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Summary of Primary Function/General Purpose of Position

The Respiratory Care Practitioner is responsible for providing respiratory care through patient assessment, planning, intervention, education, and evaluation. Performs all respiratory care procedures within scope of license. Monitors the patient's response to therapies and makes recommendations to change or modify based on the assessment.

Essential Job Functions

• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to perform respiratory assessments, evaluations, education and care to the age of patients assigned.
• Collects, reviews and evaluates clinical data to appropriately provide care to the patient.
• Formulates an appropriate Respiratory Care Plan based on assessments and evaluations, involves the patient and family in decisions. Documents problems, goals and actions required to meet the care plan.
• Communicates care plans with other healthcare team members by projecting a professional attitude and promoting cooperation within the team.
• Initiates, completes, and forwards the Treatment Plan and orders to the attending physician for signature. Ensures these orders are followed and updated as required.
• Provides effective education to patients and caregivers on equipment, safety, infection control, rehabilitation techniques, and disease management as appropriate. Follows up with patients as needed, in order to document compliance.
• Adheres to the safety/infection control policies and procedures of the organization an report potential safety/infection control issues.
• Completes all required documentation required by the organization and regulatory bodies to include delivery tickets, and patient instruction forms.
• Assists and participates in developing departmental policies and procedures, goals and objectives, performance improvement and Joint Commission Compliance.
• Maintains continuing education requirements as required by the Ohio Respiratory Care Board.
• Maintains clinical and professional competency based on standards and practice
• Demonstrates competency in PAP and all applicable equipment
• Demonstrates competency in Non-invasive and Invasive Ventilation and all applicable equipment
• Demonstrates competency for all Respiratory equipment used in Home Medical Equipment
• Performs all duties, with or without accommodations listed in the Physical Demands section of this job description.

This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

Licensing/Certification

Current Respiratory Care License in the state they are working (required)

National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) credentialed (required)

Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) (preferred)

BLS Basic Life Support - American Heart Association (required)

ACLS Advanced Cardiac Life Support - American Heart Association or Red Cross (preferred)

PALS Pediatric Advanced Life Support - American Heart Association (preferred)

Valid driver’s license (required for Home Care/DME)

Education

Graduate of an AMA approved school for Respiratory Care (required)

Bachelor's Degree in a related field (preferred)

Work Experience

Previous working experience in an ambulatory or acute care setting (preferred)

6 months Respiratory Therapy experience in a general care area (preferred)

Training

EPIC Electronic Health Record (EHR) training (preferred)

Language

None

Patient Population – Competency is based on the patient population of the site/facility

Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development of the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his or her age, specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in departmental policies and procedures.

Neonates (0-4 weeks)

Infant (1-12 months)

Pediatrics (1-12 years)

Adolescents (13-17 years)

Adults (18-64 years)

Geriatrics (65 years and older)

Working Conditions

Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur

May be exposed to physical altercations and verbal abuse

May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights

May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids*

May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials*

May have periods of constant interruptions

* Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.

Physical Requirements

Physical Demands

Frequency 0% 1-33% 34-66% 67-100%

Lifting/ Carrying (0-50 lbs.) X

Lifting/ Carrying (50-100 lbs.) X

Push/ Pull (0-50 lbs.) X

Push/ Pull (50-100 lbs.) X

Stoop, Kneel X

Crawling X

Climbing X

Balance X

Bending X

Work Position

Frequency 0% 1-33% 34-66% 67-100%

Sitting X

Walking X

Standing X

Additional Physical Requirements/Hazards

Physical Requirements

Manual dexterity (eye/hand coordination)

Maneuver weight of patients

Hear alarms/telephone/audio recordings

Reach above shoulder

Repetitive arm/hand movements

Finger Dexterity

Color Vision

Acuity – far

Acuity – near

Hazards

Depth perception

Use of Latex products

Exposure to moving mechanical parts

Exposure to dust/fumes

Exposure to potential electrical shock

Exposure to x ray/electromagnetic energy

Exposure to high pitched noises

Gaseous risk exposure

Skills

Strong interpersonal skills and able to effectively interact with patients, their families, physicians, and other staff members

Good communication skills

Able to effectively work with diverse people

Good customer service skills

Good organizational skills and time management skills

Good oral and written communication

Able to receive feedback

Able to gather and interpret data

Accountability

Knowledge of non-invasive respiratory therapy equipment such as oximeters or end-tidal CO2 analyzers

Therapeutic Procedures to include CPAP/BiPap, jet aerosol, oxygen therapy, incentive spirometry, chest physiotherapy, pulse oximetry, high flow oxygen, continuous aerosols, ventilator management, diagnostic testing.

Patient assessment

Patient education

Knowledge of chest suction equipment

Knowledge of chest X-ray interpretation

Many of our opportunities reward* your hard work with:
Comprehensive, affordable medical, dental and vision plans
Prescription drug coverage
Flexible spending accounts
Life insurance w/AD&D
Employer contributions to retirement savings plan when eligible
Paid time off
Educational Assistance
And much more
*Benefits offerings vary according to employment status

All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you'd like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Mercy Health – Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours – Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employers, please email recruitment@mercy.com. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team at recruitment@mercy.com