Respiratory Therapist - Per Diem*

Must be a graduate of an approved school of respiratory care.

Must have working-level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking English.

Computer literacy.

Policy/Procedures

Demonstrates the ability to evaluate and assess each patient’s pulmonary status by reviewing the medical record for history and physical, consultations, surgery reports, radiology and laboratory values, and any other pertinent documentation. Assesses patient’s condition through interviews and direct observation, including but not limited to vital signs, patient color, skin turgor, chest inspection, auscultation, sputum production, etc. with each patient interaction as indicated, including before and after therapeutic interventions.

Uses data, facts, literature and consultation with the patient/family to make decisions that optimize patient outcomes.

Provides physiological and psychological care in accordance with evidence based practice, Carson Valley Medical Center policies, and Nevada Revised Statues.

Initiates and documents assessment in the patient’s medical record and department records consistent with department policies and practices.

Remains current on all competencies, certifications, and training.

Demonstrates the ability to provide a thorough concise report at change of shift or upon transfer of patient to another clinical area. Inclusive of: diagnosis, ventilator parameters, care plan, physician comments, diagnostic and lab reports, treatment schedule and impending activities (CT scan, Surgery, MRI, transport, etc.).

This position is expected to integrate the respiratory care of the patient with other care providers to achieve desired results. They are responsible for the proper documentation of all patient records and department logs. In addition, they are responsible for keeping abreast of technological advances in applicable areas and are well versed in appropriate clinical applications.

The Respiratory Therapist is accountable for the assessment, planning, implementation of care, and evaluation of Neonatal, Pediatric, Adult and Geriatric patients and families. They must demonstrate the ability to work with patient’s physical, motor/sensory adaptation, cognitive and psychosocial needs specific to the population being served.

“Respiratory Care” means the treatment, management, diagnostic testing, control and care of persons with deficiencies and abnormalities with the cardiopulmonary system. The Respiratory Therapist has the authority to perform and evaluate respiratory care, initiate CPR, manage artificial airways, contact physicians, and perform all activities as assigned.

This position does provide direct patient care.

Code Team, Rapid Response Team, Trauma Team

As member of the Code Team, Rapid Response team, and Trauma activation the Respiratory Therapist will responds to all overhead and phone pages. The Respiratory Therapist will remain in the room until cleared by the physician.

Attends mock codes.

Equipment

Responsible for the setup, safety checks, monitoring, and troubleshooting of all equipment of the respiratory department.

Responsible for maintaining the intubation trays in all crash carts throughout the hospital including the pediatric intubation boxes in the ER and the OR.

EKG

Performs 12 lead EKGs as ordered by the physician.

Ensures that all EKG's done in the facility are charged and scanned into the patients EMR.

Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) and Overnight Pulse Oximetry Testing (OPO) (Dayshift FT Staff)

Maintains yearly competency on the MGC Diagnostics Program and OPO device.

Schedules outpatient PFTs/OPOs in a timely manner.

Performs PFTs as ordered by the physician.

Accurately and appropriately documents PFT/OPO results in the patients EMR.

Knowledge/Certifications/Licensure

Attends 75% of staff meetings during the year.

Attends annual competency days as observed by the manager to keep current with new developments and acquire the needed knowledge for the position in order to keep skills up to date.

Maintains required license and certifications for position.

Attends hospital sponsored training programs as required by department.

Completes continuing education programs in order to maintain state and NBRC licensure.

Provides in-service education of clinical staff as assigned by the manager.

Safety/Training Programs

Attends all required safety training programs and can describe his/her responsibilities related to general safety, department/service safety, and specific job-related hazards.

All required safety education programs will be attended and kept in the employee file.

Provides complete and accurate responses to safety questions.

Operates assigned equipment and performs all procedures in a safe manner as instructed.

Maintains work area and equipment in condition required by department standards.

Demonstrates proper body mechanics in all functions.