Respiratory Therapist-Pulmonology

Palomar Health•Escondido, CA

2d•$38 - $53

About The Position

As a respiratory therapist in Pulmonology, you will provide treatments to people with cardiopulmonary or breathing problems. You may consult with other health practitioners to develop patient care plans, provide complex therapies, and evaluate and examine patients. This role involves conducting pulmonary function tests, assessing patients and test results, determining respiratory therapy plans in consultation with physicians and by prescription, and monitoring patients’ progress and recommending treatment adjustments. You will support patients’ self-management and continuation of therapeutic plans through education, home exercise programs, assistive equipment recommendations, and referrals for outpatient or home health follow-up. The position also coordinates care, documents services, maintains a safe and clean environment, follows infection-control protocols, and ensures equipment is operational. The therapist maintains professional and technical knowledge, complies with legal and certification requirements, contributes to team efforts, and participates in quality improvement activities. The listed duties are a general description and are not all-inclusive.

Requirements

Completion of a two-year advanced practice respiratory therapy education program or an associate degree.
0–6 months of related experience.
California Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license.
American Heart Association-recognized BLS – Heartsaver certification.
Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) certification.
Excellent verbal, analytical, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Skill in exercising independent judgment.
Knowledge of treatment requirements, including therapy type, method and duration, precautions, and medications and dosages compatible with physicians’ orders.
Ability to use mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators in accordance with specified treatment parameters.
Professionalism, credibility, commitment to high standards, innovation, discriminating judgment, and accountability.

Responsibilities

Conduct pulmonary function tests and assess and interpret evaluations and test results.
Develop respiratory therapy treatment plans in consultation with physicians and by prescription.
Observe, document, and evaluate patients’ progress and recommend treatment adjustments or modifications.
Encourage patients to self-manage their health, including through healthy behavior changes and motivational interviewing.
Design home exercise programs and instruct patients, families, and caregivers in their use.
Recommend or provide assistive equipment and recommend outpatient or home health follow-up programs.
Participate proactively in patient population management and coordinate care, including referral tracking and communication with hospitals about patient stays.
Document patient care services in patient and department records.
Maintain a safe and clean working environment and adhere to infection-control policies and protocols.
Maintain respiratory therapy equipment through preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and arranging repairs.
Maintain professional and technical knowledge through educational workshops, professional publications, networks, and professional societies.
Comply with federal, state, and local legal and certification requirements.
Contribute to team efforts and participate in quality improvement activities.
Use respiratory therapy devices and provide emergency care, including artificial respiration, external cardiac massage, and assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Establish and maintain working relationships with staff and physicians.