Respiratory Therapist

Title: Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)

Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

Prerequisites: High school graduate or its equivalency

• Minimum of one year experience in respiratory services
• Graduate of an approved AMA program for Respiratory Therapy
• Current Florida Registered Respiratory Therapist’s license
• Current BLS, PALS and ACLS certification

Working hours: As assigned by Department Manager

Physical Abilities:

Must be able to perform all essential functions including, but not limited to the following: able to sit and walk most of the day; able to reach, turn, twist; able to lift and carry fifty (50) pounds, push, pull and handle all reasonable and customary objects at the level required to meet the demands of the job; have bilateral manual dexterity of grasping/holding, feeling, writing, typing; have senses of seeing (with good field of vision and visual accommodation) and hearing, with excellent verbal communication and listening skills; function effectively in confined spaces; maintain mental and emotional stability, keeping a safe environment by adhering to the policies outlined in CLH policies.

Special Qualifications:

Respiratory Therapists will possess skills of moderate degree in the mechanical operation of respiratory equipment and associated procedures in relation to patient care techniques and procedures. Respiratory Therapists will possess a working knowledge of CLH policies and procedures, as well as departmental policies and procedures, in relation to the CLH organization and its patients. Respiratory Therapists are required to be present within the Hospital at all times during their scheduled shift.

Responsibilities:

The Respiratory Therapist will be responsible for, but not limited to the following:

• Oxygen therapy with appropriate therapeutic modalities
• Humidification and aerosol therapy
• Handheld nebulizer therapy
• Chest physiotherapy and postural drainage
• Ambulating with oxygen
• Incentive spirometry
• Nasotracheal suctioning
• Sputum induction and collection
• Pulse oximetry
• CPR
• Continuous ventilation, intubation (under supervision)
• Arterial blood gas testing (under supervision)
• Record keeping (charting and data collection)
• Cleaning, sterilization and general maintenance of equipment
• BIPAP/Mechanical Ventilation (per physician order)

Respiratory Therapist must be comfortable with working alone in their department, as generally only one therapist is scheduled on a shift.

Attendance:

This position will maintain proper attendance in accordance with CLH Human Resources policies, report to work at scheduled or needed times and attend mandatory in-service education, training and departmental meetings as necessary. The position will attend a minimum of 75% of departmental and in-service meetings, read minutes and sign attestation of meetings not attended; keeping their supervisor informed of whereabouts at all times and remain in assigned work area.

Performance Improvement/Infection Control:

The Respiratory Therapist will participate in practice changes as a result of performance improvement activities; demonstrate accurate documentation, support quality standards and initiatives set by the department or organization; practice the principle of universal body substance isolation, handwashing according to policy, etc.

This position will follow all written and oral instructions given by the Supervisor and/or Administration; observe infection control procedures, to include compliance with blood-borne pathogen exposure policies and procedures; comply with safety policies of CLH; identify safety hazards and report them immediately to the Supervisor and/or CLH Safety Officer; reporting needed supplies and equipment to the Supervisor in a timely manner.

Quality Assurance/Performance Improvement:

The Respiratory Therapist will demonstrate accurate documentation and monitoring of activities as needed; be cooperative and flexible when unexpected changes in workload occur; accept assignments away from department with a positive and cooperative attitude; accept and profit from direction and counseling.

Communication:

The position will support the mission of CLH and the philosophy of CLH, as demonstrated by behavior; be cooperative and flexible when unexpected changes in workload or staffing occur; accept assignments away from department or unit with a positive and cooperative attitude; assist in orientation of new personnel; maintain a well-groomed and professional appearance, per CLH Dress Code policy and accept and profit from direction and counseling.

In accordance to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), this position will protect patient’s confidentiality, privacy and dignity, further adhering to CLH organization and departmental policies regarding such.

Professional Standards and Ethics:

This position will adhere to CLH Human Resources and Departmental policies, as well as to all applicable local, state and federal agencies and accrediting bodies; refuse to participate in unethical procedures and assume responsibility of informing the appropriate authority of noted incompetence and unethical behavior; maintain confidentiality in all matters pertaining to patients, staff and business matters; stay abreast of current practices, regulations and standards affecting protected health information management; utilize available materials, programs and literature for personal growth and career development; and accept responsibility for knowing current changes in policy, protocols and procedures through the Hospital communication systems.

Interpersonal Requirements:

This position will strive to promote service excellence on the job; demonstrate self-motivation, self-confidence and adaptability; be willing to accept assignments that are intended to improve services within the department and/or organization; demonstrate ability to work efficiently under pressure and stress; demonstrate emotional stability, tact and poise; exhibit common sense and good judgment; utilize proper telephone etiquette; demonstrate commitment to patient-oriented practice; possess personal qualities such as dependability (includes attendance and punctuality), kindness, compassion, understanding, interest and respect for people as individuals; integrity, honesty, loyalty and sense of humor.

Resource Utilization/Cost Control:

The Respiratory Therapist will adhere to departmental and facility internal controls, while practicing effective and efficient use of time and material resources.

All CLH colleagues are required to pass a Level 2 AHCA Background Screening. For more information, please go to https://info.flclearinghouse.com

About Calhoun Liberty Hospital Association, Inc

Located in Blountstown, Florida, CLH is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that includes a 10-bed Critical Access Hospital; Calhoun-Liberty Primary Care (RHC) and Calhoun County EMS (911 on-the scene care, emergency transportation an extended transportation needs). Complementing our dedicated emergency department, in-patient, outpatient, primary care, and transitional rehabilitation services, CLH also offers, a Full-service Laboratory; Radiology - Imaging (x-ray, CT, Ultrasound); Respiratory, including pulmonary rehab therapy; Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy, as well as IV Infusion Therapy. The Calhoun Liberty Hospital Association, Inc. (CLHA) contracts with Alliant Management Services for administrative operations and has a formal partnership with Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) to enhance service capabilities and resources available to CLH. CLH is currently constructing a new $40 million state-of-the-art 50,000 square foot facility set to open Summer 2025.