GENERAL SUMMARY:
Under the supervision of the Director of Respiratory Therapy, the Certified Respiratory Therapist is responsible for all therapeutic and diagnostic respiratory care as well as ventilator management, non-invasive ventilation, oxygen administration, to include set up and administration, tracheostomy care, tracheostomy changes, disposable circuit change assessment and reassessments, and pulmonary rehabilitation.
The Certified Respiratory Therapist must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served by his/her department – young adult through geriatric. The Certified Respiratory Therapist must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span; possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status; interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to their age-specific needs; and to provide the care needed as described in Respiratory Therapy Department's policies and procedures.
EDUCATION:
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Must be a graduate of an AMA approved school for Certified Respiratory Therapists.
WORK EXPERIENCE:
No previous work experience required.
SPECIAL EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:
Must possess a valid PA Drivers License.
Current PA State Certified Respiratory Therapist License issued by the PA State Professional and Occupational Affairs Office required.
Must be cleared by PA State Police criminal history check.
Must be proficient in all aspects of mucous clearance devices/techniques to include vest therapy, percussion, and positioning to insure maximal drainage of all lung segments.
Must be proficient in the operation of cylinder medical gas, regulators, flowmeters, humidifiers, nebulizers, all modes of oxygen administering devices (masks, cannulas), intermittent positive pressure breathing machines, inexsufflator therapy, intra Pulmonary percussive ventilation, noninvasive ventilator, incentive spirometers, continuous volume and pressure ventilators, all types of manual resuscitators, volume alarm systems, pressure alarm systems, oxygen analyzer, arterial blood gas sampling kits, pulmonary functioning devices to include bedside spirometry and tracheostomy care.
Good written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills required for effective communication with staff, management, and patients.
Good computer skills and basic arithmetic skills preferred.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Light work: duties require exerting up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally (approx 10-33% of shift), and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently (approx 33-66% of the time), and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move, lift, carry, push, and pull objects.
Position involves bending, reaching, and stooping (occasionally in strained position) throughout shift.
Ability to transport self throughout facility is required.
ACCIDENT OR HEALTH HAZARDS:
Occasional exposure to blood and body substances.
Exposure to needle sticks possible.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Must travel as required.
Works in a well-lit office and patient care areas.
CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF JOB:
+--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 30% Ventilator Management to include ventilator set up of all | | prescribed parameters to include volume, pressure, and dual mode | | ventilation on resident with less than adequate respiratory functions to | | include Positive End Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) and Pressure Support | | (PS). Perform oxygen analysis, monitors cuff pressure and provides | | inline and standard suctioning procedures. Institutes Weaning protocols | | and communicates with the physician nurse on resident’s ability to | | wean. (E) | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 10% Tracheotomy Tube Care to include changing and / or cleaning the | | inner cannula, changing tracheotomy dressing, as well as tracheotomy | | ties. (E) | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 8% Set up and administers all modes of Oxygen Therapy to include | | performing daily oxygen rounds, and verifying proper function of oxygen | | appliance. (E) | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 5% Changes and tags out all disposable circuits to include oxygen | | appliances, nebulizer circuits, High Humidity circuits, and ventilator | | circuits. (E) | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 10% Performs respiratory assessments and reassessments on all | | residents requiring nebulizer treatments and oxygen dependent residents | | and making appropriate recommendations to physicians. (E) | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 3% Assists, schedules, and prepares Bronchoscopy equipment for | | Pulmonologist. The Respiratory Therapist is responsible for the cleaning | | and maintenance of the Bronchoscope. (E) | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 2% Draws and coordinates the transport of arterial blood gas samples. | | (E) | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 2% Induces sputum collections – a procedure in which deep lung | | secretions are made available for laboratory analysis – using special | | equipment for aerosol. (E) | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 2% Sets up and administers in Exsufflator and Intra-Pulmonary | | Percussive Ventilator while assessing effectiveness. (E) | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 2% Administers aerosol therapy, adding increased amounts of humidity | | to patient’s tracheal-bronchial tree. (E) | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+
Required Skills Required Experience
REQUIREMENTS
Meet one of the following experience/education requirements for Security Officer: