Registered Respiratory Therapist

University of California, San Francisco•San Francisco, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RCP) provides care, treatment, and rehabilitation to patients with pulmonary disorders under medical direction, using respiratory care procedures and protocols. Procedures are performed by a licensed RCP in an aseptic manner and in accordance with infection control policies. Respiratory Care Services provides care throughout the hospital and works closely with the trauma service at Zuckerberg San Francisco General, including the emergency department, general care wards, and outpatient pulmonary clinics. The role includes routine respiratory therapies such as oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy, high-flow/high-FIO2 therapy, non-invasive ventilation, lung expansion, and pulmonary hygiene. Therapists also perform ancillary therapies such as aerosolized prostacyclin, prone positioning, and recruitment maneuvers, and participate in transport and monitoring of critically ill, mechanically ventilated patients to procedure areas and surgery. Care emphasizes evidence-based, protocol-driven management with quality assurance oversight. The RCP is part of the health care team and may assist nursing and physician staff in patient care. The position requires nearly constant fine and gross motor manipulation of the hands and arms, nearly constant standing or walking, and a virtually constant work pace. The RCP must be able to push, pull, lift, and carry at least 20 pounds.

Requirements

Graduation from an approved school of respiratory therapy.
Registration as a Respiratory Therapist as determined by the National Board of Respiratory Care.
Valid California Respiratory Care Practitioner License.
Valid American Heart Association Basic Life Support Certification.
Valid American Heart Association Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification.
Ability to push, pull, lift, and carry a minimum of 20 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care or a health care-related field.
At least 2 years of experience in adult, pediatric, or neonatal intensive respiratory care.
Active participation in respiratory care professional organizations.
Valid American Heart Association Pediatric Advanced Life Support Certification.
Valid American Heart Association Neonatal Resuscitation Program Certification.

Responsibilities

Apply, monitor, and troubleshoot continuous mechanical ventilators; perform bedside measurements to assess ventilator application and ongoing treatment; and safely transport critically ill ventilator-dependent patients.
Monitor the effectiveness of physician-ordered respiratory therapy modalities, evaluate equipment application for the patient's condition, and assist physicians in developing and refining individualized patient care techniques.
Perform diagnostic procedures including pulmonary function tests, arterial puncture, and bedside blood gas analysis; interpret results and assist physicians with their clinical application.
Perform advanced life support and diagnostic procedures in intensive care units, including measuring exhaled carbon dioxide production, mixed venous blood gases, cardiac output, and other cardiopulmonary function parameters; interpret results and assist physicians with their clinical application.
Administer therapeutic gases, aerosols, and humidification using a variety of techniques and equipment; instruct patients in incentive spirometry and breathing maneuvers; and perform pulmonary clearance therapy, tracheobronchial aspiration, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Record respiratory care interventions, maintain current lists of patients requiring respiratory care and the services or equipment they receive or use, and protect the integrity of protected health information.
When appropriate, teach patients, family members, RCPs, RCP students, physicians, nurses, nursing students, and other hospital personnel about the efficacy, clinical application, and proper function of respiratory care supplies and equipment.
As needed due to staffing levels, workload, disaster declarations, or other factors, perform duties within the scope of personal and professional ability, which may include temporary shift charge duties.
Participate in transport and monitoring of critically ill, mechanically ventilated patients to special procedure areas and surgery.
Assist nursing and physician staff in aspects of patient care as needed.