Respiratory Therapist

Stanford Medicine Children's Health•Walnut Creek, CA

10d•$43 - $51•Onsite

About The Position

The Respiratory Therapist administers respiratory care to patients in assigned areas or as designated by the Manager. The role performs respiratory care procedures and duties related to the operation and clinical application of ventilators used for mechanical ventilation. The therapist meets patients’ goals and needs and provides quality care by conducting pulmonary function tests, assessing and interpreting evaluations and test results, and determining respiratory therapy treatment plans in consultation with physicians and by prescription. The position follows hospital policies and procedures, including Service Standards and the Code of Conduct, and complies with Joint Commission requirements and applicable safety, quality, patient-rights, confidentiality, and ongoing education standards. The therapist may also perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Completion of a two-year or four-year AMA-approved respiratory care program (associate degree or equivalent), or qualifying experience in place of the education requirement.
At least 2 years of progressively responsible, directly related work experience.
RCP, BLS, NRP, and PALS credentials.
Proficiency in delivery of nitrogen, Heliox, and other specialty gases.
Proficiency in mechanical ventilator modalities, including high-frequency ventilation.
Proficiency in assisting physicians with bronchoscopes, performing sleep studies, or performing pulmonary function testing.
Competence in non-invasive ventilation and continuous positive airway pressure.
Ability to adjust communications to the receiver’s needs and level of understanding.
Knowledge of computer systems and software used in the functional area.
Knowledge of medical terminology.
Knowledge of new technologies in the field and ability to stay current with updates and changes.
Knowledge of the indications, contraindications, and hazards of continuous long-term or short-term mechanical ventilation; respiratory therapy techniques; and respiratory-system anatomy, physiology, and pathology.

Nice To Haves

Up-to-date immunizations preferred.

Responsibilities

Administer aerosolized medication using IPV, intermittent aerosol therapy, metered-dose inhalers, and dry-powder inhalers.
Administer medical gases and assist with routine tracheostomy care.
Ensure correct setup, safety, and function of equipment and supplies used for patient care.
Document results, findings, and patient care services in patient and department records, including electronic medical records.
Perform airway-clearance maneuvers, chest physiotherapy, incentive spirometry, cough assist, and bedside pulmonary mechanics.
Comply with national, local, and medical-center safety procedures and standards.
Discuss ventilator parameters and plans of care with physicians.
Perform pulmonary function testing, including simple spirometry and maximum inspiratory force testing.
Perform CPR, bag-mask ventilation, nasotracheal suctioning, and artificial airway suctioning.
Educate patients, families, physicians, and other healthcare team members; understand medication indications, dosages, and responses to adverse drug reactions.
Evaluate the appropriateness of medical orders and interpret data to optimize clinical objectives.
Participate in clinical rounds with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers.
Recognize, interpret, and record signs and symptoms of respiratory dysfunction.
Assist with clinical implementation of new equipment and procedures.
Protect confidential information and maintain patient confidence.
Maintain a safe and clean work environment by following procedures, rules, and regulations.
Maintain knowledge of respiratory-care indications, contraindications, and side effects; document adverse patient responses and take appropriate corrective action.
Maintain working knowledge of respiratory-care equipment, including volume, flow, and pressure measuring devices, oxygen analyzers, and stethoscopes.
Contribute to team efforts and perform related duties and projects as assigned.