RESPIRATORY THERAPIST

Position Description
• Responsible for the provision of all routine and critical Respiratory Care and diagnostic studies for the patients of EMH based on scientific principles and guided by the established policies and procedures. Proficient in specialty areas as appropriate. Population served: geriatric, adult, adolescent, infant and pediatric.

Essential Position Responsibilities
• The essential position responsibilities are the basis for the 90 day and annual evaluation. This list is intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed and not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties required of personnel.
1. Provision of all routine and critical Respiratory Care procedures as authorized and documented on the Employee Skills checklist (Competency Assessment) for Respiratory Therapist.
2. Must meet DNV, CMS and all state and Federal requirements as pertains to providing Respiratory Care.
3. Performs analysis Quality Controls on ABG analyzers at the beginning of each shift.
4. Meet the personal and practical needs of patients and families.
5. Administers direct patient care; Use appropriate professional and effective communication skills.
6. Knows and understands arterial punctures and analysis, recognizing and reporting changes of conditions.
7. Documentation in EMR is thorough, completed and submitted timely, and reflects pertinent patient information according to policies and procedures.
8. Provides education for patient and others applicable; Active participation in Quality Improvement.
9. Plans and organizes work assignments demonstrating the ability to meet establishes goals. Manages time wisely.
10. Demonstrates ability to use data and information to accomplish tasks for record keeping and decision making accepting responsibility and accountability for outcomes.
11. Thinks creatively; generates new ideas and alternatives; assesses and understands own abilities knowledge and skills; Takes initiative.
12. Works well in a team setting (positive, cooperative and effective). Demonstrates ability to implement critical thinking skills and problem solve; Takes ownership of patient complaints.
13. Demonstrates courteous behavior (i.e. respect of co-workers and clients); respects diverse characteristic of others.
14. Education, includes but is not limited to unit meetings, Hometown Health (initial & annual), BLS, ACLS, PALS Certification are completed timely.
15. Follows all regulations, policies and procedures as outlined by the facility, CMS, DNV, and other regulatory agencies including the National Patient Safety Goals.
16. Knows, understands and supports the Mission and Vision of Evans Memorial Hospital.
17. Demonstrates pride, commitment, honesty, integrity, and ethical behavior as outlined in EMH code of conduct.
18. Maintains the privacy and confidentiality of patient’s Protected Health Information, accessing only the minimum necessary information needed to perform his/her relevant job duties. Reports any suspected HIPAA violations to the organization’s privacy officer.
19. Participates in orientation of new personnel, quality improvement activities and staff development
20. Demonstrates flexibility in work schedule; (works extra shift as needed; performs other responsibilities as assigned).
21. Dress appropriately, wearing ID badge daily as part of required uniform dress code.
22. Arrives to work on time and adheres to the attendance requirement.

Minimal Qualifications
• Must hold valid license as a RCP, CRT or RRT issued by the Composite Medical Board of Georgia. Graduate of an AMA approved school of Respiratory Care. Current GA Licensure. Current BLS; ACLS & PALS certification required. Must have computer literacy, good communication skills, both verbal and written. Experience preferred.
 

Physical/Mental Demands
• Ability to sit 2-3 hours, stand or walk 9 hours. Bending, reaching, twisting. Assist with lifting patients and equipment (may be over 100 pounds). Lift and carry up to 75 pounds. Push or pull equipment (may be over 100 pounds). Motor coordination and manual dexterity to include precision, speed work and sensory perception. Marginal Functions: Kneeling, squatting, typing.
• Talking, hearing, visual acuity. Mental acuity with decision making. Must possess sight/hearing senses or use prosthetics that will enable the applicant to adequately fulfill the requirements of this position.
• Use of mechanical and technical equipment required for the responsibilities assigned; Reading, writing and basic math knowledge. Computer skills a plus.
• External and internal applicants who are/become disabled, must be able to perform the essential position responsibilities with unaided or with assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined on a case by case basis.
 

Occupational Exposure to Blood borne Pathogens
• Class 1: Job in which all employees have occupations exposure.
 

Orientation Period
• Up to 90 days to perform proficiently all essential position responsibilities. The first ninety (90) days this position is assumed is considered the probationary/introductory period, for which the employee is subject to continuous review.