Description

A respiratory therapist provides and administers respiratory care services such as the administration of oxygen, therapeutic gas and mist inhalation in accordance with physician's orders, and ensure the proper management of all therapeutic diagnostics. The respiratory therapist will also handle ventilator care, tracheotomy care, and all respiratory modalities to residents.

Note: All employees of Cascadia Healthcare are required to submit and be cleared to work in the facility per each 

state’s specific background check requirements prior to contact with patients/residents.

Essential Functions

• Establishes and administers a treatment plan with specific respiratory goals determined according to the patient's capacity and tolerance under the direction of the physician.
• Assesses patient needs; plans for, evaluates and modifies care to meet goals of respiratory therapy interventions.
• Performs necessary procedures with non-invasive methods such as CPAP and BIPAP therapies 
• Educates and counsels staff members on basic respiratory therapy procedures 
• Engages in diagnostic evaluation, treatment and control of deficiencies and abnormal functions found in the patient’s cardiopulmonary system 
• Collaborates with nursing staff to administer blood gas samples and perform basic analysis 
• Collaborates with all disciplines to plan and evaluate team goals for each patient.
• Sets realistic and achievable goals for patients/residents.
• Documents and records the patients’/residents’ condition and progress per state and federal regulations.
• Educates patients and families in an appropriate therapy method.
• Optimizes the functionality and skills of patients by providing, directing and/or overseeing the screening of all residents.
• Communicates patient status and needs to the patient, family, and other involved professionals.
• Ensures punctuality and regular attendance for assigned shifts.

Other Functions

• Provides consultation and clinical supervision to RTA’s working in the facility.
• Conducts job responsibilities in according with the standards set out in the company’s Code of Conduct, its policies and procedures, applicable federal and state laws, and applicable professional standards.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Knowledge of HIPAA.
• General knowledge and understanding of managed care.
• Knowledge of state and federal rules relating to therapy delivery and documentation in skilled nursing facilities.

Requirements

Education

• Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Program and a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NRBC) Associate or Bachelors in Respiratory - health sciences or business management related fields preferred.

Licenses/Certification

• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) by the National Board for Respiratory Care.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience as a Respiratory Therapist.
• Experience with Trach Care and Ventilator Management in skilled nursing home, LTACH or hospital setting.
• Current CPR certification.

Experience

• Six months experience in a long-term care environment preferred.