GENERAL SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Director of Respiratory Therapy, the Respiratory Therapist is responsible for all therapeutic and diagnostic respiratory care as well as ventilator management, noninvasive ventilation, oxygen administration, to include setup and administration, tracheostomy tube changes, tracheostomy care, disposable circuit changes, assessments and reassessments. The Respiratory Therapist must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served by his/her department - young adult through geriatric. The Registered Respiratory Therapist must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span; possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status; interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to their age-specific needs; and to provide the care needed as described in Respiratory Therapy Department's policies and procedures.

Type of supervision exercised:

None.

Jobs reporting to this position:

None.

EDUCATION

High school diploma or equivalent required. Must have either an Associates Degree or Bachelors Degree in Respiratory Therapy or a Bachelors Degree in Health Science or related field required.

Must be Certified or Registered.

WORK EXPERIENCE

No previous work experience required.

SPECIAL EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

Possession of a valid PA Drivers License preferred. Current PA State Respiratory Therapist License issued by the PA State Professional and Occupational Affairs Office required. Must be cleared by PA State Police criminal history check. Proficiency in all aspects of mucous clearance devices/techniques to include vest therapy, percussion, and positioning to insure maximal drainage of all lung segments preferred. Proficiency in the operation of cylinder medical gas, regulators, flowmeters, humidifiers, nebulizers, all modes of oxygen administering devices (masks, cannulas), intermittent positive pressure breathing machines, inexsufflator therapy, intra Pulmonary percussive ventilation, noninvasive ventilator, incentive spirometers, continuous volume and pressure ventilators, all types of manual resuscitators, volume alarm systems, pressure alarm systems, oxygen analyzer, arterial blood gas sampling kits, pulmonary functioning devices to include bedside spirometry and tracheostomy care preferred. Good written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills required for effective communication with staff, management, and patients preferred. Good computer skills and basic arithmetic skills preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Light work: duties require exerting up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally (approx 10-33% of shift), and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently (approx 33-66% of the time), and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move, lift, carry, push, and pull objects such as files. Position involves bending, reaching, and stooping (occasionally in strained position) throughout shift. Ability to transport self throughout facility is required.

ACCIDENT OR HEALTH HAZARDS

Occasional exposure to blood and body substances. Exposure to needle sticks possible.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Must travel as required. Works in a well-lit office and patient care areas.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF JOB

E = Essential Element NE = Nonessential Element 30% Reads orders written by physicians for patient treatment, such as type of treatment, medication, dosage, and duration of treatment. Determines most suitable method for administration of treatment prescribed, continuously monitoring patient, guarding against adverse affects. This includes nebulizer treatments, incentive spirometary, airway clearance devices and intermittent positive pressure breathing treatment. (E) 30% Ventilator Management to include ventilator set up of all prescribed parameters on resident with less than adequate respiratory functions to include Positive End Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) and Pressure Support (PS). Perform oxygen analysis, monitors cuff pressure and provides inline and standard suctioning procedures. Institutes Weaning protocols and communicates with the physician nurse on resident's ability to wean. (E) 10% Tracheotomy Tube Care to include changing/or cleaning the inner cannula, changing tracheostomy dressing as well as tracheostomy ties. (E) 8% Set up and administers all modes of oxygen administration to include performing daily oxygen rounds, and verifying proper function of oxygen appliance (E) 5% Changes and tags out all disposable circuit to include oxygen appliance, nebulizer circuits, High Humidity circuits and Ventilator circuits 5% Performs respiratory assessments and reassessments on all residents requiring nebuilzer treatments and oxygen dependent residents and making appropriate recommendations to the physician. (E) 3% Assists, schedules, and prepares Bronchoscopy equipment for Pulmonologist. The Respiratory Therapist is responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of the Bronschoscope (E) 2% Draws and coordinates the transport of arterial blood gas samples. (E) 2% Induces sputum collections - a procedure in which deep lung secretions are made available for laboratory analysis - using special equipment for aerosol inhalation. (E) 1% Performs simple spirometry testing before or after bronchodilator. (E) 2% Administers aerosol therapy, adding increased amounts of humidity to patient's tracheal-bronchial tree. (E) 1% As member of the cardiopulmonary resuscitation team, responds to all "Supervisor Stat" pages, assisting in efforts to restore and maintain life. (E) 1% Provides accurate and current information on ventilator residents for monthly ventilator staffing. (E)

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Employee demonstrates "team player" behavior (offers help and support, welcomes changes). Consistently strives to maintain a harmonious relationship and positive attitude within Allied Services. Demonstrates responsibility through responsiveness to others and follows up on matters requiring additional attention. Contacts appropriate personnel as required. Addresses patients, visitors, and co-workers in a pleasant and respectful manner. Displays courtesy. Provides direction to patients, families, and visitors, as necessary. Employee shows respect for, and empathizes with, all customers and protects customer confidentiality. Consistently on time and ready to work at start of shift. Does not abuse or take advantage of sick time or personal days. Always provides proper notification to supervisor and advance notice of absence or tardiness. Demonstrates ability to make logical decisions and seek assistance if necessary. Utilizes time in an efficient manner, completing duties timely and safely. Demonstrates a willingness to help when needed for additional tasks. Employee makes a great first impression by, making people feel welcome and using good telephone skills. Employee listens, anticipates and resolves customer issues. Employee takes pride in, stays informed of and involved in, the Allied Health Care System. Employee uses appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication with all customers. Maintains a professional appearance at all times. Observes dress code and wears identification badge while working. Demonstrates a concern for cleanliness of self and work area. Demonstrates initiative for personal growth by attending mandatory in-services and/or continuing education classes. Provides knowledge of mission statement. Demonstrates knowledge of Code of Ethics. Ensures all levels of confidentiality are maintained. Reviews Human Resources and Departmental Policy and Procedure Manual. Resolves conflict constructively. Possesses the understanding of Corporate Compliance and Code of Conduct policies/procedures. Successfully completes annual safety training and is competent in safety policies/procedures. Participates in job-related risk reduction strategies and general safety processes. Monitors environment for potential risks to patient, visitor and staff safety. Assists in reporting, investigating and documenting variances. Supports divisional safety plan. Employee is aware of his/her positions' impact and importance in meeting organizational goals and objectives.