Description

HUMBOLDT GENERAL HOSPITAL

Position Description

RESPIRATORY THERAPIST

_{Position Summary:}

_{Administers respiratory care and life support to patients with cardiopulmonary system deficiencies and abnormalities in accordance with current Federal, State and local standards, guidelines and regulations that govern our facility and as may be required by the supervisor and/or Medical Director, to ensure the}

_{highest degree of quality care is maintained at all times.}

_{Position Designation:}

_{The position of Respiratory Therapist is identified as department safety-sensitive.}

_{Department safety-sensitive positions means employment positions which may in the normal course of business:}

1. _{Require the employee to operate the company vehicles or heavy equipment; and/or}

_{2. Involves duties which, if performed with inattentiveness, errors in judgment, or diminished coordination, dexterity, or composure, may result in mistakes that could present a real and/or imminent threat to the personal health and safety of the employee, co-worker, and/or the public.}

_{Delegation of Authority:}

_{As a Respiratory Therapist, you are delegated the administrative authority, responsibility and accountability necessary for carrying out your assigned duties.}

_{Duties and Responsibilities:}

_{1. Sets up equipment and medications and administers respiratory treatment as ordered by the physician; charts treatment,}

_{response, and progress for all age groups.}

_{2. Monitors environmental control systems and patients on continuous ventilation.}

_{3. Performs nasotracheal and endotracheal suctioning and collection of specimen.}

_{4. Observes patients, checks equipment, and makes changes as necessary during patient rounds.}

1. _{Conducts diagnostic tests (PFTs, EKGs, ABGs, Stress Test) for patients as ordered by physicians.}

_{6. Changes nebulizers and humidifiers and resets 02 flow as prescribed by physician.}

_{7. Sets up bronchoscopy equipment and assists physicians during procedures.}

_{8. Assures delivery of quality respiratory therapy services; consults with medical, and nursing staff on patients progress.}

_{9. Coordinates with other service areas to ensure proper patient care.}

_{10. Responds to all code blue and rapid response pages.}

_{11. Assembles intubation supplies and assists with intubations.}

_{12. Return all ER calls immediately and respond immediately to all requests unless actively involved in another emergency}

_situation.

_{13. Respond/attend all high-risk deliveries.}

_{14. Documents patient care efficiently and effectively, preparing a written evaluation and placing it in the nursing unit chart}

_promptly.

_{15. Provides proper cleaning and sterilization of all respiratory therapy equipment to ensure safe patient care.}

_{16. Provides instructions in therapeutic procedures to be continued by patient.}

_{17. Records the appropriate charges for services rendered and submit the correct records/documents to the appropriate}

_departments.

_{18. Participates in rotation of stand-by call and responds according to department policies and procedures.}

_{19. Utilizes techniques of infection control, including proper hand washing and observing standard precautions.}

_{20. Maintains professional relationship and an open line of communication within the unit and with other departments, staff,}

_{physicians and other support personnel, providing support and assistance to ensure quality patient care.}

_{21. Demonstrates clinical competency in assigned area of responsibility.}

_{22. Participates in stocking, sorting, or inventory of departmental supplies to ensure appropriate items are readily available for}

_{patient care needs.}

_{23. Supports the department by attending, and constructively contributing to staff or other meetings as necessary.}

_{24. Maintains a clean, organized and safe working environment in both patient care areas and the department area.}

_{25. Demonstrates appropriate judgment in notifying /communicating with physicians.}

_{26. Demonstrates technical competency through annual equipment certification, attending manufacturers sponsored in-}

_{services, and additional training as required.}

_{27. Maintains knowledge of regulatory standards as applied to area of responsibility.}

_{28. Communicates clearly and tactfully with patients, their families and other staff members.}

_{29. Advises the department manager of activities, needs, problems and unusual events.}

_{30. Actively participates in the review of policies and procedures for the Respiratory department on an annual basis.}

_{31. Uses time constructively and organizes assignments for maximum productivity.}

_{32. Is resourceful and calm in emergencies.}

_{33. Maintains confidentiality of all patient/resident/staff information.}

_{34. Performs other related duties as requested or assigned.}

_{Position Qualifications:}

_{Preferred Minimum Education:}

_{Satisfactory completion of an A.S. program from a nationally accredited respiratory therapy school.}

_{Successfully passed NBRC exam receiving credential as CRT or RRT.}

_{Required Licensure/Certification:}

_{Current Nevada license as a Practitioner of Respiratory Care}

_{Current Nevada license as a Blood Gas Technologist}

_{Current BLS certification}

_{Current ACLS certification}

_{Current NRP certification}

_{Professional Qualifications:}

_{Able to read, write and speak the English language in an understandable manner.}

_{Possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.}

_{Ability and willingness to work harmoniously with professional and non-professional personnel.}

_{Able to communicate clearly and tactfully with patients, family members, and co-workers.}

_{Knowledgeable of state and federal regulations as related to respiratory therapy.}

_{Must be able to be on standby call and respond according to department policies and procedures.}

_{Physical Requirements: The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.}

_{Moderate to heavy physical effort (lift/carry/push/pull up to 50 lbs.)}

_{Frequent prolonged standing/walking}

_{Frequently lifts or moves supplies/equipment/patients}

_{Manual dexterity and mobility}

_{Frequent reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching}

_{Visual acuity with or without correction}

_{Working Conditions: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work typically performed by an employee in this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.}

_{Regularly exposed to the risk of blood borne disease}

_{May be exposed to infections and contagious diseases}

_{Exposed to odorous chemicals and specimens}

_{Contact with patients under wide variety of circumstances}

_{Handles emergency or crisis situations}

_{Occasionally may be exposed to hot and humid work environment}

_{Requires judgment/action which could have a significant impact on a patients life}

_{Occasionally subjected to irregular hours}

_{Subject to work under stressful situations and time constraints}

_{Required Protective Equipment:}

_{Gown, medical gloves, face shield as necessary and other equipment as required by OSHA regulations and hospital policy.}

_{The contents of this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by person assigned to this position and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills of the person so classified.}

_{FLSA Status: Non-Exempt}

_{_________________________________________}

Qualifications