Respiratory Care Practitioner

BRIEF SUMMARY: Performs routine respiratory care therapeutic and diagnostic procedures as well as routine cardiology diagnostic procedures. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Treatments are done on a timely basis, as ordered by the physician. QID treatments are done three times on day shift and done the last time on night shift. All EKGs, new starts, sputum inductions and other procedures are done on the shift in which they are ordered. Equipment is cleaned, O2 rounds done, EKGs copied, etc. Is familiar with all equipment used, including set-up and troubleshooting. Proficient in all assigned procedures, including performance of the procedure, possible side effects, rationale, and physiology. Charts entries, which include relevant and appropriate information, are made on a current basis. Manages volume ventilator including set-up, troubleshooting, suggested set-up parameters, suggestions to correct blood gas imbalances, and suggested weaning methods. Runs a shift with minimal supervision. All equipment on patients is maintained properly; O2 and aerosol bottles are kept full, mist tent nebulizers are filled and drainage bottles emptied, ventilator humidifiers are filled and tubing drained, etc. All IPPB, aeromed, aerosol, and ventilator circuits are changed and documented in accordance with the procedure manual. Keeps informed of advances in respiratory care through reading current literature and continuing education. OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES: Supply areas on Med/Surg, ER, ICU and Peds are kept stocked. Crash carts in all areas are kept supplied with AMBU bags. Performs other related duties as needed to facilitate work flow and to promote health care. EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS: Graduate of an AMA approved school of Respiratory Therapy unless licensed under the grandfather clause of the California Respiratory Care Act of 1982. LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS: Current California Respiratory Care Practitioner license required. Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support certification required. NRP certification required.