Respiratory Therapist

JOB SUMMARY:

The Respiratory Therapist administers therapeutic and diagnostic respiratory care modalities and life support to patients with deficiencies or abnormalities of the cardiorespiratory system, under the supervision of the physician and by prescription.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Training: Graduate from AMA approved, JRCRTE accredited Respiratory Care Program.

Experience: Two or more years of acute care respiratory care experience preferred. BLS and PALS certifications are required within 30 days of hire. ACLS and NRP certifications are required as well.

License/Registration: Licensed as a Respiratory Care Practitioner in the State of Washington and CRT through the NBRC.

Population Served: Neonatal, Pediatric, Adolescent, Young Adult, Middle Age, and Elderly.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Planning and Prioritizing

Plans patient care by using Respiratory Therapy protocol, providing a continuity of care during hospitalization and before discharge. Demonstrates the ability to reprioritize therapy to achieve better results and make necessary modifications in therapeutic procedures based on patient response.

Information Gathering

Reviews and interprets data in the patient record including history, lab results, radiological studies, progress notes, respiratory and cardiovascular monitoring. Assesses patient’s overall cardiopulmonary status by auscultation to determine: breath sounds, heart sounds, dysrhythmias, murmurs and bruits, and blood pressure. Evaluates patient’s cardiopulmonary status by inspection of general appearance, capillary refill, chest configuration, breathing pattern, character of cough, and sputum.

Decision-Making

Determines appropriateness of and participates in developing and recommending modifications to respiratory care plan.

Communication

Actively initiates and participates in communication to assure effective delivery of respiratory care. Communicates with patients and significant others in an open and respectful manner.

Technical Proficiency

Demonstrates the ability to maintain skills in areas of low volume and high risk activities. Demonstrates willingness to learn new techniques and use new equipment. Check all equipment and corrects malfunctions.

Teamwork

Communicates relevant information to other members of the healthcare team. Participates in solving team issues in a constructive manner.

Quality

Identifies areas to be considered for improvement in the quality of service and participates in the quality improvement effort. Performs quality control procedures for: diagnostic equipment, ventilators, and gas metering devices.

Outcomes

Initiates, conducts, and modifies prescribed therapeutic procedures to achieve the desired outcome, considering the patient response.

Personal Education

Participates in ongoing educational activities necessary to acquire and maintain competency in respiratory care. Identifies areas for self-improvement and participates in needed education.

Work Effectiveness

Demonstrates the ability to work without direct supervision in which they accomplish tasks in a timely manner. Promptness is demonstrated in delivering therapeutic modalities after an order is given to the therapist.

Reliability

Demonstrates promptness in reporting to work and compliance with meal and break schedules. Completes tasks as assigned to perform.

Education of Others

Initiates and conducts patient and family education in preparation for home care and management of their disease. Participates in the education of coworkers.

Creating a Safe Work Environment

Identifies safety concerns and actively seeks to resolve these issues.

Stewardship

Assumes the willingness to be accountable for the well-being of the larger organization by operating in service, rather than in control, of those around us.

Ethical Conduct

Consistently communicates and collaborates with colleagues about decisions which involve legal and ethical issues.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Performs other non-essential functions as requested.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Sitting: 20%. Standing/Walking: 80%.

Occasional lifting of patients with up to 100 pounds of weight.

Occasional carrying of equipment and compressors weighing up to 25 pounds.

Occasional pushing/pulling of equipment weighing up to 175 pounds.

Occasional climbing of stairs to reach other levels of the building.

Occasional stooping/kneeling/crouching to work with equipment and provide patient care.

Frequent reaching/handling/fingering/feeling to gain access to supplies, manipulate equipment and provide patient care.

Constant talking/hearing/seeing to interact with other healthcare professionals and to provide patient care.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Location: Inside.

Occasional exposure to wet and humid conditions when working with croupettes and ultrasonic therapy.

Occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts in the bed motors.

Occasional exposure to explosives when working with pressurized gases.

Occasional exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals with bleach and membrane gels.

Frequent biohazard exposure.

Work Schedule:

Alternate Shift

Compensation:

Wage scale begins at $32.29. Wage offered depends on job-related experience, knowledge, and skills.

Compensation is an important aspect of employment at Pullman Regional Hospital. We recognize that we must maintain a competitive compensation program, which allows us to attract and retain engaged and talented employees. To maintain a competitive position in the marketplace, we offer two opportunities for adjustment of compensation- an annual market survey and an annual increase on employees’ work anniversaries.

Benefits:

We offer medical, dental and vision insurance as well as retirement. Employees who have worked 1 year for Pullman Regional Hospital and are working at least 20 hours per week are eligible for a 5% employer match up to $5,000 per year into a 401(a) account. We also offer 4 weeks of paid time off per year.

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