Respiratory Therapist

PRN Respiratory Therapist

Summary of Position

The Respiratory Therapist (RT) plays an integral role in the success of our team, our community and creating a place our residents are proud to call home. The primary purpose of this position is to assess, treat, and manage patients with breathing difficulties or cardiopulmonary disorders by performing diagnostic tests, administering respiratory therapies like oxygen therapy and aerosol medications, monitoring patient progress, and educating patients on managing their lung conditions; they work closely with physicians to develop treatment plans and often operate specialized medical equipment.

Essential Job Functions

• Conduct thorough patient evaluations to identify respiratory issues, including taking medical history, physical examinations, and reviewing patient records.
• Collaborate with physicians to develop individualized treatment plans based on patient needs.
• Deliver various respiratory therapies such as oxygen therapy, aerosol medications, chest physiotherapy, and airway clearance techniques.
• Teach patients about their lung condition, proper medication use, breathing exercises, and self-care practices.
• Maintain and calibrate respiratory therapy equipment.
• Monitor vital signs, lung sounds, and other relevant parameters during treatment.
• Providing immediate care in emergency situations requiring airway management or resuscitation.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Critical Skills

• Be able to make independent decisions and follow instructions.
• Deal tactfully with personnel, prospects, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the public.
• Capable of working with ill, disabled, elderly, and emotionally upset people within the facility.
• Communicate effectively in a manner that is sufficient for effective communication with supervisors, team members, prospects, residents, and families.

Education and Experience

• Must meet all applicable state and federal requirements for this position.
• Must possess associate's degree in respiratory therapy, Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) license, or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential for advanced practice.
• Prefer one year of experience in nursing in a home care, assisted living, or long-term care facility.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position does not have any supervisory requirements.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Tasks assigned to this position may involve potential and/or direct exposure to blood, body fluids, infectious diseases, air contaminants, and hazardous chemicals.

Physical Requirements - The Physical activities of this position involve:

• Prolonged standing, walking, & bending
• Be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times
• Pushing & Pulling heavy objects like oxygen tanks
• Frequent reaching, stooping, crouching, & kneeling
• Ability to perform repetitive movements while maintaining good mobility and dexterity
• Be able to push and pull up to 50 pounds at times

Cognitive Requirements - The Cognitive activities with or without prosthetics of this position are:

• Executes tasks independently
• Ability to express yourself clearly and effectively
• General computer literacy

Environmental Requirements - An individual in this position may be exposed to:

• Ambient room temperatures and lighting

Other Requirements -

• May be required to work nights, weekends and holidays

Platinum Service®

Platinum Service® is characterized by a high level of responsiveness delivered in a competent, timely and caring way. Employees commit to providing courteous, responsive, and quality service to our residents by following the principles of our Platinum Service® program.

Conclusion

All employees are expected to follow all policies and procedures. These policies and procedures can be found in the employee handbook, department policy and procedure manuals and with your supervisor. This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and it is not intended to be an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time.

Acknowledgement

I understand this job description and its requirements, and that I am expected to complete all job-related duties as assigned. I understand the essential functions may be altered from time to time.

By signing below, I acknowledge I am able to perform the essential functions of this job with or without a reasonable accommodation. If I require a reasonable accommodation, I will inform the recruiter/hiring manager, my manager, or Human Resources and agree to participate in the interactive process to discuss possible accommodations.