Respiratory Therapist

Description

The Respiratory Therapist is responsible for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of diagnostic and therapeutic respiratory services to assist physicians in the diagnosis and management of patients with cardiopulmonary and related disorders within the profession’s standards of practice. Operates and provides technical support for all equipment related to the hospital-based practice of Respiratory Therapy. Scheduled workdays and times could vary and will include evening and weekend on-call time. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supports and promotes an environment conducive with the Mission, Vision, and Values of the hospital.
• Performs Respiratory Therapy duties and responsibilities in the job description according to individual’s License, Registration and Competencies as assigned.
• Utilizes appropriate interventions for pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients.
• Provide diagnostic respiratory services including pulse oximetry, pulmonary function testing, Home Sleep testing, and other assigned respiratory testing.
• Provide critical care procedures including airway management, resuscitation, manual ventilation, invasive and noninvasive respiratory monitoring, and patient transport.
• Provide general respiratory therapeutic service including oxygen therapy, medical gas therapy, aerosol therapy, humidification therapy and suction therapy.
• Operates all equipment related to the hospital-based practice of Respiratory Therapy according to department policy and procedure. 
• Complete procedure scheduling and charging and other clerical duties.
• Assists with providing CPR instruction to hospital staff.
• Performs cleaning and preventative maintenance of RT equipment. 
• Maintain confidentiality of all patients, hospital, or physician related information
• Maintain orderly condition of assigned work area.
• Is knowledgeable of general hospital and unit specific policies and procedures.
• Other duties may be assigned and are subject to change with or without prior notice.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Displays accountability for actions and decisions for the total patient care process. 
• Completes assigned daily duties.
• Accepts reassignment to other units if necessary.
• Follows expected work practices.
• Displays thoroughness and accuracy of work.
• Works in a safe manner, including reporting unsafe equipment or environment.
• Well organized, accepts assignments willingly and accomplishes them efficiently.
• Anticipates problems and suggest solutions.
• Help as needed with duties not specifically assigned. 
• Works steadily and always keeps busy.
• Maintain knowledge and skills necessary to communicate and interact with patients, visitors, and staff in the following age groups: Infant, Pediatric/adolescent, Adult, Geriatric
• Ability to work well with a diverse work team.
• Ability to work under pressure with time constraints.
• Ability to concentrate.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Good mental health and emotional maturity
• Good personal grooming and hygiene
• Ability to understand the use and limitations of respiratory therapy equipment.
• Ability to acquire and maintain current knowledge of standard respiratory therapeutic methods and technique. 
• Recognizes and respects the individual emotional, social, and cultural needs of patients including their religious beliefs.
• Always preserves the dignity and respect of all patients.
• Displays knowledge of sterile and non-sterile supplies, equipment, and procedures
• Demonstrates knowledge of and practices Universal Precautions
• Possession of a genuine interest and concern for patient population that is served.

(The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, and indeed additional responsibilities may be assigned, as required, by Hillsboro Health.)

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None

Requirements

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Graduate of accredited Respiratory Care program
• Ability to pass specific competencies for this position.
• Proficient oral and written communication                     
• 1 year RT experience helpful

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• RT/CRT certified or certification eligible.
• Must have current BLS certification or willing to obtain.
• Must have ACLS/PALS or are willing to obtain.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Prolonged, extensive, or considerable standing and walking
• Required to climb, balance, stoop, and kneel.
• Required to use arms, hands, and fingers for repetitive grasping, pulling, and pushing and feeling.
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Any workload exceeding 50 pounds will require assistance.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Works in well light, climate-controlled setting
• May be exposed to communicable diseases, hazardous chemicals, harmful physical agents, hypodermic/IV needles, unpleasant sights, odors, and materials. 
• The noise level in the work environment is quiet to moderate.

CORPORATE COMPLIANCE

Receives training and/or attends necessary meetings to meet the criteria as outlined in Hillsboro Health’s Corporate Compliance Plan and Code of Conduct. Understands the responsibilities related to compliance and knows how to contact the Corporate Compliance Officer should there be any instance of question or concern regarding fraud and/or abuse.