Respiratory Therapist

Position Summary
Responsible for providing care which includes assessment, treatment, control diagnostic evaluation of patients with deficiencies and abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary system. Consults with physicians. Provides consultation, instruction and/or technical direction of medical, nursing and other staff members.
Qualifications/Experience
Education:
Must possess a current Arkansas Respiratory Therapist License.
Experience:
Desirable characteristics include two years of experience in a hospital or medically related environment.
Licenses/Certificate:
CRT or RRT certification; Preferred: PALS/NALS /ACLS Certification
Essential Job Functions
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the following Essential Duties satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the Essential Duties of the position, provided it does not create undue hardship on SARH.
Observe professional ethics in maintaining confidential information acquired regarding personal, financial, medical or employment of patients, families, and employees of SARH.
Must follow and enforce accepted safety practices for patients and SARH.
Must report hazards and initiate appropriate action.
Must participate in safety instructional programs.
Prepares, runs and logs routine ECG's and rhythm strips.
Understands and complies with charting and charging systems.
Prepares and administers oxygen therapy utilizing nasal cannulas, masks, venturi marks, non-rebreathers.
Prepares and administers aerosol modalities using tent, bland aerosols, IPPB and small volume nebulizers
Performs and teaches Incentive Spirometry.
Interprets and reports vital signs and pulse oximetry as indicated.
Responds appropriately as member of Code Blue/ Rapid Response team.
Performs postural drainage and percussion.
Charts and charges all patient data as it pertains to patient care and type of therapy performed.
Disassembles, cleans cold-water disinfects and reassembles all equipment, as necessary
Performs ventilator monitoring checks and changes ventilator circuits.
Performs PFT's.
Reads and interprets patient's record and communicates recommendations to patient's primary provider.
Osculates and identifies various breath sounds.
Initiates appropriate/indicated patient education.
Troubleshoots and performs basic repair of cardiopulmonary equipment. *Notifies Director if problem with equipment after taking equipment out of service.*
Extubates patients under physician's direction.
Performs additional tasks as assigned.
Participates in PI Process
Presents/participates in at least two community/department activities per year to include: presentation of department in-services, speaker at community support group, participation in hospital activities, i.e., RCP week, Comp. Fair, etc.
Promotes effective cost management through efficient practices in the utilization of charge systems, equipment and supplies.
Precepts/mentors new staff and students.
Maintains confidentiality (i.e., patient information, computer password, etc.)
This job description is a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all the possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties you may be asked to perform when they are assigned.