Respiratory Therapist

JOB TITLE:  Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

DEPARTMENT:     Cardiopulmonary Services

REPORTS TO: Cardiopulmonary Manager

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) is be responsible for the delivery of high-quality services to their patients and is accountable for the responsibilities within the department maintaining confidentiality of patient information and ensuring that the objectives of patient care and the organization are being met. The RRT shall promote good public relations through contacts with patients, physicians, visitors, employees, peers and the public at large.  The Registered Respiratory Therapist is expected to perform duties and responsibilities with indirect supervision and must frequently make independent decisions within the scope of his or her practice.  The Registered Respiratory Therapist will have direct and indirect supervision from the Cardiopulmonary Services Manager. The RRT is responsible for supervising and directing the activities of any student in the cardiopulmonary department.  An RRT will demonstrate competency in and perform the duties in cardiopulmonary and associated interventions. 

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
•    Provide all cardiopulmonary procedures.  Consult with others as required and adjust cardiopulmonary processes as indicated to ensure optimal patient care. 
•    Maintain competency and perform arterial punctures. Arterial punctures include radial, brachial, and femoral when ordered by a clinician.
•    Complies with the established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, quality improvement program, safety, environmental and infection control standards. 
•    Compiles statistical data for administrative and regulatory purposes. 
•    Maintains communication between the cardiopulmonary department, nursing and all ancillary departments for the purpose of improving patient care.  Utilizes appropriate lines of communication within the cardiopulmonary department. 
•    Reports outcomes of cardiopulmonary activities performed on behalf of the patient. 
•    Ensures that cardiopulmonary standards and practices are met throughout the facility. 
•    Attend departmental meetings and actively participates on hospital committees as assigned. 
•    Obtain continuing education units as required per National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) and Kentucky licensure laws (KBRC).
•    Promote a safe environment that allows for the delivery of high-quality patient care. 
•    Protects patient confidentiality.
•    Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. 
•    Completes Annual Competency and Performance Appraisal Supplement for Age Appropriate Care
•    Performs other duties as assigned.  

EXPECTATIONS

•    Proficiency in this position should be reached in 2-4 months.  
•    Must maintain CEU’s as established by the KBRC.  
•    Must be willing to take specialty classes as indicated.  
•    Must be skillful in written and oral communication.  
•    Demonstrates basic problem solving and time management skills.  
•    Must have knowledge and skills required to deliver high quality cardiopulmonary services, utilizing sound judgment.  
•    Must demonstrate the ability to work independently.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

•    Subject to temperature changes from hot to cold. 
•    Subject to hazardous conditions where there is a danger to life, body and/or health.

WORKING CONDITIONS

•    May be exposed to infections and contagious diseases.  
•    Regularly exposed to the risk of airborne and blood borne diseases.  
•    Occasionally exposed to radiation hazards.  
•    Exposed to a variety of electro-mechanical hazards.  
•    Exposed to odorous chemicals and specimens.  
•    Exposed to housekeeping/cleaning agents/chemicals.  
•    May be exposed to toxic chemicals.  
•    Subject to hazards of flammable explosive gases.  
•    Subject to injury from moving parts of equipment.  
•    Contact with patients under a wide variety of circumstances.  
•    Subject to varying and unpredictable situations.  
•    Handles emergency or crisis situations. 
•    Performs emergency care.  
•    Subject to many interruptions.  
•    Occasionally subjected to long irregular hours.  
•    Occasional pressure due to multiple calls and inquires.  
•    Performs both standardized and non-standardized duties that require independent judgment and initiative on and ongoing basis.

REQUIRED PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Eye protection, face protection, gown, lab coat or apron, mask, sterile and non-sterile medical gloves are available.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
•    Prolonged, extensive standing and walking.
•    Considerable reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling and crouching.
•    Lifts, positions and transfers patients with greater than 180 pounds.
•    Must be able to lift or exert force up to 10 pounds consistently.
•    Manual dexterity and mobility.

***One should get assistance on the weight requirement for the performance of a job or task that requires greater than 50 pounds of effort/force.

VISION 

•    Far acuity: able to see clearly at 20 feet or more.
•    Near acuity: able to see clearly at 20 inches or less.
•    Depth perception: ability to judge distance.
•    Field of vision: ability to see peripherally.
•    Accommodation: ability to adjust vision to bring objects into focus.
•    Color vision: ability to distinguish and identify different colors.
SKILLS- ADMINISTRATIVE LISTING

•    Answers telephone
•    Collects and Compiles Statistics
•    Maintain Filing Systems
•    Maintain Patient Charts

COMPLIANCE
Acts in accordance with the compliance policies set forth in the compliance plan and to report violations of these policies.
DISCLAIMER STATEMENT
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.
 

MINIMUM EDUCATION

Must be a graduate of an accredited Respiratory Care educational program and hold the following license: Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) or eligible. Must have a current valid license to practice in the state of Kentucky. Current Basic Life Support [BLS] is required.  Advanced Cardiac Life Support [ACLS] must be obtained within one year of employment.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE
    
Required clinical experience of an accredited Respiratory Care educational program.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

A graduate of a Respiratory Care educational program and is recognized by the National Board for Respiratory Care as a Registered Respiratory Therapist.  Must have a current valid license to practice in the state of Kentucky.  PALS and NALS are preferred but not mandatory. One to two years of clinical experience preferred but not mandatory.  One to two years of ventilator experience preferred but not mandatory.