Respiratory Therapist IV - Cardiopulmonary Services - Per Diem - Shift

Kern Medical • Bakersfield, CA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Kern Medical is seeking a Respiratory Therapist IV to join their Cardiopulmonary Services team on a per diem basis. This is the highest level in the Respiratory Therapist classification series, requiring a high level of education and professional credentialing. The Respiratory Therapist IV is fully competent in complex treatment techniques, assists in training others, and works with minimal supervision. This role may serve as a lead practitioner for specified hours or shifts and may be assigned off-site duties. Per diem employees supplement department staffing needs with no guarantee of minimum hours, but a minimum expectation of four (4) shifts per six-week schedule.

Requirements

• Registered with the National Board for Respiratory Care as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).
• Possession of a valid, current license as a Respiratory Care Practitioner, issued by the State of California.
• 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.
• Knowledge of operating principles of commonly used types of ventilators and respiratory care equipment, including intermittent positive pressure breathing apparatus, nebulizers, humidifiers and oxygen analyzers; cardiopulmonary physiology, electrocardiography testing and related equipment used in testing and diagnostic studies, the chemistry of gases in respiratory therapy and the symptoms common to patients suffering respiratory ailments.
• Ability to learn and conduct diagnostic tests such as EEG, EKG, Pulmonary Function and Echocardiograms; explain and teach others the fundamentals of respiratory therapy, cardiopulmonary services, electrocardiography testing and related procedures; the use of respiratory equipment and how to adjust the equipment to individual patient needs; implement goal oriented ventilator management with close interaction with physicians and nurses; interpret arterial blood gas results and recommend appropriate action so timely therapy changes can be made; understand hospital routine and organization; work with medical staff and patients.

Nice To Haves

• Depending on assignment incumbents may be required to possess and maintain specific certificates of competency as a condition of employment.
• 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, electrocardiography testing, and related procedures.
• Administers aerosolized drugs.
• Provides continuous mechanical ventilation; maintains artificial airways.
• Performs more complex pulmonary function testing.
• Performs arterial blood gas sampling.
• Cleans and prepares equipment; performs routine mechanical maintenance on respiratory therapy equipment.
• Makes periodic and emergency checks on respiratory therapy equipment installations.
• Operates analyzers to determine the saturation of oxygen and other gases in the blood.
• Serves as a knowledge resource to the physician and hospital staff in relation to the technical aspects of respiratory care and the effectiveness of methods to administer safe respiratory therapy.
• Provides suggestions regarding the patients' treatment and pulmonary progress; instructs the patient and his family in the use of equipment and techniques involved in self-care; provides instruction to patients and families in the nature of cardiorespiratory disease and its ramifications.
• Develops individual exercise routines, bronchial clearing procedures, evaluation and monitoring techniques for each patient.
• 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.
• Conducts quality assurance monitors.
• Assists with maintenance and processing of equipment and products used in providing cardiopulmonary services.
• Assists with bronchoscopies.
• Provides assistance in cardiorespiratory rehabilitation.
• Participates in training and supervision of new employees; assists in the instruction of nursing personnel in surveillance of patient and equipment after initial installation.
• Performs other job-related functions as required.

Benefits

• Additional compensation may be available for this role through differentials, incentives, and bonuses.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Senior