Respiratory Care Practitioner

Untitled Document

COMMUNITY MEDICAL CENTER, INC.

JOB DESCRIPTION

DEPARTMENT: RESPIRATORY THERAPY

JOB TITLE: RESPIRATORY CARE PRACTITIONER

I. POSITION SUMMARY

A Respiratory Care Practitioner, under the direction of the Administrative and Medical Directors is responsible for the assessment, treatment, management, control, diagnostic evaluation and care of patients of all ages with deficiencies and abnormalities in the cardio‑pulmonary system. The Respiratory Care Practitioner uses medical gases and administration apparatus, humidification, aerosols, medications, ventilatory support, broncho‑pulmonary drainage, pulmonary rehabilitation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and airway management in the therapeutic support of the patient. Specific techniques may also include measurement of ventilatory volumes, pressures, flows, blood gas analysis, arterial puncture, and electrocardiograms.

IL JOB SPECIFICATIONS: Professional Qualifications: RRT or RRT eligible, BLS, PALS certified

Licensure Qualifications: Currently licensed as Respiratory Care Practitioner in the State of Montana.

Experience: Preferable

Working conditions:

• Occasional exposure to specimens and material considered to be highly infectious and hazardous.
• Frequent verbal and written communication.
• Moderate lifting/bending, frequent walking/time on feet.
• Operation of electrical equipment/instruments containing heating and refrigeration components
• Some time spent working at computer terminal.
• Use and wearing of protective garments and equipment, which may frequently be bulky, hot and require special environmental/physical adaptations.
• Schedule: Department is staffed on a continuous basis, 24 hours a day, including all holidays and weekends. Work schedule may be modified to meet these requirements.

III. REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

Immediate Supervisor: Respiratory Care Charge Tech and Department Clinical Manager. Although primary responsibility is to Respiratory Care Charge Tech and Department Clinical Manager, there is also responsibility to the Medical Director, house supervisor and other physicians and staff.

Supervisory Responsibility: No employees are supervised in this position unless acting as Charge Tech.

Customer/Supplier: Close consultation and coordination required with fellow respiratory care practitioners, nursing personnel, laboratory staff, physicians, physician office staff and patients.

IV. POSITION DUTIES:

1. Perform patient care functions and procedures to assess, treat and educate patients needing respiratory therapy according to policies and procedures developed for Community Medical Center. Specifically, medical gas therapy, ventilators, CPR and physician assistance for various pulmonary procedures.
2. Perform procedures requested by the attending physician to aid in diagnosis according to protocols contained in the procedure manuals. Specifically, Electrocardiograms, Arterial Blood Gases, Pulse Oximetry, Sputum Collection, Sleep Studies and Pulmonary Function tests are included.
3. Operate and maintain respiratory and ventilatory equipment and instruments within the hospital according to manufacturer and laboratory established procedure. Specifically:
   • Setup and Operation
   • Assembly and Calibration
   • Testing and validation
   • Preventative Maintenance
   • Cleaning and Decontamination
   • Basic Troubleshooting
   • Obtaining rental equipment when needed
4. Actively participate in the activities of the assigned team. Specifically:
   • 0 Preparation of policy and procedure manuals
   • 0 Selection of equipment, instrumentation and methods
   • 0 Work space organization
   • 0 Development of competence assessment tools
   • 0 Weekly and monthly maintenance
   • 0 Advanced troubleshooting
5. Actively participate in the orientation of new employees and in the department's continuing education/in service program. Assist in the clinical education of Respiratory Therapy students.
6. Follow all general hospital and laboratory policies regarding dress codes, professional conduct, attendance/punctuality, documentation, performance criteria and other directives as issued.
7. Act as Charge Therapist when requested by Director. This specifically includes:

• Resolving operational/personnel problems that arise during hours of assigned responsibility within the guidelines, policies, and procedures established by the
  department.
• Modifies testing protocol/policies in special cases
• Makes work assignments and enforces the variable staffing policy according to hospital and laboratory workload or circumstances.
• Requests and authorizes payment for services/repairs from outside vendors.
• Calls in additional staffing when needed and authorizes overtime as required.
• Authorizes special supplies or shipment charges.
• Acts as supervisor in the absence of the Director.

V. ATTITUDE AND WORK HABITS OF A SUCCESSFUL EMPLOYEE:

1. Be customer focused: Identify self and respond to customer promptly, using a pleasantvoice.Respect the dignity and confidentiality of patients and families.
2. Be a team player: Demonstrate flexibility, cooperation, and good judgement in handling unusual circumstances not covered by written policy. Follow general hospital and department policies concerning dress codes, professional conduct, attendance/punctuality,documentation, performance criteria and other directives as issued.
3. Be respectful of others: Be honest, fair and trustworthy in all of your activities and relationships. Foster an atmosphere in which equal opportunity extends to every member of our diverse community. A successful employee is sensitive, caring and compassionate.
4. Share responsibility for organizational success: Perform special assigned work or projects as instructed within an acceptable time frame. Completed work should require minimal rdification and comply with all departmental, hospital and personnel policies. Read, understand and apply written and verbal directives, policies and procedures. Establish accountability for compliance at all times.
5. Be adaptable to continuous change: Actively participate in the department's continuing education program.
6. Be a problem solver: Uses cost effective techniques and looks for ways to improve efficiency in the entire respiratory care department.
7. Demonstrate healthy behaviors: Comply with all safety/infection control policies and procedures of the department and hospital. Avoid all conflicts of interest between work and personal affairs as defined in hospital and department policy.
8. Be an excellent communicator: Practice active listening skills. Treat the person, then the problem when dealing with an angry customer. Be a customer advocate and practice good telephone etiquette.

APPROVAL:

Administrative Director Date:

AGE SPECIFIC ADDENDUM

• NEONATE 0 – 28 DAYS
  
• INFANT/CHILD 28 DAYS – 11 YEARS
  
• ADOLESCENT 12 – 17 YEARS
  
• ADULT 18 – 65 YEARS
  
• GERIATRICS 65 + YEARS