Respiratory Therapist

General Purpose: Respiratory therapists care for patients who have trouble breathing - from chronic respiratory disease, such as asthma or emphysema. They perform respiratory procedures that maximize the residents' existing abilities, emphasize independence instead of dependence, and minimize the negative effects of disability with an attitude of realistic optimism. Essential Job Functions: This facility expects their employees to promote an atmosphere of teamwork with other employees and hospitality and comfort for its residents. Therefore, the following list of duties is not all-inclusive: Plan, develop, organize, implement, evaluate, and direct restorative care services, as well as its programs and activities, in accordance with current rules, regulations, and guidelines that govern the long-term care facility. Meet with administration, medical and nursing staff, therapy department, as well as other related departments in planning respiratory therapy. Develop and maintain respiratory therapy standards. Participate in discharge planning, development and implementation of resident care plans, resident assessments, etc., as necessary. Assume the authority, responsibility and accountability of directing respiratory therapy services. Maintain a current file of residents treated. Maintain treatment records, resident files, and progress notes as required. Work with the facility's consultants as necessary and implement recommended changes as required. Perform administrative duties such as completing medical forms, reports, evaluations, studies, charting, etc., as necessary. Assist the administrator and/or the Human Resources Coordinator in the recruitment and selection of competent restorative care personnel. Review request for respiratory therapy and physicians' orders. Select rehabilitative and therapeutic activities and exercises based on medical and social history of residents. Brief resident of procedures involved in respiratory therapy and prepare necessary equipment. Recommend modifications and changes in the resident's respiratory therapy as indicated. Complete all respiratory therapy notes in an informative and descriptive manner which indicates the treatment provided and the resident's response to the care. Assist in developing respiratory therapy care plans for individual residents in coordination and conjunction with the resident assessment (MDS) Verify that care plans indicate respiratory therapy when such therapy is ordered. Minimum Qualifications: Registered Respiratory Therapist with required state licensure. Recognize resident's needs such as ROM exercises, ambulation limitations, etc. Organized and detailed in work performance. Good communication skills with excellent self-discipline and patience. Genuine caring for and interest in elderly and disabled people in a nursing facility. Comply with the Residents' Rights and Facility Policies and Procedures. Perform work tasks within the physical demand requirements as outlined below. Perform Essential Duties as outlined above.