Respiratory Therapist - PT

Job Details: Job Location: Livingston Hospital - Salem, KY, Education Level: Technical Program Graduate, Salary Range: Undisclosed, Travel Percentage: None, Job Shift: Any, Job Category: Health Care, Pay Scale dependent on experience, education, degree level, certification and/or registry. POSITION SUMMARY: The Respiratory Therapist, under appropriate medical and administrative direction, performs all therapeutic or diagnostic procedures of the department for the identification, prevention, remediation, and rehabilitation of acute or chronic cardiopulmonary dysfunction thereby promoting optimum health and function. Must be willing to flex schedule to work other shifts as needed. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES & AUTHORITIES: Complies with all policies and procedures set forth in the employee handbook of LHHS as well as those set forth in the Respiratory Therapy Policy and Procedure Manuals. Complies with all policies and procedures stated in the Infection Control and Safety Manuals. Performs respiratory care services in accordance with Federal, State, CLIA, and hospital standards. Provides quality therapy to each patient in accordance with policy and procedure of the department. Obtains, assembles, calibrates, and checks necessary equipment. Uses problem solving to identify and correct malfunctions of respiratory care equipment. Documents necessary information in the patients medical record and on other forms, and communicates that information to members of the health care team. Prepares and maintains departmental/patient records. Washes hands or uses provided hand sanitizer before leaving patients room. Demonstrates knowledge and competency to administer pharmacological, diagnostic, and therapeutic agents. Demonstrates appropriate interpersonal skills to work productively with patients, families, staff, and co-workers. Observes and monitors patient responses and report changes as necessary. Identifies positively every patient before treatments. Encourages patient usage of incentive spirometry devices at regular intervals throughout the shift. Performs patient care duties as a CRT, demonstrating knowledge and competency to deliver care to all age groups. Produces a high level of quality care with concern for efficiency, cost effectiveness, and communication. Performs other duties as assigned. 5. Gives and receives patient status report daily at shift change between Respiratory Care personnel. Arrives promptly at designated report times for transmission of information. Confers with Director regularly throughout the shift concerning various status reports. OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The Respiratory Therapist is supervised by the Director and/or the Supervisor of the Cardiopulmonary Department. They are responsible to staff the Respiratory Care Department. Their work hours are flexible and are not limited to one shift (i.e. days, nights, afternoons, and weekends). They are also on call as needed and must be willing to work other shifts as needed. The Therapist is responsible for patients treatment and diagnostic testing. They must maintain accurate statistical and medical records. They also must maintain all sanitation and sterilization of equipment as well as provide required maintenance of the Arterial Blood Gas machine. They are responsible for care and transportation of oxygen cylinders and stocking all Respiratory supplies throughout the entire hospital. RRT may start IVs if they have attended an IV start in-service provided by a qualified Registered Nurse or CRNA. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Must have professional appearance and demeanor and have good communication skills. Patient teaching may be required at various times when ordered by a physician. Must be able to manage anger/fear/hostility/violence of others appropriately and convey a professional and positive image and attitude regarding the facility at all times. Must be able to work alone, handle multiple priorities, and work in areas that are confined and/or crowded. WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is typically performed in an adequately lighted and climate controlled environment. Employee will have risk of exposure to blood and body fluids. Universal Precautions must be used at all times.    Qualifications: MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, ABILITIES): The Respiratory Therapist must be a graduate of a high school or have a GED.  They must be a graduate of an accredited school and have successfully completed a certification exam.  An Associates degree is preferred.  A Kentucky State License is mandatory.  Current certification in CPR/BLS is also a requirement.  Must have comprehensive knowledge of theoretical and clinical working of Respiratory Therapy.   OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, REGISTRATIONS, ETC.) The Respiratory Therapist should be able to communicate well with supervisors, charge nurses, patients, staff and families.  The technician should act with compassion as well as competence when dealing with their patients. Must be able to present themselves in a professional manner and must be able to follow written and oral directions. ACLS is encouraged but not required. CRT or RRT preferred.