RRT

Summary: Administers respiratory therapy care and life support to patients with deficiencies and abnormalities of cardiopulmonary system by performing the following duties. Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Reads prescription, measures arterial blood gases, and reviews patient information to assess patient condition and determine requirements for treatment such as type and duration of therapy, and medication and dosages. Determines most suitable method of administering inhalants, precautions to be observed, and modifications which may be needed that will be compatible with physician's orders. Sets up and operates devices such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators. Operates equipment to ensure specified parameters of treatment such as volume, gas concentration, humidity, and temperature, and to administer medicinal gases and aerosol drugs to patients. Monitors patient's physiological responses to therapy such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes. Performs bronchopulmonary drainage and assists patient in performing breathing exercises. Performs pulmonary function tests to be used by physician in diagnosis of case. Observes equipment function and adjusts equipment to obtain optimum results to therapy. Consults with physician in event of adverse reactions. Maintains patient's chart that contains pertinent identification and therapy information. Inspects and tests respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently and orders repairs when needed. Supervisory Responsibilities This job has no supervisory responsibilities. Behavioral Competencies To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies: Decision Making/Judgment - Demonstrates the ability to secure and evaluate facts in making decisions and taking action and makes decisions in a timely manner; Makes good decisions when faced with new situations or incomplete information; Is able to effectively prioritize tasks; Approaches problems, challenges and new situations in an organized manner; Demonstrates flexibility and creativity in finding workable solutions and avoids recurring problems. Communication/Interpersonal Skills - Demonstrates the organization's cardinal value; to honor the dignity and worth of each individual; Relates to others in an honest, straightforward fashion and is professional verbally and non-verbally; Resolves conflict in a positive manner; Actively listens with a sincere attempt to understand and values different points of view; Respects the confidentiality of patient and employee information. Teamwork - Contributes to a climate where employees want to do their best and work together as a team; Accepts responsibility for establishing and maintaining a healthy relationship with every member of the staff; Assists co-workers as needed; Displays a positive, cooperative team attitude and recognizes the achievement of others. Change Management - Is open to change and makes suggestions for change; Maintains a positive attitude regarding change. Customer Service - Treats patients and co-workers with respect and professionalism; Assists others in the department and throughout the hospital; Takes initiative in working to solve customer complaints; Displays a "can do" attitude. Stewardship - Demonstrates a commitment to cost effectiveness and sound business practices; Conserves resources whenever appropriate. Initiative - Recognizes and follows through with duties that need to be performed; Seeks out new assignments and assumes additional duties; Makes suggestions for improving procedures; Commits time and effort to hospital committees and community service; Participates in department in-service programs and takes responsibility for personal and professional growth. Dependability/Reliability - Reports to work in a regular and timely manner and is willing to make schedule adjustments related to changes in workload activity; Accepts delegation responsibly and can be relied upon to perform duties and complete assignments independently and in a reasonable time frame; Observes appropriate work breaks and meal periods; Attends mandatory meetings and in-services; Demonstrates commitment and responsibility. Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Education and/or Experience: Graduate of a two year Respiratory Therapy program required; Bachelor's Degree preferred. Language Skills: Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization. Mathematical Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs. Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. Computer Skills: Basic PC skills preferred. Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Current CPR certification Registered Respiratory Therapist with the National Board of Respiratory Care and Ohio Respiratory Care Professional license required Active member of the AARC and NBRC preferred Current ACLS and PALS certification (or must be obtained within 12 months of hire) Age Specific Competencies: Knowledge and application of growth and development principles; utilization of effective communication strategies; implementation of specific technical factors. Pediatric; newborn-12 years of age Adolescent; 12-18 years of age Adult; 18-65 years of age Older Adult; 65+ years of age Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is frequently required to walk; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Must be free of all unlawful substances and alcohol. Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; risk of electrical shock and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Contingent Position