Respiratory Care Practitioner - Respiratory Therapy - St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital; PRN

Position: Respiratory Care Practitioner I - Respiratory Therapy - St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital (PRN)
** _Respiratory Care Practitioner I
- Respiratory Therapy
- St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital (PRN)_*
* ** This is a PRN "As Needed" Position*
* ** Summary of Primary Function/General Purpose of Position*
* The Respiratory Care Practitioner is responsible for providing respiratory care through patient assessment, planning, intervention, education, and evaluation. Performs all respiratory care procedures within scope of license. Monitors the patient's response to therapies and makes recommendations to change or modify based on the assessment.

** Essential Job Functions*
* + In collaboration with the interdisciplinary care team, conducts initial and ongoing patient assessment, analyzes assessment data, creates a plan of care, implements treatment, and evaluates treatment effectiveness.

+ Performs treatments and therapies according to physician orders. Explains therapy and therapeutic goals to patient; modifies treatment procedures based on patient response. Sets up and maintains different modes of therapy. Determines appropriateness of prescribed therapy and recommends methods to physician to achieve therapeutic goals.

+ Maintains proper documentation, patient medical charting and recordkeeping. Maintains established policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance program, safety, environmental, and infection control standards.

+ Provides patient education on cardiopulmonary diseases/disorders and associated treatment options. Instructs patient and patient's caregiver(s) in incentive spirometer, metered dose inhaler (MDI) administration, oxygen therapy, home aerosol therapy, or ventilator care, if applicable.

+ Sets up and maintains respiratory therapy equipment and supplies.

+ May serve as a preceptor to new team members and/or students.

+ Responds to cardio-pulmonary resuscitations and actively participates as indicated by clinical circumstances.

_This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation._

** Licensing/Certification*
* + Current Respiratory Care License in the state they are working (required)

+ National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) credentialed (required)

+ Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) (preferred)

+ BLS Basic Life Support or ACLS Advanced Cardiac Life Support and PALS Pediatric Advanced Life Support (preferred at hire, must obtain from approved source prior to direct patient care)

+ Valid driver's license (required for Home Care/DME)

** Education*
* Bachelor's Degree in a related field (preferred)

** Work Experience*
* + Previous working experience in an ambulatory or acute care setting (preferred)

+ 6 months Respiratory Therapy experience in a general care area (preferred)

** Training*
* EPIC Electronic Health Record (EHR) training (preferred)

** Patient Population - Competency is based on the patient population of the site/facility*
* Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development of the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his or her age, specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in departmental policies and procedures.

+ Neonates (0-4 weeks)

+ Infant (1-12 months)

+ Pediatrics (1-12 years)

+ Adolescents (13-17 years)

+ Adults (18-64 years)

+ Geriatrics (65 years and older)

** Working Conditions*
* + Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur

+ May be exposed to physical altercations and verbal abuse

+ May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights

+ May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids
* + May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials
* +

May have periods of constant interruptions

_
* Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control._

** Skills*
* + Strong interpersonal skills and able to effectively interact with patients, their families, physicians, and other staff members

+ Good communication skills

+ Able to effectively work with diverse people

+ Good customer service skills

+ Good organizational skills and time management skills

+ Good oral and written communication

+ Able to receive feedback

+ Able to gather and interpret data

+ Accountability

+ Knowledge of non-invasive respiratory therapy equipment such as oximeters or end-tidal CO2 analyzers

+ Therapeutic Procedures to include CPAP/BiPap, jet aerosol, oxygen therapy, incentive spirometry, chest physiotherapy, pulse oximetry, high flow oxygen, continuous aerosols, ventilator management, diagnostic testing.

+ Understanding of EKGs, electronic monitoring, lead placement, and basic arrhythmias.

+ Arterial blood gas punctures and testing

+ Airway maneuvers

+ Bedside…