Respiratory Therapist I/II/III/IV - Shift - Cardiopulmonary Services

Kern Medical • Bakersfield, CA

10h • Onsite

About The Position

Kern Medical is seeking Respiratory Therapists across four levels (I, II, III, IV) within its Cardiopulmonary Services. The role involves delivering quality patient care through various therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. Respiratory Therapist I is an entry-level position, working under direct supervision and performing routine procedures. Respiratory Therapist II is a journey-level role, more experienced, with increased consultation with physicians, training responsibilities, and use of more complex techniques, potentially working off-site under supervision. Respiratory Therapist III is an advanced journey-level, distinguished by further increased consultation with physicians, training responsibilities, and complex treatment techniques, working with minimum supervision and demonstrating competency in complex continuous mechanical ventilation, cardiopulmonary, and electrocardiography procedures. Respiratory Therapist IV is the highest level, fully competent in the most complex treatment techniques, assisting in training others, and working with minimum supervision, also with potential for off-site assignments.

Requirements

• Appointees not possessing the American Heart Association Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) card at time of hire must successfully complete appropriate training and qualify for the RQI Provider certification within 60 days of employment.
• As a continued condition of employment, employee must maintain RQI Provider certification and competency.
• Depending on assignment incumbents may be required to possess and maintain specific certificates of competency as a condition of employment.
• Knowledge of: All therapy machines, both pressure and volume ventilators; all forms of oxygen therapy; gases and gas laws; safe respiratory practices; equipment, procedures and techniques; pulmonary function testing and gas analysis; anatomy and physiology; nursing arts; and clinical considerations.
• Ability to: Understand and follow written and oral instructions; organize and prioritize basic tasks, communicate effectively and work well with others; maintain confidentiality of information.
• If position responsibilities require driving a personal vehicle, then possession of a current valid California Driver’s License and adherence to the Kern County Hospital Authority Vehicle Use and Driving Standard Policy (ENG-EC-119) is required.
• If position responsibilities require driving a vehicle owned, leased or rented by Kern Medical, then possession of a current valid California Driver’s license, a signed authorization for Release of Drivers Record Information and adherence to the Kern County Hospital Authority Vehicle Use and Driving Standard Policy (ENG-EC-119) is required.
• RT I Licensure: Possession of a valid, current license as a Respiratory Care Practitioner OR Receipt of notice from the Board of Medical Quality Assurance, Respiratory Care Examining Committee (RCEC) that an application from the applicant is on file.
• RT I: Applicants shall be identified as "Respiratory Care Practitioner certification applicants" and must pass the Respiratory Care Practitioner examination during their probationary period in order to comply with the RCPA. Failure to pass this examination within the probationary period will result in termination.
• RT II Registration And Or Certification: Eligible for registration with the National Board for Respiratory Care as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) OR Certified by the National Board for Respiratory Care as a Certified Respiratory Therapy Technician (CRTT).
• RT II Licensure: Possession of a valid, current license as a Respiratory Care Practitioner issued by the State of California.
• RT II: Possession of a Class C California Driver’s License may be required by assignment to off-site locations.
• RT III Registration And/Or Certification: Eligible for registration with the National Board for Respiratory Care as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) OR Certified by the National Board for Respiratory Care as a Certified Respiratory Therapy Technician (CRTT).
• RT III Licensure: Possession of a valid, current license as a Respiratory Care Practitioner in the State of California AND One (1) year of experience as a Respiratory Therapist having primary responsibility for ventilator management of critical care patients.
• RT III: Possession of a Class C California driver’s license may be required by assignment to off-site locations.
• RT IV Registration: Registered with the National Board for Respiratory Care as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).
• RT IV Licensure: Possession of a valid, current license as a Respiratory Care Practitioner, issued by the State of California.
• RT IV: Possession of a Class C California Driver’s License may be required by assignment to off-site locations.

Responsibilities

• Administers IPPB therapy.
• Performs humidity and aerosol therapy.
• Administers medical gas and pulmonary drainage procedures.
• Performs cardiorespiratory resuscitation.
• Administers aerosolized drugs.
• Provides continuous mechanical ventilation; maintains artificial airways.
• Performs bedside lung function studies.
• Performs incentive spirometry.
• Cleans and prepares equipment.
• Implements infection control and demonstrates knowledge of aseptic techniques.
• Responds to emergency calls throughout the hospital.
• Documents care given; maintains records of treatment given; generates necessary documents for charges or record keeping.
• Dependent upon area of practice or department assignments, demonstrates clinical knowledge and skill in the care of the newborn, infant, toddler, child, adolescent, adult and geriatric patient ranging up to 100+ years of age.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Benefits

• New Hire Premium: +6% of base rate of pay matched up to 6% if contributed to Deferred Compensation Plan.
• Shift Differentials: varies per classification.
• A Comprehensive Benefits Package: includes Holidays, Vacation, Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance.
• Participation and company contributions into the Kern County Employees’ Retirement Plan.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed