Respiratory Therapist-Pulmonology

Department:

Union:

Shift:

Hours Per Pay Period:

Salary Range:

Job Description:

Pay Range: $37.96-$53.15

Job Summary

As a respiratory therapist you will provide a wide range of treatments to people who have cardiopulmonary, or breathing, problems. The therapist may consult with other health practitioners to develop patient care plans, provide complex therapies, evaluate and examine patients.

Job Duties

Meets patient's goals and needs and provides quality care by conducting pulmonary function tests; assessing and interpreting evaluations and test results; determining respiratory therapy treatment plans in consultation with physicians and by prescription. Evaluates effects of respiratory therapy treatment plan by observing, noting, and evaluating patient's progress; recommending adjustments and modifications. Encourages patients to self-manage health, e.g. promote healthy behavior changes, motivational interviewing, etc. Assures continuation of therapeutic plan by designing home exercise programs; instructing patients, families, and caregivers in home exercise programs; recommending and/or providing assistive equipment; recommending outpatient or home health follow-up programs. Has proactive role in patient population management. Ensures coordination of care, e.g. referral tracking, communication with hospitals about a patients stay, etc. Documents patient care services by charting in patient and department records. Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations. Protects patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols. Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer's instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs. Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies. Complies with federal, state, and local legal and certification requirements by studying existing and new legislation; anticipating future legislation; enforcing adherence to requirements; advising management on needed actions. Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed. Actively participates in quality improvement activities. The above is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of essential functions for the job described, but rather a general description of some of the responsibilities necessary to carry out the duties of this position.

Excellent verbal, analytical, written and interpersonal communication skills.  Skilled in exercising independent judgment. Skilled in establishing and maintaining working relationships with staff and physicians. Devices such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.  Emergency care, including artificial respiration, external cardiac massage and assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.  The requirements for treatment, such as type, method and duration of therapy, precautions to be taken, and medication and dosages, compatible with physicians' orders. Must possess the personal characteristics of professionalism, credibility, commitment to high standards, innovation, discriminating judgment, and accountability.

Job Requirements

Minimum Education: Completion of Two (2) year advance practice RT Education Program/AS Degree

Preferred Education: Not Applicable

Minimum Experience: 0-6 months related experience

Preferred Experience: Not Applicable

Required License: Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) issued by the state of California

Preferred License: Not Applicable

Required Certification: American Heart Association recognized BLS – Heartsaver, Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

Preferred Certification: Not Applicable

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against applicants or employees based on race, color, gender, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law.