Respiratory Therapist - Temporary - Shift

Kern Medical•Bakersfield, CA

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. It serves approximately 15,500 inpatients and 125,000 clinic patients annually. The Respiratory Therapist IV is the highest level in the Respiratory Therapist flexible classification series. The role performs complex respiratory treatment, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures with minimal supervision, assists in training others, and may serve as lead practitioner during specified hours or shifts. The position may be assigned off-site to perform duties within the classification. Extra-help employment is limited to up to nine months; health benefits may be offered. Shift differentials vary by classification. The estimated pay is $38.5665 to $51.8302 per hour. This reflects only part of the total compensation package; additional compensation may be available through differentials, incentives, and bonuses. The position requires registration as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) with the National Board for Respiratory Care and a current California Respiratory Care Practitioner license. Employees must maintain RQI Provider certification and competency. Appointees who do not have an American Heart Association Provider BLS card at hire must complete appropriate training and qualify for RQI Provider certification within 60 days of employment.

Requirements

Registration with the National Board for Respiratory Care as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).
Possession of a valid, current California Respiratory Care Practitioner license.
Maintain RQI Provider certification and competency as a condition of continued employment; if not holding an American Heart Association Provider BLS card at hire, complete appropriate training and qualify for RQI Provider certification within 60 days.
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, gas chemistry in respiratory therapy, and symptoms common to 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, related procedures, and respiratory equipment use and adjustment 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 for timely therapy changes.
Ability to understand hospital routine and organization and work with medical staff and patients.
A background check may be required.
A Class C California Driver’s License may be required for off-site assignments.
If driving a personal vehicle is required, a current valid California Driver’s License and compliance with the Kern County Hospital Authority Vehicle Use and Driving Standard Policy are required.
If driving a Kern Medical-owned, leased, or rented vehicle is required, a current valid California Driver’s License, signed authorization to release driver record information, and compliance with the applicable vehicle-use policy are required.

Responsibilities

Administer IPPB, humidity and aerosol therapy, medical gases, pulmonary drainage procedures, and aerosolized drugs.
Perform cardiorespiratory resuscitation, electrocardiography testing, related procedures, complex pulmonary function testing, and arterial blood gas sampling.
Provide continuous mechanical ventilation and maintain artificial airways.
Clean and prepare respiratory therapy equipment, perform routine mechanical maintenance, and 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 methods and safe therapy; provide suggestions regarding treatment and pulmonary progress.
Instruct patients and families in equipment use, self-care techniques, and the nature and effects of cardiorespiratory disease.
Develop individual exercise routines, bronchial-clearing procedures, and patient evaluation and monitoring techniques.
Implement infection control practices and demonstrate aseptic techniques.
Respond to emergency calls throughout the hospital.
Document care and treatment, maintain records, and generate documents for charges and record keeping.
Conduct quality assurance monitoring.
Demonstrate clinical knowledge and skill in care of patients from newborn through geriatric age, depending on practice area or department 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 help instruct nursing personnel in patient and equipment surveillance after initial installation.
Perform other job-related functions as required.
Remain at work or report to work safely and practicably during a disaster or civil disorder as a designated Disaster Service Worker.
When required by assigned duties, drive in accordance with applicable California licensing and Kern County Hospital Authority vehicle-use requirements.