Registered Respiratory Care Practitioner, Respiratory Therapy (Full-Time, Night Shift)

Adventist Health•Delano, CA

3d•$39 - $54

About The Position

The Registered Respiratory Care Practitioner performs basic and critical respiratory care services for adult and geriatric patients with respiratory disease, as ordered by physicians and in accordance with department policies. The role requires working independently and may include delegated supervision of others. The practitioner documents care and completes electronic medical records, flow sheets, charges, and other required records. The practitioner assesses prescribed respiratory therapies, administers aerosol and oxygen therapy, draws arterial blood gases, cares for ventilator patients, performs pulmonary function tests and drainage procedures, and supports cardio-respiratory rehabilitation and special procedures. The role includes educating patients and families, assisting nursing staff with patient and equipment surveillance, checking and maintaining respiratory equipment, supporting quality control and staff competencies, and serving as a technical resource to 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 certification is required.
AHA-NRP or ARC-NALS certification is required.
AHA-PALS or ARC-PALS certification is required.
All required vaccinations must be received as a condition of employment and annually thereafter where applicable; medical and religious exemptions may apply.

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 therapy is 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.
Assist with department record keeping and operations, including training and supervising new employees as delegated.
Document care and treatments and generate required charge and record-keeping documents.
Instruct nursing personnel in surveillance of patients and equipment after initial installation.
Perform pulmonary function tests and drainage procedures and provide additional care related to cardio-respiratory disease.
Offer suggestions regarding patient treatment and pulmonary progress.
Assist with cardio-respiratory rehabilitation and teach patients and families about cardio-respiratory disease and its ramifications.
Check respiratory therapy equipment in patient areas, including equipment in use or on standby.
Ensure initial ventilator bundle orders are completed when mechanical ventilation begins and ensure VAP bundle compliance for mechanically ventilated patients.
Identify measurable and reasonable outcomes and use appropriate therapy interventions to address patient needs.
Update and communicate diagnoses throughout a patient's stay based on changing condition and disease status.
Assist with maintenance and processing of equipment and products used in respiratory therapy.
Serve as a technical resource to physicians and hospital staff on 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.