RESPIRATORY THERAPIST

Edmonds Post Acute•Edmonds, WA

22d•$50 - $55•Onsite

About The Position

The Respiratory Therapist will be responsible for explaining treatments, tests, and equipment to residents, and utilizing knowledge of growth and development principles to anticipate care needs across adult and geriatric stages. The role involves conducting physician-prescribed treatments using various respiratory equipment, performing chest physical therapy, setting up and monitoring ventilators, and ensuring adequate ventilation during CPR. The position also includes performing pulmonary function studies, recording all pertinent information, maintaining ventilator logs, performing Pulse Oximetry, setting up oxygen, assisting residents with transfers, reporting resident conditions to relief personnel, processing respiratory therapy equipment, conducting regular rounds, and participating in the Hazardous Materials Program. The role requires adherence to HIPAA and Mandated Reporter laws, with potential access to Protected Health Information (PHI).

Requirements

Associates or Bachelor’s Degree is Respiratory Therapy
Current, valid Respiratory Therapist licensure to practice in the state, credentialed by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)
Current Basic Life Support Certification
Broad knowledge of respiratory care principles, procedures and practice
Previous clinical experience in the capacity of one of the following: Respiratory Therapy, Cardiology Technician or similar position
Previous experience caring for patients with technology dependency (Medic-Cal requirement)
Must be able to perform aspects of basic patient care, including but not limited to, 12 lead EKG as per established standards of practice
Knowledge of OBRA and Title XXII guidelines for LTC
Must be able to work independently at times
Must be able to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical information, and to be easily understood through verbal communication in the English language.
Must be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
Ability to perform these operations using units of weight measurement, and volume.
Must have exceptional communication and customer service skills, and be empathetic.
Ability to effectively communicate with patients, families, responsible parties, staff and outside resources and agencies.

Responsibilities

Explains to the resident, purpose and procedure of treatments, tests and equipment
Uses knowledge of growth and development principles to anticipate care needs of resident in the adult and geriatric stages of development
Applies criteria for recognition of abuse and follows policy for making appropriate referral/intervention
Conducts physician prescribed daily use of ventilator machine, various oxygen devices, nebulizer and ultrasonic nebulizer, with respect to the respiratory system of the resident
Performs chest physical therapy treatments involving percussion, postural drainage, and suctioning, in order to mobilize secretions and mucus in the lungs and to clear airway blockage in the respiratory system
Performs set-up, operation and monitoring of ventilator when resident’s respiratory system is incapable of adequate spontaneous ventilation
Ensures the adequate maintenance of ventilation during cardio-pulmonary resuscitation
Performs pulmonary functions studies determining the volume, distribution, and movement of air in the respiratory system
Records on respiratory care records and resident chart, all pertinent information of treatments, and resident response to treatments
Maintains and records daily ventilator monitoring, internal and external battery logs, and ventilator weaning logs
Performs Pulse Oximetry
Sets up oxygen via nasal cannula and simple face mask
Assists resident with uncomplicated transfer in and out of bed
Reports to relief personnel, condition of residents and treatments to be administered/conducted
Processes respiratory therapy equipment – cleaning, sterilizing and packaging as required
Conducts regular rounds – checking residents’ oxygen equipment, replacing humidifiers as necessary, as well as spot-checking other respiratory therapy equipment on a timely basis for his/her patient load
Participates in the Hazardous Materials Program. Hazards include exposure to blood and body fluids, possible communicable diseases, sharp objects and instruments, assorted chemicals and gasses as listed in the Hazardous Materials Program Manual
Performs such other functions as are identified by the Director of Nursing and Clinical Nurse Manager
Demonstrate knowledge of, and respect for, the rights, dignity and individuality of each resident in all interactions
Appreciates the importance of maintaining confidentiality of resident and facility information
Demonstrate honesty and integrity at all times in the care and use of resident and facility property
Proficiently provides care in emergency situations and follows established emergency procedures and practices
Maintain knowledge of, and implement resident care activities to promote, maintain, and/or restore health for assigned residents
Assure that the rights of residents are respected and maintained by allowing for privacy and dignity in the provision of care
Demonstrate good oral and written communication skills with residents, families, physicians, additional healthcare providers, and co-workers
Other duties as assigned