Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

Department: Chambersburg Respiratory Therapy

Schedule: 

PRN, Day/Evening/Nights (As Needed)

Min of 24 hours off shift per 6 week schedule

Position Function:   Under the supervision of the Manager of Respiratory Care Services, administers various types of respiratory treatments to patients, assists with assessing and evaluating respiratory care to patients and assists with the development and evaluation of respiratory care services.  Contributes to the Respiratory Care Service, Hospital, and American Association of Respiratory Care through support of objectives, educational and research efforts.  The RRT is responsible to recognize and treat physical changes unique to the age group he/she serves.
 

Assesses respiratory and cardiac-ill patients (both routine and emergency) upon admission, throughout hospitalization and at the time of discharge so as to provide adequate care.

Plans and directs patient care (both routine and emergency) by assuming responsibility as well as accountability for the development, review and implementation of the respiratory care plan.

Identifies and implements appropriate respiratory care activities, observations and actions in order to achieve expected outcomes/goals.

Directs and mentors others among whom respiratory interventions are delegated.

Evaluates patient respiratory progress toward achievement of expected outcomes/goals

Evaluates patients with a history of chronic pulmonary conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, COPD, bronchiectasis, respiratory failure, pneumonia, pulmonary hypertension, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and obstructive sleep apnea. Using developed assessment tools and clinical evaluation, makes recommendations for treatment and follow-up care.

Assists with coordination of durable medical equipment with case management to help facilitate a safe and effective discharge process. Educates pulmonary team on the qualification process and identifies areas to improve this process.

Maintains communication with all members of the care team to improve inpatient treatment and improve the transition of care at discharge.

** All of the above must be accomplished in a safe and efficient manner within Respiratory Care Services scope of practice and Hospital policy. 

Responsibilities

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

1.   Creates and updates policies and/or procedures.
2.   Provides care by approved protocols and guidelines when applicable.
3.   Provides non-concurrent therapy.
4.   Provides education appropriate to disease and level of patient/caregiver understanding.
5.   Demonstrates continuing education beyond licensure requirements.
6.   Demonstrates competence in one or more of the specialty areas.
7.   Completes special projects and research tasks as assigned or approved through immediate supervisor within established time frame.
8.   Demonstrates the ability to prioritize workload so that important deadlines are met.
9.   Assesses, plan, prepares and provides in-service education and training for physicians, respiratory and nursing staff.
10.   Assists in the development and implementation of new programs.
11.   Responds appropriately to emergency situation.
12.   Demonstrates involvement in unit by attending 50% of staff/committee meetings and in-services for area.
13.   Maintains all equipment in a state of readiness, completes daily rounds for inspection and/or calibration of emergency equipment.
14.   Demonstrates effective problem-solving skills related to patient status.
15.   Verifies written orders, accepts and records verbal orders in medical record. Performs chart checks daily. 
16.   Utilize all existing technologies (i.e. e-mar barcoding) to safely administer medications.
17.   Utilizes proper body mechanics to prevent injury to self or others.     
 

Qualifications

Qualifications and Standards
 

Education:   
Formal Education and Training:  Associate's degree from an AMA-accredited Respiratory Therapist Program or satisfies the educational requirements for a registered therapist as established by The National Board for Respiratory Care or Pennsylvania Medical Board. Informal or Continuing Education:  As appropriate.  

Experience:   Experience applying customer service behaviors and communication skills required.   Previous acute care respiratory experience preferred. 

Certifications/Licensure:   Credentialed as a Registered Respiratory Therapist by the National Board for Respiratory Care and licensed as a Respiratory Care Practitioner by the Pennsylvania Medical Board required.  BLS certification required. NRP required within 6 months of hire.  ACLS required within 6 months of hire.  PALS required within 6 months of hire.