Reports to the Clinical Manager. Respiratory therapists also known as respiratory care practitioners; evaluate, treat, and care for patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorders. Practicing under the direction of a physician, respiratory therapists assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care therapeutic treatments and diagnostic procedures. Responsible for the proper and safe administration of respiratory care including intermittent and continuous therapy, blood gas sampling and analysis, mechanical ventilation, airway management and non-invasive oxygen and carbon dioxide monitoring of neonatal, newborn, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric populations. MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS

• MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Ensures proper administration of a variety of respiratory treatments by:

• Adhering to the physician's orders and use of established Respiratory Care Protocols.
• Effectively completing and analyzing diagnostic tests and results.
• Determining the most suitable method of administering inhalants, precautions to be observed and modifications necessary to provide respiratory care to patients.
• Establishing priorities for patient care/job activities based on acuity of need.
• Explaining treatment and breathing procedures to patients to allay fears and anxieties and to elicit cooperation during therapy.
• Setting up, attaching to patient, operating and monitoring various types of respiratory equipment such as: long-term ventilators, CPAP/BiPAP, and oxygen devices.
• Documenting patient treatment activities and results.
• Maintaining Respiratory Therapy equipment; assembly, testing, cleaning and sterilizing.

Assists physicians with respiratory care by:

• Utilizing established Respiratory Protocols.
• Intubating patients as directed by physicians.
• Performing arterial puncture and correctly operating blood gas equipment.
• Participating in the overall evaluation and care of patients through discussions with physicians and other patient care staff.

Meets Pulmonary Services Department education requirements by:

• Assisting with the education of orientees and students regarding the proper techniques and objectives of respiratory care and therapy.
• Maintaining current status in "invasive procedures" according to department policies.
• Completing all competencies, CBL's, and yearly skill requirements.
• Meeting all hospital, regulatory and other requirements for hospital and department training, testing and validations within timelines established.

Performs other functions to maintain personal competence and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department by:

• Attending in-services and department meetings; also participating in continuing education and professional educational activities.
• Maintaining professional affiliations as appropriate and keeping current with professional literature and journals.
• Reading and being accountable for hospital communication such as department minutes, memos and e-mails.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Commitment to Beacon's six-point Operating System, referred to as The Beacon Way:

• Leverage innovation everywhere.
• Cultivate human talent.
• Embrace performance improvement.
• Build greatness through accountability.
• Use information to improve and advance.
• Communicate clearly and continuously.

Education and Experience

• The knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of an Associate's Degree in Respiratory Therapy or equivalent education. Requires current registration by the National Board of Respiratory Care as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (or eligible). A current and valid Indiana License as a Respiratory Care Practitioner is also required. Requires being a Registered Respiratory Therapist through the national Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) or if new graduate will be given 1 year from their date of hire to obtain the RRT credential. Those who do not obtain the RRT credential within the assigned time frame will not be eligible to remain in their Respiratory Therapy position. Experience with different modalities or ability to be skills validated during orientation to perform pulmonary function tests independently, ability to assist and run equipment for surgical bronchoscopies independently and/or provide respiratory care independently during a NICU/PICU ambulance transport is required to move to a Level II. A minimum of two years of critical care experience is required to move to the Level III position, all new hires will start as a Respiratory Therapist Level I and will have their skill level assessed during their orientation at the beginning of their employment. Based on skills validation, applicant may be promoted to Level II or III based on knowledge, skills and manager and/or physician approval. At that time, the appropriate pay adjustment will be made.

Knowledge & Skills

• Requires knowledge of application and effects of respiratory therapy techniques and procedures.
• Requires interpersonal skills necessary for effective communication with patients, families, and team members.
• Requires analytical skills to determine appropriate methods of therapy based upon observation of the patient and diagnostic reports.

Working Conditions

• Works in a patient care environment with potential exposure to communicable disease and radiation or from use of chemical solutions for disinfection.

Physical Demands

• Requires the physical ability and stamina (i.e. to walk/stand for prolonged periods of time, push carts/wheelchairs up to 50 pounds, to position/lift patients at a maximum of 35 pounds unassisted, over 35 pounds requires assistance, provide CPR, etc.) to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Must be able to work under high levels of stress.