Respiratory Therapist (1.0FTE)

To provide respiratory care treatment/services to all referred inpatients and outpatients. Coordinates care with other departments to provide maximum level of total care for patients.

Age Specific Categories:

X Neonates X Pediatrics X Adolescents X Adults X Geriatric

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

• Understands customer requirements and acts to best serve valid needs of all age groups.

• Is available as scheduled and occasionally works extra to provide patient care and department tasks

• Follows department/hospital philosophies and policies.

• Knows and understands respiratory pathophysiology, related diseases, therapy and equipment, and applies the knowledge and teaches to patients and other team members.

• Accurately does therapy and department tasks as outlined in the Respiratory Care Procedure Manual or as best therapy indicates.

• Gives timely, concise verbal and written reports concerning therapy and department improvement.

• Make correct independent clinical judgements and actions, accurately communicates and seeks corrective solutions to any difficulties with therapy or equipment with physician and/or manager.

• Make correct independent clinical judgements and actions, accurately communicates and seeks corrective solutions to any difficulties with therapy or equipment with physician and/or manager.

• Is self-motivated, assists other staff members and/or performs other department tasks.

• Volunteers for extra department/hospital project for improved quality service.

• Aids the department manager in developing a Quality Improvement Program.

• Aids the department manager in developing a Quality Improvement Program.

• Sets up and operates devices, such as respirators, mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators.

• Monitors and documents patient’s response to therapy in patient’s chart as per department policy.

• Consults with physician and other health care practitioners to obtain other additional patient information, suggest revisions in treatment program, in event of adverse reaction, or when order clarification is needed.

• Performs patient assessments and evaluations, such as chest auscultation, peak expiratory flows, and pulse oximetry to aid in establishing or revising treatment programs.

• Administers manual therapy to improve secretion mobilization such as broncho-pulmonary drainage and percussion.

• Instructs, motivates, and assists patients and their families in respiratory exercises and treatments to maximize benefit to patient.

• Inspects and tests respiratory care equipment to insure proper operating conditions.

• Informs Respiratory Care Supervisor when repairs are needed or supplies are low.

• Maintains blood gas machine including daily quality assurance in accordance to department and CLIA policy.

• Draws and analyzes blood samples according to department policies and procedures.

• Monitors supplemental oxygen usage by patients, utilizing pulse oximetry in accordance with department policies.

• Performs airway maintenance, to include tracheal intubation and suctioning of airways.

• Knowledge of drugs used in Respiratory Care and proper dosage and side effects of the same.

• Readily accepts new ideas and treatment modalities.

GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

2. Reports for scheduled shift on time and prepared to assume responsibilities.

• Reports to work in proper uniform/attire.
• Leaves for meal break on time and returns on time.
• Varies work schedule to meet the needs of the department.
• Ensures the department manager has approved all scheduled overtime.
• Seek supervisor approval before working beyond scheduled hours that will result in overtime.
• Schedules all time off with supervisor’s approval.
• Strictly adheres to hospital attendance/tardiness policies 100% of the time.
• Performs all duties as assigned.
• Wears I.D. badge in a visible location at all times on hospital property.
• Protects I.D. and access badge and reports any issues or loss immediately to supervisor or to the Human Resource Department.

3. Attends and participates in meetings and is responsible for information communicated at meetings and in email.

• Attends all mandatory in service on a timely basis as scheduled.
• Participates as an active team member at staff meetings.
• Reads communications and acts upon in a positive and informative manner.

4. Identifies own educational needs and maintains appropriate skill level through educational opportunities.

5. Exercise a commitment to practicing behaviors that are in agreement with the spirit of cooperation and reflect the values described in the Code of Mutual Respect and Professionalism.

6. Assists all patients, family members, physicians, visitors, and employees in a professional and courteous manner.

• Extends special attention and sensitivity to all patients, visitors, physicians, and fellow employees.
• Actively promote diversity and inclusion across organization for both patients and coworkers while avoiding any language or actions considered to be discriminatory or derogatory regarding race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, height, weight, physical or mental ability, veteran status, military obligations, and marital status.
• Assists in maintaining an atmosphere of cooperation and teamwork with other departments and community partners.
• Demonstrates a genuine willingness to prevent or resolve inter-personal conflicts.
• Demonstrates the ability to participate in and/or implement team decisions.
• Adheres to HIPAA and all applicable privacy laws at all times, only sharing information on a need to know basis.

7. Follows Infection Control procedures at all times.

• Clinical Personnel: Strictly adheres to standard precautions by adhering to the usage of personal protective equipment when handling blood or body fluids.
• Non-Clinical Personnel: Washes hands and other skin surfaces with soap and water thoroughly and often in an effort to control spreading of germs within the department and facility.
• Adheres to isolation procedures at all times as applicable.

8. Adheres to the following environmental care standards.

• Demonstrates adequate knowledge of safety policies and procedures, the use of MSDS sheets, hazardous material procedures, and safety codes.
• Code Blue, Code Gray, Code Silver, Code Amber, Code Red, Code Orange, Rapid Response Team
• Demonstrates adequate knowledge of security issues, i.e. personal protection, protection of personal and hospital property.

9. Be familiar with and comply with the Mid-Valley Hospital & Clinic Personnel Handbook and Policies.

10. Be familiar with the collective bargaining agreement (Union Contract) of the UFCW 21 and Mid-Valley Hospital.

11. Demonstrates the ability to adapt to varied age-specific patient populations.

• Non-Clinical Personnel: This position has no responsibility for the assessment, treatment, or care of patients. However, the ability to communicate and interact with patients of all ages is required.

.Requirements:

EDUCATION:

Graduate from an accredited Respiratory Care Program approved by the AMA in conjunction with the AARC. Associates of Science degree or its equivalent.

EXPERIENCE:

One year clinical experience desired.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE/REGISTRATION:

Licensed by the State of Washington, CRTT and/or RRT completion

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

May be required to work any shift in emergencies.

May be required to work any day of the week.

Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move patients or equipment. Physical requirements required are in excess of those for sedentary work. Light work usually requires walking or standing to a significant degree. Also safely handling moderate to maximum dependent patients during transfers or mobility exercises.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This person spends 95% of their time in temperature controlled office space. The potential for exposure to biohazardous agents or exposure to blood-borne pathogens and other potential infectious agents is moderate to high. This position requires contact with patients and staff under a wide variety of circumstances. This person is subject to varying and unpredictable situations, many interruptions, long irregular hours, multiple calls and inquires.

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