Respiratory Care Practitioner - Respiratory - Per Diem 12 Hours Days (6:30AM to 7:00PM) (Union, Non-Exempt) One full weekend shifts required per 4 weeks schedule

University of Southern California•Arcadia, CA

1d•$40 - $52•Onsite

About The Position

Provides respiratory therapy to patients as ordered by physicians according to established standards and practices. Demonstrates proficiency in delivering care to age-specific patient populations, including infants, pediatrics, adolescents, adults, and geriatrics, and participates in related continuing education. The practitioner conducts bedside spirometry, assesses patients and treatment outcomes, sets up equipment, and administers prescribed respiratory medications and treatments. The role includes monitoring ventilation and environmental control systems, evaluating ventilator weaning, performing suctioning and arterial blood gas testing, and participating in resuscitation. The practitioner also maintains respiratory equipment and preventive maintenance records, helps monitor supplies, follows departmental and hospital policies, and provides patient education.

Requirements

Associate degree or equivalent.
Respiratory training or certification.
New graduates are eligible.
BLS (Basic Life Support) certification from the American Heart Association.
PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) certification from the American Heart Association.
RRT credential from the National Board for Respiratory Care is required for hires after 12/31/2010.

Nice To Haves

One year of critical care experience.
RRT registration with the National Board for Respiratory Care (listed as preferred, except the credential is required for hires after 12/31/2010).
NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program) certification.
ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certification from the American Heart Association.

Responsibilities

Conduct bedside spirometry tests, including VC and FEVI.
Set up, operate, troubleshoot, clean, and maintain respiratory equipment; keep preventive maintenance records and equipment ready for use.
Assess patients for therapy and evaluate treatment outcomes, interventions, and progress.
Set up equipment and administer respiratory medications and treatments as ordered by physicians.
Monitor environmental control systems and patients receiving continuous ventilation; perform and evaluate ventilator weaning.
Check supply inventory and notify the manager or designee when supplies need attention.
Follow departmental policies, procedures, objectives, performance improvement, infection control, and safety standards.
Follow hospital attendance and department coverage policies, including coverage during breaks, and submit PTO requests at least two weeks before the schedule is posted.
Participate in educational programs and in-service meetings, and keep current with equipment by attending outside meetings.
Contribute effectively to the resuscitation team, including performing CPR, cardiac compressions, and bagging patients.
Perform nasotracheal and tracheal suctioning.
Perform arterial blood gas testing and maintain working knowledge of the test.
Educate and instruct patients about prescribed therapy and discuss treatment goals and outcomes at the onset of treatment.
Perform other duties as assigned.