Respiratory Therapist - PFT

Job Title: Respiratory Therapist - PFT

Department: Rehabilitation Services

Reports To: Director of Ambulatory Care Services

Salary: $30.98-$45.56 per hour based on experience and qualifications.

Works collaboratively with other professionals to support respiratory care, educating patients and serving as a staff resource. Responsible to work with the Rehabilitation Director to develop and provide patient respiratory care services. Administers respiratory therapy care and life support to patients with deficiencies and abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary system under the supervision of a physician and by prescription.

• Read prescription, interpret arterial blood gases, and review patient information to assess patient condition and determine requirements for treatment such as type and duration of therapy, medication and dosages.
• Determine suitable method of administering inhalants, precautions to be observed, and modifications needed to be compatible with Physician's orders or RCAT policy and procedure.
• Set up and operate devices such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators.
• Operate equipment to ensure specified parameters of treatment such as volume, gas concentration, humidity, temperature, and to administer medicinal gases and aerosol drugs to patients.
• Monitor patient's physiological responses to therapy such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, venous blood gases, and blood chemistry changes.
• Perform bronchopulmonary drainage and assist patient in performing breathing exercises.
• Perform pulmonary function tests.
• Document assessments, interventions, and plan of care as appropriate within the electronic medical record.
• Assist the department Director in developing new policy and procedures as requested.
• Consult with Physician in event of adverse reactions.
• Maintain knowledge of respiratory and cardiovascular medications, treatments, and their correct administration, based on age of the patient and condition.
• Assess patient, needs, tolerance for treatment, and reassess response to treatment; interact professionally with patient/family and involve them in care planning.
• Read prescription, measure and draw arterial blood gases, review patient information, and determine treatment requirements; operate devices and equipment to ensure specified parameters.
• Formulate a teaching plan based on identified learning needs of the patient and evaluate effectiveness of learning; include patient/family.
• Follow and support the policies and procedures of the hospital and the standards of JCAHO for full accreditation.
• Exhibit respect and professionalism in all forms of communication.
• Consider age-related factors for patients ranging from neonates to geriatrics, applying knowledge appropriately per professional standards and departmental policies.
• Provide teaching as appropriate; use a collaborative interdisciplinary approach to patient care.
• Demonstrate knowledge of sleep disorders, respiratory therapy and treat patient appropriately based on professional standards.
• Manage and operate equipment safely and correctly; inspect and test respiratory therapy equipment for safety and efficiency.
• Show flexibility and organization, functioning under stressful situations.
• Act as a resource, provide in-service training for staff.
• Communicate routinely with department director regarding problems, questions, and patient care or other job-related functions/responsibilities.
• Participate in QA/PI activities to improve patient care quality.
• Implement quality assurance standards and programs to assure compliance with Joint Commission standards for accreditation.

• Seniority level: Entry level
• Employment type: Part-time
• Job function: Health Care Provider
• Industry: Hospitals and Health Care

Welia Health is an equal-opportunity employer.