Registered Respiratory Care Practitioner, Per Diem, Day Shift

Adventist Health•St. Helena, CA

20h•$45 - $62

About The Position

The Registered Respiratory Care Practitioner provides basic and critical respiratory care services to adult and geriatric patients with respiratory disease, as ordered by physicians and in accordance with department policies. The practitioner works independently and may supervise others as delegated. The role includes documenting care and maintaining patient charts, electronic medical records, flow sheets, and charges. The practitioner assesses prescribed therapy, administers aerosol and oxygen therapy, draws arterial blood gases, provides care to ventilator patients, and performs pulmonary function tests and drainage procedures. The role also supports respiratory equipment and department operations, participates in training and supervision, assists with rehabilitation and special procedures, and provides education to patients, families, nursing personnel, physicians, and hospital staff.

Requirements

Registered Respiratory Therapist (NBRC-RRT) or Certified Respiratory Therapist (NBRC-CRT) credential is required in California, Oregon, and Hawaii.
Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license is required in California.
CPR or Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from an approved vendor per Adventist Health policy is required.
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification from an approved vendor per Adventist Health policy is required.
Registered or certified by the National Board of Respiratory Care is required.
Facility-specific Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from an approved vendor per Adventist Health policy is required.
AHA-ACLS or ARC-ALS is required.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent; some certifications require a bachelor’s degree.
Master’s degree.
Three years of technical experience.
Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification from an approved vendor per Adventist Health policy.
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification from an approved vendor per Adventist Health policy.
Pediatric Emergency Assessment, Recognition and Stabilization (PEARS) certification.

Responsibilities

Assess and document whether prescribed respiratory therapies are appropriate, including making recommendations.
Administer aerosol and oxygen therapy, maintain charts, draw arterial blood gases according to policy and physician orders, and provide care to ventilator patients.
Complete documentation and records of care, treatment, charges, and other department record-keeping requirements.
Assist with department operations and participate in training and supervision of new employees.
Instruct nursing personnel in monitoring patients and equipment after initial installation.
Perform pulmonary function tests and drainage procedures, provide additional care related to cardiorespiratory disease, and suggest treatment approaches based on pulmonary progress.
Assist with cardiorespiratory rehabilitation and educate patients and families about cardiorespiratory disease and its effects.
Check respiratory therapy equipment in use or on standby in patient areas.
Ensure completion of initial ventilator bundle orders when mechanical ventilation is initiated and ensure compliance with VAP bundles for ventilated patients.
Identify measurable outcomes and use appropriate therapy interventions to address patient needs; update and communicate diagnoses as patient conditions change.
Assist with maintenance and processing of respiratory therapy equipment and products.
Serve as a technical resource to physicians and hospital staff regarding respiratory care and safe therapy methods.
Assist with stocking and reordering parts and equipment, setting up specialty equipment, and keeping equipment clean and ready for use.
Assist physicians with bronchoscopies and special procedures.
Assist with quality control, staff schedules, and competencies.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.