Respiratory Therapist , II; PRN - Respiratory Therapy

Position: Respiratory Therapist I, II (PRN) - Respiratory Therapy

Overview

Under limited supervision, provides respiratory care for Alaska Native Medical Center patients.

Responsibilities

• Performs respiratory therapy assessments according to Department procedures.
• Administers respiratory treatment in various modalities for acute and chronic respiratory illness as prescribed by the medical staff for neonate, pediatric, adolescent and adult patients.
• Ensures delivery of clinically appropriate respiratory care procedures. Instructs, orients and recommends respiratory care and procedures to medical staff, allied health professionals and medical students.
• Mechanical ventilation and oxygen support systems: perform setup, monitoring, assessment of equipment/patient interface and make appropriate changes. Recognizes abnormal changes and immediately notifies physician.
• Maintains secure and patent airways and performs nasal, nasotracheal, endotracheal and oral suctioning. Evaluates test results for clarity and accuracy; reviews tests with peers. Distributes completed test results to physicians and service providers.
• Maintains patient charts, enters diagnosis and billing codes, logs data into patient information systems, and updates file systems for tests and treatments performed. Provides patient education and instruction and answers questions and explains procedures.
• Maintains competency and certification on all current and new procedures and equipment related to delivery of respiratory care.
• Cleans and sterilizes equipment and workspace. Recognizes equipment malfunctions and readjusts equipment or refers for repair. Trains and cross-trains other clinical staff as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of respiratory modalities and techniques.
• Knowledge of respiratory therapy equipment.
• Knowledge of anatomy/physiology and disease process.
• Knowledge of respiratory therapy patient assessment protocols.
• Interpersonal and communication skills.
• Skill in monitoring patient responses and prioritizing multiple tasks.
• Skill in operating a personal computer and various software applications.

Minimum Education Qualification

An Associate’s degree in Respiratory Therapy.

Minimum Experience Qualification

Non-supervisory – One (1) year of critical care and pediatric experience. Registry eligible therapist must have 2 years of Critical Care experience.

Minimum Certification Qualification

• Must be registered or registry eligible by the National Board of Respiratory Care; OR Certified Respiratory Therapists that have worked at ANTHC prior to 2011 and are not registry eligible are not required to be Registered Respiratory Therapists.
• Registry eligible therapists must obtain Registry within one year of hire date.
• Current Basic Life Support card required.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support preferred at hire date, but must achieve within six months of hire.
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support and Neonatal Resuscitation certification preferred at hire date, but must achieve within six months of hire.

Preferred Education Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Therapy

Preferred Experience Qualification

• Experience in the Alaska Tribal Health System.
• Pediatric and/or Neonatal experience.

Preferred Certification Qualification

• Registered Respiratory Therapist

Additional Requirements

• Depending on the needs of the organization, some incumbents in this job class may be required to obtain additional certifications or training in one or more specialty areas.

#J-18808-Ljbffr