Respiratory Care Practitioner

BRIEF SUMMARY: Performs routine respiratory care therapeutic and diagnostic procedures as well as routine cardiology diagnostic procedures.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Treatments are done on a timely basis, as ordered by the physician. QID treatments are done three times on day shift and done the last time on night shift.

• All EKGs, new starts, sputum inductions and other procedures are done on the shift in which they are ordered. Equipment is cleaned, O2 rounds done, EKGs copied, etc.

• Is familiar with all equipment used, including set-up and troubleshooting.

• Proficient in all assigned procedures, including performance of the procedure, possible side effects, rationale, and physiology.

• Charts entries, which include relevant and appropriate information, are made on a current basis.

• Manages volume ventilator including set-up, troubleshooting, suggested set-up parameters, suggestions to correct blood gas imbalances, and suggested weaning methods.

• Runs a shift with minimal supervision.

• All equipment on patients is maintained properly; O2 and aerosol bottles are kept full, mist tent nebulizers are filled and drainage bottles emptied, ventilator humidifiers are filled and tubing drained, etc.

• All IPPB, aeromed, aerosol, and ventilator circuits are changed and documented in accordance with the procedure manual.

• Keeps informed of advances in respiratory care through reading current literature and continuing education.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supply areas on Med/Surg, ER, ICU and Peds are kept stocked. Crash carts in all areas are kept supplied with AMBU bags.

• Performs other related duties as needed to facilitate work flow and to promote health care.

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

• Graduate of an AMA approved school of Respiratory Therapy unless licensed under the grandfather clause of the California Respiratory Care Act of 1982.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Current California Respiratory Care Practitioner license required.

• Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support certification required.

• NRP certification required.