Respiratory Therapist - Cardiopulmonary Services - Full Time - Shift

Kern Medical • Bakersfield, CA

33d • $29 - $55

About The Position

Kern Medical is an acute care teaching center with 222 beds and the only advanced trauma care between Fresno and Los Angeles. It provides primary, specialty, and multi-specialty services, and cares for approximately 15,500 inpatients and 125,000 clinic patients annually.

The Respiratory Therapist position is part of a flexible classification series with four levels. RT I is the entry level, working under direct supervision on routine therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. RT II is the journey level, with greater experience, physician consultation, training responsibilities, and use of more complex techniques. RT III is the advanced journey level, working with minimal supervision and demonstrating competency in complex continuous mechanical ventilation, cardiopulmonary, and electrocardiography procedures. RT IV is the highest level, fully competent in the most complex treatment techniques and assisting with training others.

The position provides respiratory therapy and related diagnostic and therapeutic care to patients from newborn through geriatric age, depending on assignment. Work may include responding to emergencies throughout the hospital, documenting care and maintaining treatment and charge records, and preparing and cleaning equipment. Depending on assignment, the role may require off-site work, specific certificates of competency, and a California driver's license. A background check may be conducted. All Kern County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers and are expected to remain at work or report as soon as practicable following a significant emergency or disaster.

The estimated pay is $29.4142 to $54.9400 per hour, inclusive of a 6% premium. Additional compensation may be available through differentials, incentives, and bonuses. The position may also be eligible for participation and employer contributions in the Kern County Employees’ Retirement Plan.

Requirements

• Comply with the Respiratory Care Practice Act by possessing a valid, current Respiratory Care Practitioner license or, for the applicable applicant pathway, having an application on file with the Respiratory Care Examining Committee and passing the Respiratory Care Practitioner examination during the probationary period.
• For RT I, if not holding an American Heart Association Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) card at hire, complete appropriate training and qualify for RQI Provider certification within 60 days of employment; maintain RQI Provider certification and competency as a continued condition of employment.
• For RT II, if not holding an American Heart Association Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) card at hire, complete appropriate training and qualify for RQI Provider certification within 60 days of employment; maintain RQI Provider certification and competency as a continued condition of employment.
• For RT II, be eligible for National Board for Respiratory Care registration as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), or hold National Board certification as a Certified Respiratory Therapy Technician (CRTT).
• For RT II, hold a valid, current California Respiratory Care Practitioner license.
• For RT III, if not holding an American Heart Association Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) card at hire, complete appropriate training and qualify for RQI Provider certification within 60 days of employment; maintain RQI Provider certification and competency as a continued condition of employment.
• For RT III, be eligible for National Board for Respiratory Care registration as an RRT or hold National Board certification as a CRTT.
• For RT III, hold a valid, current California Respiratory Care Practitioner license and have one year of experience as a Respiratory Therapist with primary responsibility for ventilator management of critical care patients.
• For RT IV, if not holding an American Heart Association Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) card at hire, complete appropriate training and qualify for RQI Provider certification within 60 days of employment; maintain RQI Provider certification and competency as a continued condition of employment.
• For RT IV, be registered with the National Board for Respiratory Care as an RRT and hold a valid, current California Respiratory Care Practitioner license.
• Depending on assignment, possess and maintain required certificates of competency.
• Understand and follow written and oral instructions; organize and prioritize basic tasks; communicate effectively and work well with others; and maintain confidentiality.
• Know respiratory therapy machines, including pressure and volume ventilators; oxygen therapy; gases and gas laws; safe respiratory practices; equipment, procedures and techniques; pulmonary function testing and gas analysis; anatomy and physiology; nursing arts; and clinical considerations.
• A Class C California driver's license may be required for off-site assignments.
• If responsibilities require driving a personal vehicle, hold a current valid California driver's license and comply with the applicable vehicle-use and driving policy.
• If responsibilities require driving a Kern Medical-owned, leased, or rented vehicle, hold a current valid California driver's license, sign authorization for release of driver record information, and comply with the applicable vehicle-use and driving policy.

Responsibilities

• Administer intermittent positive-pressure breathing (IPPB) therapy.
• Perform humidity and aerosol therapy.
• Administer medical gas and pulmonary drainage procedures.
• Perform cardiorespiratory resuscitation.
• Administer aerosolized drugs.
• Provide continuous mechanical ventilation and maintain artificial airways.
• Perform bedside lung function studies.
• Perform incentive spirometry.
• Clean and prepare equipment.
• Implement infection control and demonstrate knowledge of aseptic techniques.
• Respond to emergency calls throughout the hospital.
• Document care provided, maintain treatment records, and generate documents for charges or record keeping.
• Provide age-appropriate care for newborn, infant, toddler, child, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients, as applicable to the practice area or assignment.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Benefits

• New-hire premium of 6% of base pay, matched up to 6% if contributed to the Deferred Compensation Plan.
• P.M. shift differential of 10% of base pay for the 7:00 PM–7:30 AM shift.
• Comprehensive benefits package including holidays, paid time off, retirement, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Possible participation and employer contributions in the Kern County Employees’ Retirement Plan.
• Additional compensation may be available through differentials, incentives, and bonuses.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed