Certified Respiratory Therapist

$40k Bonus

The respiratory therapist is a member of the interdisciplinary team working in collaboration with the physician. The respiratory therapist utilizes the care process consistent with their license and certification, including initiation of interventions within individual scope of practice. The certified respiratory therapist is responsible for overseeing any necessary coordination of the interdisciplinary plan of care and provides for its consistency with the medical treatment plan. The patient care process includes:

• Assessment – an orderly process consisting of the identification, gathering and organization of subjective and objective data pertaining to the patient/family/significant other.
• Planning – an organized step in the process that consists of the identification of actual or potential problems and desired outcomes (goals) that result in a documented plan of care. The plan of care provides direction for the patient/family/significant other and interdisciplinary team.
• Intervention – the specific interventions or orders that are implemented consistent with the plan of care and medical treatment plan.
• Evaluation – a step in the process that involves determining the effectiveness of the interventions in achieving the plan of care and determining the conclusions concerning the achievement or lack of achievement of desired outcomes. The evaluation may initiate the need for reassessment and revisions to the problems, goals, plan of care and interventions. This step provides for documentation of required actions. Based upon findings identified during assessment and reassessment:
  • Patients have problems identified and prioritized relative to biophysical, psychological, environmental, self-care, educational and social status.
  • Goals are identified consistent with the problem to provide direction for patient care and health promotion.
  • Education is consistent with the identified problem and associated goals and is seen as critical to creating an environment that promotes patient empowerment.

Licensed, certified care providers are responsible for utilizing the care process relative to their scope of practice and knowledge base; may document the assessment, plan, intervention and evaluation. All patient care activities are administered according to standards, procedural guidelines and organizational policy.

The respiratory therapist actively supports performance improvement initiatives. By participating in educational activities, the respiratory therapist assumes responsibility for continued professional and personal growth.

QUALIFICATIONS

• EDUCATION: Graduate of an AMA-approved school of respiratory care.
• LICENSE/CERTIFICATION: Licensed by the State Board of Respiratory Care and must be a certified respiratory therapist. Current BLS HCP required. Position requires certification in one of the certifications listed: ACLS, PALS, NRP.
• EXPERIENCE: Experience preferred but not required. Pool candidates do require 3 years of critical care experience. Proficiency in clinical applications preferred at time of hire. Incumbents within position will be trained appropriately and then skill will be required for this position within 30-60 days from date of hire.
• REQUIREMENTS: Employee must have their RRT within two years of their hire date.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS
Demonstrates the ability to perform the department-specific competencies as listed on the Assessment and Evaluation Tool.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Potential for exposure to the hazards and risk of the hospital environment, including exposure to infectious disease, blood-borne pathogens, hazardous substances and potential injury.

Position requires extensive standing and walking and the ability to move patients utilizing good body mechanics. Position requires pushing and pulling of equipment weighting up to 25 lbs. 25 lbs–40 lbs would require assistance. Must be able to handle stressful emergency situations effectively. Must have the ability to distinguish colors.

Essential functions of this position are listed on the department-specific Assessment and Evaluation Tool.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP
This position reports to the Operational Manager of Respiratory Care and patient care unit leadership. This position indirectly supervises the respiratory therapist extern.

The above statement reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job as identified and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the position.