment.
• Document all patient therapy and ventilator care in a neat and complete manner by the end of each worked shift, according to department and regulatory agency standards.
• Seek guidance before attempting an unfamiliar procedure.
• Always maintain equipment in a safe and sanitary condition.
• Change equipment in accordance with departmental and infection control standards.

GAS THERAPY:

• Accurately and safely administer, maintain and monitor all gas therapy prescribed, such as oxygen, in accordance with department procedures.
• Know proper concentrations, indications, contraindications, and adverse reactions of all gas therapy used in Respiratory care; notify nursing and Respiratory charge personnel of any adverse reactions.
• Document all gas therapy initiated and used in a neat and complete manner by the end of each worked shift, according to departmental and regulatory agency standards.
• Always check patient chart for proper written physician orders.
• Review patient chart for pertinent information related to safe and efficient delivery of gas therapy.
• Change gas delivery equipment in accordance with departmental policies.

EMERGENCY CARE

• Respond immediately to all emergency codes / situations.
• Ensure adequate and proper maintenance of patient airway.
• Ensure adequate and proper ventilation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Know and be able to perform compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Perform in a calm, efficient and professional manner.
• Know and be able to maintain the proper functioning of airway equipment.
• Document all emergency codes / Situations by the end of each worked shift.

DIAGNOSTICS:

• Maintain a 90% completion rate for drawing arterial blood gases, rarely need to re-stick patient.
• Always use safe clinical and infection control measures in the performance of arterial punctures.
• Always handle and label ABG samples to guarantee accurate test results.
• Accurately perform bedside Spirometry in accordance with established department procedures.
• Accurately perform other diagnostic procedures including, but not limited to:
• Respiratory parameters, Oximetry, etc.

PLANNING AND TIME UTILIZATION

• Set priorities appropriately.
• Willingly accept work that needs to be done upon completion of assigned duties.
• Function in a cost effective manner; do not waste time or resources.
• Complete work left by the pervious shift and assist others as requested or required.
• Adjust and revise schedule as necessary in view f STAT orders and fluctuations in workload.

CLERICAL / DEPARTMENT DUTIES

• Maintain a clean and efficient work environment.
• Regularly monitor department computer terminal for new orders.
• Daily inventory and stock Respiratory Care supplies / equipment.
• Clean all equipment within the shift returned to the department.
• Record all patient charges by the end of each worked shift; maintain minimal number of errors.
• Review previous shift rounds entries; enter missing data as necessary.
• Handle telephone information requests with courtesy, accuracy and respect for confidentiality.

CONTINUING EDUCATION:

• Maintain a current knowledge of new trends and practices in cardio-pulmonary care.
• Review, on a monthly basis, at least one professional journal article related to R.T.
• Attend a minimum of 9 in-services during the calendar year and attend all mandatory in-services.
• Demonstrate a desire to learn and actively pursue that goal; including working toward professional credentials.
• Maintain competency in caring for patients of all age groups and developmental stages, and maintain competency as specifically indicated by orientation guidelines for a particular unit.

MISCELLANEOUS:

• Strictly obey all department, hospital, and regulatory agency safety and infection control policies and procedures.
• Willingly assist in the rehabilitation of respiratory patients and the education of families.
• Regularly participate in the planning, implementation and evaluation or orientation of new department members.
• Participate in updating old and established new department policies and procedures as necessary; report to supervisor and suggestions for positive change.
• Willingly participate in the planning and implementation of in-service education for department members, nursing staff and other health care professionals as requested or required.
• Assist in the department, implementation and data collection of the department’s Quality Assurance program in accordance with hospital and regulatory agency criteria.
• Willingly accept cross training to other diagnostic services under control of Respiratory Care Department. Substitute as needs require.
• Willingly volunteer for additional work when required due to staffing shortages.
• Perform other duties as requested or required.

BEHAVIORAL:

• Demonstrate good judgment in clinical situation.
• Always dress appropriately in accordance with department policy.
• Always represent the department in a courteous, professional manner. Function as a professional role model for students and / or new staff members.
• Accept responsibility and authority of leadership role.
• Always greet patients and family in a courteous manner, respond to patients with empathy and positive interpersonal skills.
• Always respect the confidentiality of patient records and use complete discretion when discussing patient matters.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude toward job.

ATTENDANCE AND RELIABILITY:

• Maintain a satisfactory attendance and tardiness record.
• Always provide prior notification and advance notice for absences or tardiness.
• Consistently be on time and ready for work at the start of assigned shift; requires no “start-up” time.

Qualifications:

• Associate’s Degree in Respiratory Care. Respiratory Therapy Registration required.
• Three (3) year experience working in an acute care setting in a Respiratory Therapy Department desirable.
• Current BLS required, ACLS completion prior to the end of orientation. PALS & NRP must be completed within six months of hire. Once ACLS is obtained, must maintain valid and current ACLS certification.
• Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Basic computer knowledge