RESPIRATORY THERAPIST

JOB DESCRIPTION
Respiratory Therapist
DEPARTMENT: Nursing
POSITION SUMMARY:
The licensed and credentialed Respiratory Therapist responsible for performing duties and tasks of a respiratory care
practitioner. Upon the request of the physician, the Respiratory Therapist sets up and operates various types of respiratory care
equipment to be utilized in the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory disease and/or illness.
RESPONSIBLE TO:
This position is responsible to the Director of Nursing
FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
• Explains to the resident, purpose and procedure of treatments, tests and equipment
• Uses knowledge of growth and development principles to anticipate care needs of resident in the adult and geriatric
stages of development
• Applies criteria for recognition of abuse and follows policy for making appropriate referral/intervention

Conducts physician prescribed daily use of ventilator machine, various oxygen devices, nebulizer and ultrasonic
nebulizer, with respect to the respiratory system of the resident
• Performs chest physical therapy treatments involving percussion, postural drainage, and suctioning, in order to
mobilize secretions and mucus in the lungs and to clear airway blockage in the respiratory system
• Performs set-up, operation and monitoring of ventilator when resident’s respiratory system is incapable of adequate
spontaneous ventilation
• Ensures the adequate maintenance of ventilation during cardio-pulmonary resuscitation
• Performs pulmonary functions studies determining the volume, distribution, and movement of air in the respiratory
system
• Records on respiratory care records and resident chart, all pertinent information of treatments, and resident response to
treatments
• Maintains and records daily ventilator monitoring, internal and external battery logs, and ventilator weaning logs
• Performs Pulse Oximetry
• Sets up oxygen via nasal cannula and simple face mask
• Assists resident with uncomplicated transfer in and out of bed
• Reports to relief personnel, condition of residents and treatments to be administered/conducted
• Processes respiratory therapy equipment – cleaning, sterilizing and packaging as required
• Conducts regular rounds – checking residents’ oxygen equipment, replacing humidifiers as necessary, as well as spotchecking
other respiratory therapy equipment on a timely basis for his/her patient load
• Participates in the Hazardous Materials Program. Hazards include exposure to blood and body fluids, possible
communicable diseases, sharp objects and instruments, assorted chemicals and gasses as listed in the Hazardous
Materials Program Manual
• Performs such other functions as are identified by the Director of Nursing and Clinical Nurse Manager

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:
Education: Associates or Bachelor’s Degree is Respiratory Therapy
License: Current, valid Respiratory Therapist licensure to practice in the state, credentialed by the National
Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)
Current Basic Life Support Certification
Work Experience: Broad knowledge of respiratory care principles, procedures and practice
Previous clinical experience in the capacity of one of the following: Respiratory Therapy,
Cardiology Technician or similar position
Previous experience caring for patients with technology dependency (Medic-Cal requirement)
Must be able to perform aspects of basic patient care, including but not limited to, 12 lead EKG as
per established standards of practice
Knowledge of OBRA and Title XXII guidelines for LTC
Must be able to work independently at times
Language Skills:
• Must be able to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical information, and to be easily
understood through verbal communication in the English language.
Mathematical Skills:
• Must be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common
fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to perform these operations using units of weight measurement, and volume.
Communication Skills:
• Must have exceptional communication and customer service skills, and be empathetic.
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, families, responsible parties, staff and outside resources and
agencies.

Salary : $50 - $55