POSITION SUMMARY:

To evaluate, treat and care for patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorders. Practicing under the direction of the Director of Respiratory Therapy. Will assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care treatments and diagnostic procedures.

To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must perform each essential function satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

PRINCIPAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Adhere to all organization policies, including (but not limited to) job description, certification/licensure requirements, mission statement, HIPAA, confidentiality standards, and patient’s rights.
2. Actively engage with the organization’s communications and directives.
3. Must be capable of setting up and operating various types of equipment to be utilized in the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory disease and or illness.
4. Obtain, analyze, and advise on arterial blood gas results.
5. Perform and/or assist with intubation, ventilator management, BIPAP/non-invasive ventilation set-up and management, administration of nebulizer treatments and medications associated with treatments, MDI therapy, chest physiotherapy, PEP therapy, flutter valve therapy, and various modes of oxygen therapy.
6. Meet patient's goals and needs and provide quality care by conducting pulmonary function tests; assessing and interpreting evaluations and test results; determining respiratory therapy treatment plans in consultation with physicians, healthcare team, and physician orders.
7. Help patients accomplish treatment plans and support life by administering inhalants, operating mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, and aerosol generators.
8. Administer respiratory therapy treatments by performing bronchopulmonary drainage; assisting with breathing exercises; monitoring physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes; directing treatments given by nursing staff.
9. Evaluate the effects of the respiratory therapy treatment plan by observing, noting, and evaluating the patient's progress, recommending adjustments and modifications.
10. Evaluate the patient and recommend COPD or Asthma education when determined; perform education on inpatient, SWB, and outpatient.
11. Contribute to discharge planning by consulting with physicians, nurses, social workers, and other health care workers; participate in patient care conferences.
12. Assure continuation of therapeutic plan following discharge by instructing patients, families, and caregivers in home exercise programs; recommending and/or providing assistive equipment; recommending outpatient or home health follow-up programs.
13. Document patient care services by charting patient and department records.
14. Maintain a safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.
15. Protect patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.
16. Ensure equipment operation by meeting preventive maintenance requirements; following the manufacturer's instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs.
17. Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
18. Must be able to function independently and proficient in all areas.
19. The RT will respond to all code emergencies throughout the hospital and outpatient setting.
20. Provide education to patients and families on the use of respiratory equipment.
21. Act as a resource for nurses, physicians, and other hospital staff.
22. Take an active part in attending departmental in-service/education programs.
23. Performs other duties as assigned.

EQUIPMENT:

Computer and Printer

Copy Machine

Fax Machine

Telephone

Mechanical Ventilators

Non-invasive ventilators

Lifesaving equipment; Glidescope, Lucas, and Manual intubation equipment

Therapeutic gas administration apparatus

Aerosol Generators

Chest physiotherapy equipment

EDUCATIONAL/SKILLS REQUIRED:

Education: Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Care program, RRT and/or CRT preferred. Those who have been grandfathered in the state licensure will be evaluated case-by-case.

Licensure: Active License in good standing in the State of Oklahoma. Current certifications: BLS, ACLS and PALS required or ability to obtain.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Two years of active respiratory care are required. Prefer two years of experience in critical care, but willing to train the right candidate.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The following physical/mental demands are required to be a respiratory therapist at CAH; however, some of these requirements may have to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

(Note: occasi33%, frequent=66%, c100%)

• During a 12-hour shift, the employee may frequently or continuously be on their feet, walking and/or standing.
• Occasionally shift, lift, and transfer a minimum of 50 lbs. and apply a minimum of 60 lbs. of push/pull force.
• Frequent bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, kneeling, reaching above shoulder height, and pushing/pulling.
• Employees must possess enough visual acuity to read fine print from articles, computer printouts, physicians’ notes, insurance cards, and documents.
• Employees must be able to speak clearly and distinctly enough to communicate effectively and be understood by patients, employees, physicians, and the public.

Utilize good hearing, vocal and visual skills. Exposure to toxic chemicals and detergents. Exposure to moving mechanical parts. Exposure to potential electrical shock. Exposure to x-ray/electromagnetic energy. Exposure to communicable diseases. Exposure to blood and/or body fluids. Exposure to latex rubber.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION:

This position could have access to patient confidential records and must comply with HIPAA regulations as well as Compliance Policies.

The above statements reflect the general details considered necessary to describe the principal function of the job as identified and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent to this position.

EEO STATEMENT:

Cleveland Area Hospital/Lake Area Medical Associates is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and all other protected classes.