Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) - Full Time, Days

Position Summary

The Respiratory Care Practitioner evaluates pulmonary dysfunction and performs cardiopulmonary procedures to treat and care for the patient by means of respiratory therapy and ventilatory assistance, and is responsible and accountable for the performance of all respiratory care modalities. He or she is responsible for assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating the needs of the patient. Provides patient education, and initiates and updates patient care plans. Performs Infant, Pediatric, and Adult Life Saving Efforts. Performs other related duties as assigned or requested such as but not limited to stocking of supplies or cleaning and set-up of equipment.

Required Qualifications

• Associate Degree related to pulmonary function
• Current Licensure as a RCP in the State of California
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (if graduated after 2015)
• AHA Basic Life Support
• AHA Advanced Cardiac Life Support
• AHA Pediatric Advanced Life Support
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English
• Ability to work variable shifts including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to maintain flexibility and composure in a constantly changing environment
• Hospital Fire and Life Safety Card (Los Angeles City Employees only)

Preferred Qualifications

• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
• Previous experience as a Respiratory Care Practitioner in an acute care hospital
• Bachelors of Science Degree
• Bilingual skills to communicate effectively with patients and families

Physical Requirements

These are requirements normally expected to perform regular job duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and applicable, state and local law, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Incumbent must be able to successfully perform all of the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Standing - Constantly
• Walking - Constantly
• Sitting - Occasionally
• Reaching with Hands and Arms - Constantly
• Climb or Balance - Occasionally
• Stooping, Kneeling, Crouching, or Crawling - Occasionally
• Talking - Frequently
• Hearing - Constantly
• Seeing - Constantly
• Performing repetitive motions with arms or hands - Frequently
• Lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling up to 10 lbs - Constantly
• Lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling up to 25 lbs - Frequently
• Lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling up to 50 lbs - Frequently
• Lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling greater than 50 lbs - Frequently
• Driving - None

Essential Job Functions / Major Areas of Responsibility

The essential functions below are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties that may be assigned to this position, nor does it restrict the duties which may be assigned to this position if such duties reasonably relate to the position.

• Assesses patients need for respiratory care by validating physician orders, interviewing patients, performing assessments, and provide appropriate recommendations. Initiates and conducts therapeutic procedures, evaluates treatment efficacy, and modifies prescribed therapeutic procedures. Provides emergency care, including airway management, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Performs cardiopulmonary diagnostic procedures, calculates test results, analyzes specimens to detect abnormalities or specimen integrity issues, and evaluates implications of test results. Participates in department and hospital wide performance improvement initiatives.
• Maintains, cleans, and calibrates equipment and instruments according to manufacturer instructions for use and hospital policy, to ensure safety, integrity, and accuracy for patient use. Follows appropriate procedures for notification and removal of non-functional/unsafe equipment.
• Evaluates all clinical data to determine the appropriateness of the prescribed respiratory care, participates in the development of the respiratory care plan, and provides care using clinical protocols. Ensures timely, accurate and complete patient clinical documentation to include charges and billing. Maintains institutional compliance with professional, accrediting and regulatory standards of care. Ensures Infection Control procedures and HIPAA compliance.
• Empathizes with patient and patient support systems, expresses compassion and understanding for the situation, and demonstrates care which is appropriate for the age, and cultural, religious, gender identity, or ethnic background. Engages in caring behaviors, taking conscious ownership for work and takes deliberate/thoughtful actions regarding how to best carry out interactions with the patient, families, physicians, and co-workers.