Description

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the DON, the Respiratory Care Practitioner delivers direct respiratory care to subacute care patients as assigned. The therapist plans, implements and evaluates the effectiveness of respiratory care provided at the Children’s Health of Northern CA. The Respiratory Therapist acts as resource person to other therapists, nurses and physicians regarding the respiratory care of patients in their assigned area. They participate in clinical in-service education and training concerning respiratory care policies and procedures.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities Performed

Responsibility: Provides direct patient care respiratory services as assigned.

Tasks

• Coordinates and monitors patient care according to departmental policies and procedures.
• Sets up, adjusts and manages patients on continuous mechanical ventilation which includes maintenance of airway patency, auctioning, stabilizing trach tubes, monitoring cuff pressures, etc. ensuring ventilators are delivering proper volume, mode of ventilation, pressures, respiratory rates and oxygen concentration. When indicated, weans patients from continuous ventilation according to established procedures.
• Documents all therapeutic and diagnostic activities and results in the patient’s medical record including but not limited to: date, time and duration of therapy medications administered, power source, supplemental O₂ (if any), heart and respiratory rate, breath sounds, description of sputum production and cough, complications or adverse effects (if any) response to therapy and general observations.
• Assesses and formulates an appropriate Respiratory Care plan based upon patient assessment and discusses variances with primary physician when necessary.
• Monitors and identifies problem regarding quality assurance.
• Communicate effectively with all physicians utilizing respiratory care services in clinical area.
• Participates in patient rounds in designated clinical area and serves as respiratory care resource person to other members of the health-care team. Communicates changes in the respiratory care plan with other healthcare team members.
• Explains treatment procedures to patients and/or family members to allay fears and elicit cooperation and ensures patient education regarding the pulmonary system.
• Participates in meetings and conferences designated to expedite and improve delivery of respiratory care.
• Proposes, develops, and helps implement techniques, methodology, and treatment modalities related to respiratory care. Assists in development of new clinical procedures in designate area.
• Performs emergency and acute respiratory care procedures in accordance with service policy and procedures. Responds to all cardiopulmonary arrest and performs cardiopulmonary resuscitation and airway care as needed.
• Identifies the need for development of improved documentation forms and problem areas regarding departmental, staff and patient safety.
• Performs peer review of other therapists working in area of responsibility.
• Provides input to supervisor regarding staffing, equipment, and supply needs.
• Assembles and checks and corrects malfunctions and performs quality controls on respiratory care equipment.
• Maintains clinical and professional competency based upon established standards of practice

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Formal Education/Training

Graduation from an approved program in Respiratory Therapy. Associate’s Degree in Respiratory Care Technology preferred.

Certification/Registration/Li censure

• Current California credential to practice Respiratory Care. Registered Respiratory Therapist or eligible for registration by the National Board of Respiratory Care.
• BLS/CPR and PALS certification required.

Job Related Experience
Ability to apply pediatric respiratory principles in the clinical setting. Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills required. Ability to

problem solve.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to successfully demonstrate Respiratory Care competencies required.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee is frequently required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel or crouch. The employee must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday. The employee must be in good health and demonstrate emotional stability so that they are able to cope with mental and emotional stress of the position.
• The employee must be able to frequently lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Employee must be able to assist in evacuation of children during emergency situations.

Note: This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities.