PRN Respiratory Therapist-RRT Day Shift

General Summary: The Respiratory Therapist performs a variety of therapeutic and diagnostic cardiopulmonary procedures that are intended to improve the cardiopulmonary status of patients with the use of appropriate equipment and supplies. The Respiratory Therapist is actively involved in department activities, transdisciplinary team activities, and LifeCare activities to ensure individualized, patient-centered health care for all patient populations admitted to LifeCare Hospital.

Patient Population: Has contact with patients in a clinical setting; understands and demonstrates appropriate behavior when interacting with patients in the adult (18-65 yrs of age) and geriatric (65 and older) populations.

Supervision: Not applicable.

Standard Essential Functions

• The knowledge and skills necessary to perform the position requirements are demonstrated through the successful completion of competencies established for the position, to include population served and other special needs of patients or customers, served by the department.
• Adheres to LifeCare policies, procedures, all safety plans, and all standards imposed by regulatory organizations.
• Regular attendance and timeliness is required.
  
  

Job Specific Essential Functions

• Develops and documents a plan for respiratory therapy treatment. Recommends changes and/or alternatives in orders/treatments to the physician to achieve patient compliance and maximum benefits to the treatment program. Communicates changing patient needs to physician.
• Assesses patients using a variety of diagnostic tests and monitoring devices to evaluate the patients’ cardiopulmonary status. Appropriately documents all assessments, treatments, procedures, test results and patient responses in a timely manner.
• Provides and documents emergency care including airway management, intubation, and CPR. Responds to emergencies in hospital as needed and assists the team in a calm and effective manner when responding to emergencies.
• Provides and documents education administered to the transdisciplinary team, patient and family concerning diagnosis, treatment, and post discharge care. Provides training and supervision of respiratory techniques for members of the transdisciplinary team and students (if applicable). Works in collaboration with the transdisciplinary team, patient, and family.
• Plans and organizes work to effectively schedule patient treatments, maintain patient records and charges. Inspects, cleans, tests, maintains, and rotates respiratory therapy equipment to ensure that equipment is functioning safely and efficiently, requesting repairs when necessary. Reports equipment maintenance and/or repair timely.
• Participates in departmental data collection to quality patient care and safety. Participates in Laboratory and/or Point-of-Care quality control, proficiency testing and performance improvement activities.
  
  

Values

• We COLLABORATE: We develop our treatment plans in collaboration with physicians, clinicians, and patient's families.
• We ADVOCATE: We advocate on behalf of every patient and family.
• We RESPECT: We recognize and value the dignity, rights, and resources of each patient.
• We PROVIDE: We provide complex medical care with purpose and compassion.
• We SERVE: We serve as a TEAM with integrity at all levels focused on achieving the best possible outcomes for our patients.