ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: include the following. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

1. Performs comprehensive respiratory assessments (breath sounds, oxygenation, ventilation, work of breathing) and documents findings.

2. Observes, evaluates, documents, and promptly reports changes in an elder’s respiratory status.

3. Administers ordered respiratory therapies including nebulizer treatments, oxygen therapy, inhaled medications, chest physiotherapy, and suctioning.

4. Provides tracheostomy care and airway management, including cleaning, suctioning, stoma care, and emergency decannulation protocols as applicable.

5. Sets up, manages, and monitors respiratory equipment (oxygen systems, CPAP/BiPAP, humidification, and ventilatory support if applicable).

6. Ensures accurate and timely documentation to reflect respiratory interventions and education of elders/families.

7. Responds to respiratory emergencies; initiates interventions within scope and follows facility emergency protocols.

8. Participates in admission, discharge, and transfer processes; completes respiratory assessments and recommends equipment and education needs.

9. Checks and maintains respiratory equipment; ensures availability, cleanliness, and proper functioning; follows infection prevention standards.

10. Educates elders, families, and staff on respiratory conditions, device use, oxygen safety, and disease self‑management.

11. Demonstrates a positive, person‑directed approach; adapts care schedules to meet individual preferences and needs.

12. Collaborates with physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, rehab, social services, and dietitians to develop and implement care plans.

13. Supports nursing partners by reinforcing respiratory‑related competencies and recognizing early changes in condition.

14. Completes initial respiratory assessments for new admissions and updates care plans as needed.

15. Assists in the implementation of the community’s Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) activities for respiratory care.

16. Participates in community surveys/inspections by authorized agencies as requested.

17. Conducts rounds to identify coaching opportunities; educates and advises staff to ensure adherence to policies and procedures.

18. Addresses elder and family questions/concerns and proactively resolves problems.

19. Assists with onboarding, training, and monitoring of Nursing team members in respiratory‑related tasks.

20. Greets newly admitted elders; ensures a welcoming experience and excellent customer service.

21. Acts as a professional role model aligned with A.G. Rhodes’ mission and values.

22. Performs daily respiratory rounds to support physical and emotional well‑being.

23. Makes rounds with providers as needed and ensures timely documentation and order processing.

24. Reviews notes to ensure they are informative, descriptive of care provided, and reflective of the elder’s response.

25. Reports medication and treatment variances per policy and collaborates on corrective actions.

26. Adapts to frequent changes and interruptions; able to manage competing priorities and unexpected events.

27. Exhibits excellent customer service and respectfulness toward elders, families, visitors, vendors, and coworkers.

28. Works beyond normal hours and on weekends/holidays as necessary.

29. Demonstrates emotional stability and the ability to handle stressful or emergency situations.

30. Exhibits flexibility and willingness to assist all departments to meet community needs.

A.G. RHODES CORE STANDARDS:

Customer Service: Works diligently to accomplish our Mission and ensures that all elders, families, coworkers and vendors receive excellent customer service.

Attendance: Is consistently at work; ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; arrives at meetings and appointments on time.

Communication: Maintains open lines of communication with coworkers and supervisors. Reports incidents timely and according to guidelines.

Team Work: Promotes and supports team work of all departments. Has willingness to help others and maintains a positive attitude. Respects and supports coworkers.

Education: Attends ongoing education on a regular basis, ensuring all CEU and in‑service hour requirements are met. Pursues training and development opportunities; strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; shares expertise with others.

Confidentiality: Follows all HIPAA regulations and works to ensure information/PHI is kept confidential for elders.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Must be able to read, write, speak, understand and communicate in the English language. Writes clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar; able to read and interpret written information. Excellent communication and education skills with elders, families, and staff.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, REGISTRATIONS:

Current Georgia Respiratory Care Professional License in good standing. CPR/First Aid certification required. Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential preferred.