Respiratory Therapist for PFT's

Cleveland Area Hospital•Cleveland, OK

23h

About The Position

POSITION SUMMARY: To evaluate, treat, and care for patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorders. Practicing under the direction of the Director of Respiratory Therapy. Will assume primary responsibility for all Pulmonary Function tests and, as needed, help with critical care in the hospital/ER. To accomplish this job, an individual must perform each essential function satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform basic functions.

Requirements

Education: Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Care program, RRT and/or CRT preferred. Those who have been grandfathered under state licensure will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Licensure: Active License in good standing in the State of Oklahoma. Current certifications: BLS, ACLS, and PALS required or ability to obtain.
Two years of active respiratory care are required, along with experience with a PFT machine.

Nice To Haves

Prefer 2 years of critical care experience, but willing to train the right candidate.

Responsibilities

Adhere to all organization policies, including (but not limited to) job description, certification/licensure requirements, mission statement, HIPAA, confidentiality standards, and patients’ rights.
Actively engage with the organization’s communications and directives.
Must be capable of setting up and operating various types of equipment to be utilized in the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory disease and or illness.
Obtain, analyze, and advise on arterial blood gas results.
Perform and/or assist with intubation, ventilator management, BIPAP/non-invasive ventilation set-up and management, administration of nebulizer treatments and medications associated with treatments, MDI therapy, chest physiotherapy, PEP therapy, flutter valve therapy, and various modes of oxygen therapy.
Meet patients' goals and needs and provide quality care by conducting pulmonary function tests; assessing and interpreting evaluations and test results; determining respiratory therapy treatment plans in consultation with physicians, healthcare team, and physician orders.
Help patients accomplish treatment plans and support life by administering inhalants, operating mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, and aerosol generators.
Administer respiratory therapy treatments by performing bronchopulmonary drainage; assisting with breathing exercises; monitoring physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes; directing treatments given by nursing staff.
Evaluate the effects of the respiratory therapy treatment plan by observing, noting, and evaluating the patient's progress, recommending adjustments and modifications.
Evaluate the patient and recommend COPD or Asthma education when determined; perform education on inpatient, SWB, and outpatient.
Contribute to discharge planning by consulting with physicians, nurses, social workers, and other health care workers; participate in patient care conferences.
Assure continuation of therapeutic plan following discharge by instructing patients, families, and caregivers in home exercise programs; recommending and/or providing assistive equipment; recommending outpatient or home health follow-up programs.
Document patient care services by charting patient and department records.
Maintain a safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.
Protect patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.
Ensure equipment operation by meeting preventive maintenance requirements; following the manufacturer's instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; and calling for repairs.
Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies.
Must be able to function independently and proficient in all areas.
The RT will respond to all code emergencies throughout the hospital and outpatient setting.
Provide education to patients and families on the use of respiratory equipment.
Act as a resource for nurses, physicians, and other hospital staff.
Take an active part in attending departmental in-service/education programs.
Performs other duties as assigned.