POSITION DETAILS

Full-time with benefits; 3, 12 hour shifts per week on a block schedule; will work every Monday & Tuesday 6a-6p, and every Thursday 6p-6a; flexibility to work other shifts occasionally as needed by the department; holiday rotation required.

JOB SUMMARY

The Respiratory Therapist is responsible for the respiratory and cardiopulmonary care of patient's hospital wide. The Respiratory Therapist will interpret and support hospital medical staff philosophy, objectives and policies. The Respiratory Therapist will be accountable for policies/ guidelines and education involving respiratory and cardiopulmonary care, maintaining a high quality service area and upholding Tomah Health's Standards of Behavior.

MAJOR JOB FUNCTION

Clinical evaluation and assessment skills for all age groups of patients served by the facility including neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients. Plans, prepares and administers respiratory therapy treatments including: aerosol therapy, chest physical therapy, incentive spirometry, hyperinflation therapy and sputum inductions in accordance with established policies and procedures. Plans, prepares and administers a variety of high flow oxygen devices under the guidance of hospital provider and in accordance with established policies and procedures. Performs diagnostic pulmonary and cardiac tests. Records patient treatment, response and progress in electronic medical record system. Inspects tests, maintains and operates respiratory therapy equipment. Maintains and stocks supplies in other areas of the hospital on a scheduled basis. Responds to all Medical Emergency's and Rapid Response calls during working hour and assists by clinical evaluation, maintaining patient's airway and performing CPR and all other duties as assigned. Maintains knowledge and competency in drug therapy for all ages of patients served by the hospital. Active participant in the orientation process of peers, all levels of nursing staff and others as required through observation, in- services and return demonstration. Assures the quality and efficiency of the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed by evaluating results of test in accordance with performance improvement. Communicates effectively with peers, other department employees and managers regarding respiratory services and needs. Participates in Joint Commission, Medicare and State audits and collaborates with medical liaison as needed. Participates in presentations on current concepts of cardiopulmonary therapy and provides educational in-services as needed. Provides monthly summaries/audits of department activities as directed. . Demonstrates proficiency in regards to the computer documentation of patient cares and any other related computerized patient information/documentation. All other duties as assigned.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Associate degree in Respiratory Therapy - Required and/or Bachelor's Degree in Respiratory Therapy - Desired Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) by the National Board for Respiratory Care Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) within two years of hire date. Hold a valid Respiratory Care Practitioner license in the state of Wisconsin. BLS, ACLS, PALS and NRP certification required within 1 year of hire.

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS

Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Excellent human relation skills as demonstrated by the ability to interface positively with all customers and employees. Must acquire the knowledge and maintain established competency levels to perform essential professional nursing practice. Must have proficient computer skills with the ability to operate within a Windows environment. Must have the ability to work with frequent interruptions, under stress, with minimal supervision, and to exercise initiative and judgment in analyzing, organizing, planning, prioritizing, scheduling and coordinating work with others. Needs to possess a high level of intelligence, integrity, sense of responsibility and ability to comprehend and analyze details. Knowledge of theory, principles, techniques and practice of professional Respiratory Therapy; of scientific principles and RT research; of preparation, administration, and actions of medications; of treatments and medical procedures; of counseling and teaching techniques; of medical equipment as it relates to patient care. Ability to operate and handle many kinds of complex equipment.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Regularly required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects; talk and hear. The Respiratory Therapist is frequently required to stand, walk and reach with hands and arms. The Respiratory Therapist is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance, stoop, kneel or crouch. The Respiratory Therapist must occasionally lift and/or move up to 55 pounds. Good hearing is necessary to receive detailed information through oral communication and to make fine discriminations in sound. Visual acuity is needed to assess color changes, to verify accuracy of written materials and to administer and accurately prepare medications.