Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

: The licensed and credentialed Respiratory Practitioner responsible for performing duties and tasks of a respiratory care practitioner. Upon the request of the physician, the Respiratory Therapist sets up and operates various types of respiratory care equipment to be utilized in the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory disease and/or illness. New grads are welcomed and encouraged to apply!

RESPONSIBLE TO:

This position is responsible to the Director of Respiratory Care.

FLSA STATUS

: Non-exempt

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

Education:

Certificate, Associates or Bachelor's Degree is Respiratory Therapy

License:

Current, valid Respiratory Therapist licensure to practice in the state, credentialed Certified Respiratory Therapist or Registered Respiratory Therapist.


Current Basic Life Support Certification

Work Experience:

Broad knowledge of respiratory care principles, procedures and practice Previous clinical experience in the capacity of one of the following: Respiratory Therapy, Previous experience caring for patients with technology dependency


Must be able to work independently at times

Language Skills:

o Must be able to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical information, and to be easily understood through verbal communication in the English language.

Mathematical Skills:

Must be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to perform these operations using units of weight measurement, and volume.

Communication Skills:

Must have exceptional communication and customer service skills, and be empathetic. Ability to effectively communicate with patients, families, responsible parties, staff and outside resources and agencies.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION

Explains to the resident, purpose and procedure of treatments, tests and equipment Uses knowledge of growth and development principles to anticipate care needs of resident in the adult and geriatric stages of development Applies criteria for recognition of abuse and follows policy for making appropriate referral/intervention Conducts physician prescribed daily use of non-invasive ventilator, various oxygen devices, with respect to the respiratory system of the resident Perform initial and ongoing assessments. Performs chest physical therapy treatments involving percussion, postural drainage, and suctioning, in order to mobilize secretions and mucus in the lungs and to clear airway blockage in the respiratory system Ensures the adequate maintenance of ventilation during cardio-pulmonary resuscitation Performs pulmonary functions studies determining the volume, distribution, and movement of air in the respiratory system Records on respiratory care records and resident chart, all pertinent information of treatments, and resident response to treatments Performs Pulse Oximetry Processes respiratory therapy equipment - cleaning, sterilizing and packaging as required Conducts regular rounds - checking residents' oxygen equipment, replacing humidifiers as necessary, as well as spotchecking other respiratory therapy equipment on a timely basis for his/her patient load Participates in the Hazardous Materials Program. Hazards include exposure to blood and body fluids, possible communicable diseases, sharp objects and instruments, assorted chemicals and gasses as listed in the Hazardous Materials Program Manual Performs such other functions as are identified by the Director of Nursing and Clinical Nurse Manager

JOB FUNCTIONS:

Demonstrate knowledge of, and respect for, the rights, dignity and individuality of each resident in all interactions Appreciates the importance of maintaining confidentiality of resident and facility information Demonstrate honesty and integrity at all times in the care and use of resident and facility property Proficiently provides care in emergency situations and follows established emergency procedures and practices Maintain knowledge of, and implement resident care activities to promote, maintain, and/or restore health for assigned residents Assure that the rights of residents are respected and maintained by allowing for privacy and dignity in the provision of care Demonstrate good oral and written communication skills with residents, families, physicians, additional healthcare providers, and co-workers Ability to prioritize multiple assignments without sacrificing the quality of the end product Possesses good judgment, organization, time management skills, and appropriate follow through skills Adapts to changing environments Works well under pressure and in emergency situations Effectively utilizes organization and problem solving skills under pressure

o Reflects a positive attitude, dependability, loyalty, and be discreet in matters of confidentiality o Maintains a professional appearance as it relates to dress, grooming, etc

Other duties as assigned

PHYSICAL CAPACITIES:

(With or Without the Aid of Mechanical Devices)

Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday. Must be able to see and hear or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately to ensure that the requirements of this position can be fully met. Must be able to push, pull or grab frequently. Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this facility which includes an annual TB screening and physical examination. Must be able to stand, walk, talk, hear, for extended periods of time. Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: Inpatient

Inside work, normal temperatures, some noise, occasional fumes/odors, chemical exposure and potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens.


This job cannot be performed without exposure to the stresses associated with an intimate, 24 hour skilled care environment that delivers care and services primarily to disabled and cognitively impaired residents in an aging population.


Examples of these stresses include, but are not limited to: emergency health or safety response, weekend and holiday duty, unusual or impaired behavior by residents, family reactions to having a loved one in a nursing home, death and dying, oversight of state surveyors, ombudsmen and federal officials, presence of consultants and attorneys, and variable involvement of medical staff.

HIPAA

is a law that must be followed by all healthcare personnel at every level. This position is a Mandated Reporter regarding the suspicion of elder abuse and may have access to Protected Health Information (PHI).

Benefits Overview

Eligible employees (30+ hrs/week) have access to:

Medical Insurance (Premera Blue Cross) with PPO options.

- Dental coverage (Principal- preventive at 100%, options for major/orthodontia).

- Vision coverage (Principal- annual exams, lenses/frames allowances).

Life Insurance: $15,000 company-paid basic coverage. Voluntary benefits: hospital indemnity, accident, and critical illness.

-401K (Principal- 25% match after 6 months). Premiums are deducted bi-weekly

Holidays & Time Off

Observed holidays are recognized annually. On observed Holidays, Full -time employees, who have worked at least 90 days, will receive 8 hours of "holiday pay" in addition to hours worked. If an employee calls out the scheduled day before or after the holiday, they will lose "holiday pay".

Observed Holidays-

New Year's Day Memorial Day Independence Day Labor Day Thanksgiving Christmas Employee's Birthday (Can be used in the month of the employee's birthday)




Paid Time off (PTO) accrues based on service with a max accrual of 120 hours for 0-4 years


Seniority and 180 for 5+ years. Sick leave accrues 1 per 30 hrs.


Protected leave includes WA Family Care Act, Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML),


pregnancy/lactation accommodations, military leave, jury duty, and domestic violence leave.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

Education:

Certificate, Associates or Bachelor's Degree is Respiratory Therapy

License:

Current, valid Respiratory Therapist licensure to practice in the state, credentialed Certified Respiratory Therapist or Registered Respiratory Therapist.


Current Basic Life Support Certification

Work Experience:

Broad knowledge of respiratory care principles, procedures and practice Previous clinical experience in the capacity of one of the following: Respiratory Therapy, Previous experience caring for patients with technology dependency


Must be able to work independently at times

Language Skills:

o Must be able to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical information, and to be easily understood through verbal communication in the English language.

Mathematical Skills:

Must be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to perform these operations using units of weight measurement, and volume.

Communication Skills:

Must have exceptional communication and customer service skills and be empathetic. * Ability to effectively communicate with patients, families, responsible parties, staff and outside resources and agencies.