COORD- RESPIRATORY THERAPY

Summary of Essential Functions

• Responsible for directing, staffing, and overseeing the operation of the department.
• Responsible for ensuring that the department is staffed to meet the patient workload.
• Responsibilities include but not limited to, inventory control, assisting with the equality improvement program, budget process, scheduling of staff, overseeing all respiratory protocols, staff rounding, performance, and annual evaluations.
• Enforces policies and ensures that patient is performed in accordance with department guidelines.

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Respiratory Care preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Must be a graduate of an accredited Respiratory Care Therapist program
• Must be able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing

Qualifications and Licenses

• Current CPR
• Must be a Registered Respiratory Therapist
• Must be credentialed by the NBRC as a therapist.
• Must have a current license to practice Respiratory Care in the State of Texas.

Certification/Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• At least five years of experience in Respiratory Care with two in critical care.
• Basic knowledge of principles and properties of drugs
• Basic knowledge of respiratory diseases and complications
• Knowledge of infection control and isolation procedures
• Level of judgment requires awareness of contraindications and hazards involved with various treatments

Physical Requirements

• Standing for long periods of time and walking up and downstairs.
• Must be able to lift 25 pounds. Moderate amount of lifting and positioning of patients and equipment as well as, transportation of patients via cart or wheelchair. 
• Must be able to see small objects and have good eye-hand coordination, must be able to distinguish between colors. 
• Corrected hearing and vision to normal range.
• Must be able to distinguish symbols, numbers and letters.
• Eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity.
• Some exposure to communicable diseases and body fluids.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Ability to evaluate and assess patient status and make recommendations for the best interest of the patient
• Ability to perform in all areas of the hospital that offer respiratory care services. Assisting physicians with bronchoscopy.  Pulmonary Diagnostic Lab (performs specialized basic Pulmonary Function Test, ensures that all testing is performed with high degree of skill and accuracy.)
• Assures adequate department staffing and provides coverage when necessary. Monitors department workload and makes adjustments as needed. Responsible for assigning workload, maintaining evening schedule, working with the Director for coverage
• Ensure all information is kept confidential
• Ensures that all new employees of the department receive appropriate orientation
• Keeps accurate records in the hospital information system, and ensures that patient therapy records are completed
• Maintains accurate patient and department records in compliance with Joint Commission, CAP, and CLIA guidelines
• Maintains an effective relationship with all other hospital services/departments and works to improve the quality of care through effective communication maintaining a good perspective of patient needs and the early resolution of problems/issues
• Maintains employee records to include attendance and tardy infractions and takes necessary action to reduce absenteeism. Ensures that performance of all department personnel according to the policy and procedure manual. Performs staff yearly evaluations in a timely manner
• Maintains technical competency and participates in direct patient care. Ability to evaluate and assess patient status and make recommendation in the best interest of the patient. Assist staff with technical and clinical questions and problem solving
• Performs Respiratory Care protocols and patient evaluations. Approach all care tasks with critical insight and make suggestions for changes as deemed appropriate, Ensures proper documentation of all procedures, along with all patient or family education
• Responds to emergency situations. Performs pulmonary hygiene, diagnostic procedures, mechanical ventilation, oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy
• Take a patient workload once per month
• Understand respiratory anatomy and physiology, able to interpret arterial blood gas values and PFT values, capable of trouble shooting mechanical ventilators, apply and execute physician orders
• Performs all other tasks/responsibilities as necessary
• Perform intubation with the required additional training