Respiratory Care Practitioner / Respiratory Therapist - Per Diem/PRN - Critical Access Hospital

Summary: Respiratory Care Practitioner / Respiratory Therapist (PRN) serves patients and assist physicians/providers in the diagnosis, management, treatment, and prevention of disease by providing cardiopulmonary care services in accordance with specific physician’s/provider’s orders, department policies and procedures.

This position requires a commitment to teamwork, collaboration and department scheduling needs i.e. good attendance, attitude, customer services, communication skills, etc.,

COVID-19 Requirements: ***Beginning December 1, 2021 new employees will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and can request consideration for a medical or religious exemption***

Special Conditions:  Subject to on call and call back after hours and weekends and during emergency conditions. Position is Safety Sensitive / Drug Free Workplace / COVID Vaccination Requirements.

Supervision Received: Works under the direct supervision of the Cardio/Pulmonary Manager or designated administrator. Exercises progressive levels of autonomy in day-to-day activities based on satisfactory job performance.

 Essential Functions: 

Provides safe and appropriate cardiopulmonary services to patients.

• Accurately reads and verifies physician/provider orders
• Communicates effectively with health care team.
• Follows The 5 Rights of Medication to reduce potential for medication errors.
• Administers respiratory therapy treatments to include, but are not limited to: nebulizers, patient ventilation, airway management, and monitors for possible side effects.
• Performs diagnostic testing functions to include, but are not limited to: arterial blood gas collection, pulmonary function testing, electrocardiograms, and cardiac stress test tracings. 
• Assesses patient’s needs and ability to tolerate treatment and provides reassessment for patient’s response to treatment.
• Educates patient on cardiopulmonary issues and includes patient’s family as appropriate.
• Explains procedures and treatments to patient to gain patient cooperation, facilitate understanding, and alleviate patient apprehension.

Maintains up-to-date and accurate documentation of care provided to ensure the integration of information for use by the healthcare team to ensure quality care.

• Maintains/reviews patient records, charts and other pertinent information.
• Documents all care, procedures, medication administration, communication with ancillary departments and providers, and family interactions and interventions.

Ensures operation of equipment by performing preventative and corrective maintenance of equipment .

• Performs daily, weekly, monthly, or as needed, maintenance on instruments and equipment as appropriate.

• Performs calibration of equipment as required.

• Runs proficiency testing by established protocols.

• Follows established procedures for quality control and reports discrepancies to the appropriate supervisor.

Performs collection and pre-analytical process of biological specimens for analysis.

• Collects specimens directly from patients -- such as blood, sputum, etc.

• Follows the Hospital Exposure Control Plans / Bloodborne and Airborne Pathogens.

• Works with infection control to follow proper precaution protocols

Secondary Functions:

Maintains current knowledge/certification/licensure. Pursues professional growth and development.

• Maintains a current knowledge and understanding of differences in techniques and treatment modalities as performed on patients of all ages.

• Participates in professional growth functions and performance improvement activities.

• Attends skills fairs and in services as applicable.

• Participates in tracking Quality Measures.

• Completes annual competencies as required.

Provides employee mask fit testing services.

Education and/or Experience:

Graduate of an accredited program in Respiratory Therapy.  One or more years work experience in hospitals providing respiratory therapy care is preferred. 

 Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

•  Current, unrestricted, Arizona Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license required. 
•  Current national certification as RRT or CRT.
•  Current BLS certification required. 
•  ACLS and PALS required within 6 months of hire.
•  NRP & STABLE preferred. 

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Skill in ABG collection, respiratory therapy procedures, quality control, equipment calibration, and preventative maintenance.

Ability to maintain professional and technological knowledge by attending continuing education workshops, reviewing professional publications, and participating in affiliated societies.

Basic computer skills which may include Microsoft Office and other programs

Knowledge of HIPAA privacy requirements and medical terminology.

Establish and maintain solid working relationships through communication, cooperation, and positive interactions with all patients/clients, employees, staff, providers, and vendors.

Willingness to work a flexible schedule when circumstances necessitate.

Demonstrated ability to self-motivate and work independently with limited supervision.

Strong customer service skills along with excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Positive communication skills; ability to successfully interact with all customers; continuous demonstration of courteous, cooperative and service orientated behavior.

Supports and maintains a culture of safety, quality and positive patient experience.

Interviews will take place after resumes have been screened for minimum requirements. Please note that this position is not restricted solely to the responsibilities listed above and that the job scope and responsibilities are subject to change.

This position description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications and job scope, but is not intended to limit the incumbent nor Northern Cochise Community Hospital Inc., to only the work identified. 

Reasonable Accommodations / Job Performance: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function and the physical demands satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.