The Respiratory Therapist is responsible for administering physician-prescribed respiratory treatments, including ventilator management and chest physical therapy, for adult and geriatric residents. They must monitor patient responses, maintain detailed care records, and ensure the proper sterilization and maintenance of respiratory equipment.
Requirements summary
Candidates must hold an Associate or Bachelor's degree in Respiratory Therapy and possess a valid state license and NBRC credentials. Required certifications include Basic Life Support (BLS), with previous clinical experience in respiratory care or cardiology preferred.
Explains to the resident, purpose and procedure of treatments, tests and equipment
Uses knowledge of growth and development principles to anticipate care needs of resident in the adult and geriatric stages of development
Applies criteria for recognition of abuse and follows policy for making appropriate referral/intervention
Conducts physician prescribed daily use of ventilator machine, various oxygen devices, nebulizer and ultrasonic nebulizer, with respect to the respiratory system of the resident
Performs chest physical therapy treatments involving percussion, postural drainage, and suctioning, in order to mobilize secretions and mucus in the lungs and to clear airway blockage in the respiratory system
Performs set-up, operation and monitoring of ventilator when resident’s respiratory system is incapable of adequate spontaneous ventilation
Ensures the adequate maintenance of ventilation during cardio-pulmonary resuscitation
Performs pulmonary functions studies determining the volume, distribution, and movement of air in the respiratory system
Records on respiratory care records and resident chart, all pertinent information of treatments, and resident response to treatments
Maintains and records daily ventilator monitoring, internal and external battery logs, and ventilator weaning logs
Performs Pulse Oximetry
Sets up oxygen via nasal cannula and simple face mask
Assists resident with uncomplicated transfer in and out of bed
Reports to relief personnel, condition of residents and treatments to be administered/conducted
Processes respiratory therapy equipment – cleaning, sterilizing and packaging as required
Conducts regular rounds – checking residents’ oxygen equipment, replacing humidifiers as necessary, as well as spot-checking other respiratory therapy equipment on a timely basis for his/her patient load
Participates in the Hazardous Materials Program. Hazards include exposure to blood and body fluids, possible communicable diseases, sharp objects and instruments, assorted chemicals and gasses as listed in the Hazardous Materials Program Manual
Performs such other functions as are identified by the
Director of
Nursing and
Clinical
Nurse
Manager
JOB
Functions:
Demonstrate knowledge of, and respect for, the rights, dignity and individuality of each resident in all interactions
Appreciates the importance of maintaining confidentiality of resident and facility information
Demonstrate honesty and integrity at all times in the care and use of resident and facility property
Proficiently provides care in emergency situations and follows established emergency procedures and practices
Maintain knowledge of, and implement resident care activities to promote, maintain, and/or restore health for assigned residents
Assure that the rights of residents are respected and maintained by allowing for privacy and dignity in the provision of care
Demonstrate good oral and written communication skills with residents, families, physicians, additional healthcare providers, and co-workers
Other duties as assigned
Environmental
CONDITIONS: Inside work, normal temperatures, some noise, occasional fumes/odors, chemical exposure and potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens. This job cannot be performed without exposure to the stresses associated with an intimate, 24 hour skilled care environment that delivers care and services primarily to disabled and cognitively impaired residents in an aging population.
Examples of these stresses include, but are not limited to: emergency health or safety response, weekend and holiday duty, unusual or impaired behavior by residents, family reactions to having a loved one in a nursing home, death and dying, oversight of state surveyors, ombudsmen and federal officials, presence of consultants and attorneys, and variable involvement of medical staff. HIPAA is a law that must be followed by all healthcare personnel at every level. This position is a Mandated Reporter regarding the suspicion of elder abuse and may have access to Protected Health Information (PHI).
QualificationsEducation:
Associates or
Bachelor’s
Degree is
Respiratory
Therapy
License: Current, valid Respiratory Therapist licensure to practice in the state, credentialed by the National Board for Respiratory
Care (NBRC)
Current
Basic
Life
Support
Certification
Work
Experience: Broad knowledge of respiratory care principles, procedures and practice
Previous clinical experience in the capacity of one of the following: Respiratory Therapy, Cardiology Technician or similar position Previous experience caring for patients with technology dependency (Medic-Cal requirement) Must be able to perform aspects of basic patient care, including but not limited to, 12 lead EKG as per established standards of practice Knowledge of OBRA and Title XXII guidelines for
LTC
Must be able to work independently at times
Language
Skills:
Must be able to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical information, and to be easily understood through verbal communication in the English language.
Mathematical
Skills:
Must be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
Ability to perform these operations using units of weight measurement, and volume.
Communication
Skills:
Must have exceptional communication and customer service skills, and be empathetic.
Ability to effectively communicate with patients, families, responsible parties, staff and outside resources and agencies.
