Registered Respiratory Therapist

Job Summary

The primary role of the Registered Respiratory Therapist is to provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and support modalities to residents of all ages, with cardiovascular and pulmonary disorders.  This service is provided thru a team of  caring professionals, determined to improve quality and safety, by addressing the needs of residents and their families as we put into action Allure group  mission.

Delegation of Authority

As the Registered Respiratory Therapist, you are delegated the administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability necessary for carrying out your assigned duties.

Job Functions

Every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position. However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties you will be required to perform. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or is an essential function of the position.

Duties and Responsibilities

Administrative Functions

·         As directed by Supervisor

Committee Functions

·         Participate in scheduled facility Committee meetings as directed by Supervisor

Personnel Functions

·         Perform all assigned tasks in accordance with established policies and procedures, and as instructed by your Supervisors

·         Follow work assignments, and/or work schedules in completing and performing your assigned tasks

·         Cooperate with inter-departmental personnel, as well as other facility personnel to ensure that services can be adequately maintained to meet the needs of the residents

·         Create and maintain an atmosphere of warmth, personal interest and positive emphasis, as well as a calm environment

·         Demonstrate active listening techniques; gains support through effective relationships; treats others with dignity and respect; seeks feedback

Respiratory Functions

·         Review data in the resident record including history, lab data, radiological studies, progress notes, respiratory and cardiovascular monitoring data

·         Document/record respiratory therapy data as required by Departmental/Nursing Home  policy.  Communicate data to appropriate members of the health care team

·         Assess resident’s overall cardiopulmonary status by inspection/auscultation to determine general appearance, breathing pattern, character of cough, sputum production, and breath sounds

·         Interview resident to determine orientation, dyspnea, activities of daily living, social support, nutritional status, and learning needs

·         Obtain additional data by calculating lung compliance, airway resistance, work of breathing,  PaO2 /FIO2 ration, and other noninvasive monitoring including airway graphics

·         Select, assemble, and check the following equipment for proper function,  operation, and cleanliness, oxygen administration devices, humidified aerosol generators, resuscitation devices, gauges, respirometers

·         Communicate  results of therapy to appropriate members of the healthcare team and when appropriate after therapy

·         Instruct, initiate, and adjust l nasal mask and positive pressure ventilation to achieve adequate spontaneous ventilation

·         Modify artificial  airway management to include tracheostomy tube positioning, cuff pressure monitoring, tracheotomy care, and adjustments in airway humidification systems

·         Administer medicated aerosol therapy, encourage bronchopulmonary hygiene, and when indicated assist in suctioning of bronchopulmonary secretions

·         Make necessary modifications in therapeutic procedures based on resident response

·         Modify oxygen and specialty gas therapy and make changes in mode, flow, and concentration when appropriate setting

Staff Development

·         Attend and participate in scheduled training and educational classes. Attend and participate in scheduled orientation programs and activities

·         Attend and participate in annual OSHA and CDC in-service training programs for hazard communication, TB management, and bloodborne pathogens standard

Safety and Sanitation

·         Adhere to and implement all facility safety and infection control policies

Resident Rights

·         Maintain residents’ confidentiality; treat residents with kindness, dignity and respect. Know and comply with Resident’s Rights rules.

Working Conditions

• Works in office areas as well as throughout the facility and its premises
• Moves intermittently during working hours
• Subject to frequent interruptions
• Subject to call back during emergency conditions, etc. severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster
• May be involved with residents, family members, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions/circumstances

·         Occasional physical effort with medium to heavy objects

Education

·         Graduate of Approved Respiratory Care Program

·         New York State license

Experience

·         One year of clinical experience preferred. Clinical rotation from approved respiratory program accepted.

Specific Requirements

·         Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action

·         Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the general public

·         Must possess the ability and willingness to work harmoniously with other personnel

·         Must have patience, tact, a cheerful disposition and enthusiasm

·         Must meet physical and sensory requirements (with or without the aid of mechanical devices)

·         Must possess good communication skills and be able to relate professionally and positively to residents, resident’s family members, and facility staff

·         Must meet all local health regulations, pass post-offer drug test if required, and pass post-employment physical exam if required

·          Must be capable of performing the responsibilities of this job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Physical and Sensory Requirements

(With or Without the Aid of Mechanical Devices)

·         Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday

·         Must be able to speak and write the English language in an understandable manner

·         Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position

·         Must possess sight/hearing senses or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately so that the requirements of this position can be fully met

·         Must function independently, have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with the residents, personnel, and support agencies

·         Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this facility which include a medical and physical examination

·         Must be able to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and, at times, hostile people within the facility

·         Must be able to push, pull, move, and/or lift a minimum of __________ pounds to a minimum height of __________ feet and be able to push, pull, move, and/or carry such weight a minimum distance of __________ feet

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