REGISTERED RESPIRATORY THERAPIST

Provides respiratory therapy to patients as ordered by physicians. Works on cases that are more complex. Trains and Mentors staff. Performs all types of Respiratory Care including diagnostic testing, treadmills, complete PFTs, ABG machine maintenance, hemodynamics, special procedures and ENGs. Performs procedures requires in the specialty areas, i.e. ICU, PACU, etc. Performs assessment and treatment of the newborn, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patient. Ability to precept students, and orientees.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Plans and organizes workload. Monitors work assignments, rescheduling, cancellations and coordinating workflow with staff members. Assists in maintaining staff competencies and training. Trains and mentors Therapists.
• Regularly participates in the decision making process of the department, staff meeting attendance, committee participation, etc. Re-adjusts workload appropriately.
• Assists on the containment of hospital cost and conservation of supplies and equipment.
• Uses discretion when discussing patient/hospital matters and maintains patient dignity and confidentiality.
• Obtains and interprets information in terms of the patient's needs that are age appropriate.
• Carries out treatment needs by patient that is age appropriate Administers all modes of routine respiratory care services, i.e. SVN, IPPB therapy, a;; O2 therapies. Completes/documents patient care assessment and response to therapy. Consistently documents all therapies and care provided according to hospital P&P.
• Maintains the designated Work Load Units (w.l.u.) per shift.
• Performs arterial blood gas analysis and puncture with appropriate training and certification. Performs routine equipment maintenance, cleaning, and safety checks according to manufacturers and departmental procedures. Trouble shoots the ventilators volume.
• Regularly participates in precepting orientees. Regularly participates in evaluation of new equipment/procedures.
• Performs PFT testing, EKGs, and Stress testing, special procedures and reports results in an accurate and timely manner. Assist with the discharge planning process, i.e., setup home care and participate in discharge planning meeting with the patient care team.
• Performs diagnostic tests such as simple spirometry, pulmonary function and pulse oximetry.
• Performs arterial line insertions following appropriate training and certification.
• Receives and transcribes verbal physician orders. Monitors and orders departmental supplies as requested.
• Assists with the education program, i.e. Respiratory Care students and Health Occupation Program students by instructing, supervising and evaluating performance.
• Assists and reports CQI monitors and audits
• Keeps lines of communication open (verbal and written documentation) with the Respiratory Care Supervisor/Department Manager regarding issues related to i.e., patients, family members, physicians, other department staff.
• Assists the department with special projects as delegated.
• Other related job tasks or responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Completion of formal two year respiratory education program which meets requirements for certification (CRT) and registration (RRT)

Two years in Respiratory

Acute care and ICU, hemodynamic, PFT, and cardiology experience preferred. Ability to precept and train staff, students, and orientees. Able to actively take a leadership role to meet the needs of the department.

Required - Licensed Registered Respiratory Therapist in the State of Arizona and CPR. As required by facility: ACLS, PALS and NRP required within 12 months of employment.

SPECIAL SKILLS

Must have understanding of the general principles of asepsis and infection control practices, including isolation. Knowledge of volume ventilators and understanding of patient hemodynamics. Excellent customer service skills. Computer skills preferred.