The therapist is specially trained and experienced in the field of respiratory care and is qualified to perform the necessary therapeutic and diagnostic procedures as ordered by the attending physician.  These procedures pertain to the care of the patients with abnormalities and deficiencies associated with respiration.

Physical Demands:

This position requires full range of body motion including handling, lifting and moving patients, manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination.  It requires standing and walking for extensive periods of time.  Occasionally will be required to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds.  It requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range.  It requires working under stressful conditions or working irregular hours.  It requires some exposure to communicable diseases or bodily fluids.

Functions:

The therapist will be responsible for performing all modalities of respiratory care offered at Clara Barton Hospital.  The therapist must be able to assess patients in a clinical setting.  The therapist has the authority to notify the physician of a change in patient status or to clarify an incomplete or unclear order.  The therapist will perform the daily work routine including:  oxygen rounds, therapy, daily charges, charting, pulmonary function tests and routine cleaning of equipment.  The therapist will respond to all emergency situations in the hospital to assist with patient care.  The therapist must show an interest in educational; material and will be required to attend professional meeting.

Challenge:

The major challenges for this position are to perform and understand all aspects of Respiratory Care; to maintain a current knowledge base; and to help educate co-workers and family members about appropriate modalities of therapy.

Contacts:

The therapist is in frequent contact with patients and their families.  This position also requires contact with nursing staff, medical staff, administration and personnel from all hospital departments.

Knowledge and Experience:

The therapist is required to understand the purpose, expected response, side effects and proper dosages of respiratory medications; understand the results of arterial blood gas determinations and have the capability of making appropriate decisions based on those results; understand basic pulmonary function values; have a general knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the circulatory and pulmonary systems; understand the indications and contraindications of the respiratory therapy modalities; understand airway management of the adult, child and infant; maintain certification in CPR and ACLS; be proficient in emergent situations; be capable of performing all special diagnostic procedures; and must be able to convey information in a simple way that all staff can understand.

Principal Accountabilities:

1.      Provides routine respiratory therapy and diagnostic testing as ordered by the physician.

2.      Educates nursing staff and families on modalities of therapy as needed.

3.      Verifies patient charges and documentation of therapy.

4.      Interacts and works cooperatively with co-workers, patients, visitors and other staff members encountered.

5.      Follows safety and aseptic procedures to ensure a safe, clean environment.

6.      Follows confidentiality policies and procedures to assure the integrity of patient care.

Measures of Effectiveness:

The following are indicators of proficient performance in this position:

Patients receive their respiratory therapy treatments and tests in a timely manner.
The nursing staff and patient families are comfortable with the ordered therapy.
The charges and documentation are accurate.
A positive image of the hospital is presented through effective human relation skills.
A clean, safe environment is maintained.
Confidentiality policies and procedures are followed.

Visit www.clarabartonhospital.com for application instructions and to see this and other great career opportunities at Clara Barton Hospital.