About this role
Position Summary
The Certified Respiratory Therapist restores patients pulmonary function through pulmonary function testing, education, inhaler techniques; alleviates pain; supports life by planning and administering medically prescribed respiratory therapy.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
- Meets patient's goals and needs and provides quality care by conducting pulmonary function tests; assessing and interpreting evaluations and test results; determining respiratory therapy treatment plans in consultation with physicians and by prescription.
- Helps patient accomplish treatment plan and supports life by administering inhalants; operating mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators.
- Administers respiratory therapy treatments by assisting with breathing exercises; monitoring physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes; directing treatments given by aides, technicians and assistants.
- Evaluates effects of respiratory therapy treatment plan by observing, noting, and evaluating patient's progress; recommending adjustments and modifications.
- Documents patient care services by charting in patient records via EHR.
- Maintains patient confidence and protects hospital operations by keeping information confidential.
- Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.
- Protects patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.
- Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer's instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs on equipment.
- Complies with federal, state, and local legal and certification requirements by studying existing and new legislation; anticipating future legislation; enforcing adherence to requirements; advising management on needed actions.
- Other duties as assigned.
Compensation starts at $27.00 per hour, with the final hourly rate determined by the candidate's relevant experience and qualifications.
Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge of appropriate medical terminology
- Ability to work scheduled hours as defined in the employment agreement.
- Ability to determine appropriate course of action in more complex situations.
- Ability to work independently, exercise creativity, be attentive to detail, proper time-management skills and maintain a positive attitude.
- Ability to manage multiple and simultaneous responsibilities.
- Ability to read and understand oral and written instructions and follow written protocols.
Education / Training / Requirements
- High School Diploma/GED; no experience required
- Associates Degree from an accredited respiratory therapy school which results in a CRT (Certified respiratory therapist).
- Current licensure in VA as a Respiratory Therapist.
Physical Demands
- Ability to stand and walk for long periods of time.
- Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
- Ability to climb or balance for limited periods of time.
- Ability to occasionally reach, bend, stoop and lift up to 50 lbs. *
- Ability to grasp and hold up to 25 lbs.*
- Ability to hear normal voice level communications in person or through the telephone.
- Ability to speak clearly and understandably.
- Ability to taste and smell.
Success Factors
- Alignment with Company Mission and Core Values
- Excellent Time Management/Organized
- Open Communication/Positive
- Goal Driven
- Excellent Customer Service
- Juggles Multiple Priorities
- Accuracy and Attention to Detail
- Accomplished in word processing and worksheet utilization
All statements are essential functions of the position unless identified as non-essential by an asterisk (*).