Respiratory Therapist - Temporary - Shift

Kern Medical • Bakersfield, CA

16d • $39 - $52

About The Position

Kern Medical is an acute care teaching center with 222 beds and the only advanced trauma care between Fresno and Los Angeles. The Respiratory Therapist IV is the highest level in the Respiratory Therapist flexible classification series. This practitioner is fully competent in complex treatment techniques, works with minimal supervision, and performs routine medical, technical, therapeutic, and diagnostic procedures. The role may include off-site assignments consistent with the classification and serving as lead practitioner for specified hours or shifts. Compared with Respiratory Therapist III, the position requires a higher level of accredited respiratory therapy education and professional credentialing.

The position is temporary extra-help employment with a limited term of up to nine months. Health benefits coverage may be offered, and shift differentials vary by classification. The estimated pay is $38.5665 to $51.8302 per hour; additional compensation may be available through differentials, incentives, and bonuses.

Employees must hold Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) registration with the National Board for Respiratory Care and a current California Respiratory Care Practitioner license. Employees who do not hold an American Heart Association Provider BLS card at hire must complete appropriate training and qualify for RQI Provider certification within 60 days, then maintain certification and competency. Depending on assignment, specific competency certificates and a Class C California driver’s license may be required. A background check may be required. All Kern Medical employees are Disaster Service Workers and may be required to remain at or report to work during a disaster or civil disorder when safe and practicable. Driving-related requirements apply when the position requires use of a personal or Kern Medical vehicle.

Requirements

• Registration with the National Board for Respiratory Care as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).
• Current, valid California Respiratory Care Practitioner license.
• If not held at hire, complete appropriate training and qualify for American Heart Association RQI Provider certification within 60 days of employment; maintain certification and competency as a condition of employment.
• Depending on assignment, possess and maintain specific certificates of competency.
• A Class C California driver’s license may be required for off-site assignments.
• Knowledge of operating principles of commonly used ventilators and respiratory care equipment, including intermittent positive pressure breathing apparatus, nebulizers, humidifiers, and oxygen analyzers.
• Knowledge of cardiopulmonary physiology, electrocardiography testing and related diagnostic equipment, respiratory therapy gas chemistry, and symptoms common to patients with respiratory ailments.
• Ability to learn and conduct diagnostic tests such as EEG, EKG, pulmonary function tests, and echocardiograms.
• Ability to explain and teach respiratory therapy, cardiopulmonary services, electrocardiography testing and related procedures, and the use and adjustment of respiratory equipment for individual patient needs.
• Ability to implement goal-oriented ventilator management in close interaction with physicians and nurses.
• Ability to interpret arterial blood gas results and recommend appropriate action to support timely therapy changes.
• Ability to understand hospital routines and organization and work with medical staff and patients.
• A background check may be required.
• When driving a personal vehicle for position responsibilities, hold a current valid California driver’s license and comply with Kern County Hospital Authority Vehicle Use and Driving Standard Policy (ENG-EC-119).
• When driving a vehicle owned, leased, or rented by Kern Medical, hold a current valid California driver’s license, sign an authorization for release of driver record information, and comply with Kern County Hospital Authority Vehicle Use and Driving Standard Policy (ENG-EC-119).
• All employees are designated Disaster Service Workers and must remain at or report to work during a disaster or civil disorder when safe and practicable.

Responsibilities

• Administer intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB), humidity and aerosol therapy, medical gases, pulmonary drainage procedures, and aerosolized drugs.
• Perform cardiorespiratory resuscitation, electrocardiography testing and related procedures, complex pulmonary function testing, and arterial blood gas sampling.
• Provide continuous mechanical ventilation and maintain artificial airways.
• Clean and prepare equipment and perform routine mechanical maintenance on respiratory therapy equipment; conduct periodic and emergency checks of equipment installations.
• Operate analyzers to determine oxygen saturation and other gases in the blood.
• Serve as a technical resource to physicians and hospital staff on respiratory care and safe, effective methods of administration.
• Suggest treatment and pulmonary progress approaches; instruct patients and families in equipment use, self-care techniques, and cardiorespiratory disease.
• Develop individualized exercise routines, bronchial-clearing procedures, and patient evaluation and monitoring techniques.
• Implement infection control and demonstrate aseptic techniques.
• Respond to emergency calls throughout the hospital.
• Document care and treatments, maintain records, and prepare documents for charges or record keeping.
• Conduct quality assurance monitoring.
• Demonstrate clinical knowledge and skill in caring for newborn, infant, toddler, child, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients, depending on assignment.
• Assist with maintenance and processing of equipment and products used in cardiopulmonary services.
• Assist with bronchoscopies and cardiorespiratory rehabilitation.
• Participate in training and supervision of new employees and instruct nursing personnel in monitoring patients and equipment after initial installation.
• Perform other job-related functions as required.

Benefits

• Health benefits coverage may be offered.
• Shift differentials vary by classification.
• Additional compensation may be available through differentials, incentives, and bonuses.

What This Job Offers

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