Respiratory Therapist

Job Details

Location:

Sweeny, TX 77480
Type:
Full Time
Shift: Graveyard

The Respiratory Therapist is responsible for providing cardiopulmonary care services in accordance with specific physician orders, department policies and procedures, and hospital policy. The Respiratory Therapist administers respiratory care and life support to patients with deficiencies and abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary system, performs diagnostic tests of the cardiovascular and pulmonary system to aid physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of heart and lung disorders.

• Maintains knowledge of the various methods of oxygen delivery, including the necessary equipment. Remains alert, assesses possible side effects to oxygen delivery.
• Administers respiratory therapy treatments and nebulized medications; understands the purpose of each and the possible side effects associated with each.
• Performs chest physiotherapy involving percussion and postural drainage to loosen and mobilize secretions in the lungs and clear the airway.
• Sets-up and monitors mechanical ventilators and performs the critical care duties associated with the procedure.
• Monitors patients to ensure adequate ventilation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Performs arterial punctures to obtain arterial blood samples and understands the possible complications and contraindications associated with the procedure; performs blood gas analysis.
• Performs pulmonary function testing.
• Follows departmental equipment maintenance, cleaning, sterilization and packaging procedures as necessary.
• Documents all pertinent data in the patient’s medical record following the completion of any service, and reports the condition of the patient to nurse, physician or relief personnel.
• Performs EKGs, sends reports to physicians who request them, and files reports with medical records according to department procedures.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the differences in technique and treatment modalities performed on patients of varying ages, including pediatric, adolescent and geriatric patients.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of oxygen concentrations and medication doses as they relate to patients of varying ages.
• Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly; inspects and tests respiratory therapy equipment to ensure it functions safely and efficiently.
• Maintains the department in a clean, neat and orderly condition.
• Treats patients and families with respect and dignity; explains the purpose and procedure of treatments, tests and equipment to the patient and family; coordinates and directs patient care to ensure patients’ needs are met and that hospital policy is followed.

• Knowledge in general clinical services.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to determine appropriate course of action in more complex situations.
• Ability to work independently and with other team members, exercise creativity, be attentive to detail and maintain a positive attitude.
• Ability to manage multiple and simultaneous responsibilities and prioritize scheduling of work.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of all medical, financial, and legal information.
• Ability to complete work assignments accurately and in a timely manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to handle difficult situations involving patients, physicians, or others in a professional manner.
• Maintains the highest standards of professional performance for the benefit of the patient, physician and community in accordance with professional standards and Code of Ethics.

Performs certain duties or functions of the department director as delegated or on a temporary basis during the absence of the director.

Work in varying degrees of temperature (heated or air‑conditioned). Work under extreme pressures. Work with the risk of possible exposure to various communicable or infectious diseases. Work with risk of possible exposure to hazardous and toxic chemicals that require special care in their usage.

Position requires light to moderate work with 50 lbs maximum weight to lift and…