Respiratory Therapist

POSITION PURPOSE

Under general supervision of the Supervisor, the Respiratory Therapist is responsible for performance of all technical procedures related to the scope of service for the Cardiopulmonary Services Department. Adheres to required policies affecting clinical care and the organization’s operations.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Administers therapeutic modalities including, but not limited to: aerosol therapy, intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB), oxygen therapy, postural drainage and percussion, incentive spirometry, adult and pediatric mechanical ventilation, tracheal suction, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Competent in the performance of EKGs.
• Competent in the performance of EEGs.
• Performs other testing procedures to include Holter monitoring, EKG stress testing, and pulmonary functions.
• Accurately documents patient care given in respiratory therapy progress notes.
• Performs preventive maintenance including cleaning, sterilization, and minor repairs on all department equipment.
• Maintains departmental procedure logs; files EKG and respiratory therapy records; copies reports and delivers to patient’s medical record.
• Attends in-service/educational meetings and department as required.
• Adheres to infection control protocols.
• Abides by the HMH Legal Compliance Code of Conduct.
• Maintains patient confidentiality and appropriate handling of PHI.
• Maintains a safe work environment and reports safety concerns appropriately.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.
• Instructs and provides education to patient and family.
• Effectively communicates with physicians and other team members.
• Demonstrates adaptability, problem solving and professional behavior at all times.
• Participates in continuous Quality Improvement programs.

LATITUDE, CONTACTS/INTERACTIONS

All positions of Huntsville Memorial Hospital are part of an interdisciplinary team, and as such, participate in the care and service delivery process through effective interaction with other team members. Primarily interacts with hospital staff, medical staff, patients, and visitors.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Graduate of a professional Respiratory Therapy program. Persons obtaining RRT credential under grandfather clause are exempt

Experience: Prior experience in cardiopulmonary field preferred.

Licensure/Certification: Current State of Texas Respiratory Care Practitioner license required. Current registry by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) preferred. Basic Life Support certification required within 30 days of employment, before patient care is administered independently. Advanced Cardiac Life Support within 90 days of employment. Pediatric Advanced Life Support & NRP certifications required within 12 months of hire.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Frequent: lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, standing & walking.

Occasional: reaching, bending, squatting, climbing kneeling, twisting.

Visual and hearing acuity required; Color vision to perceive changes in patients and skin color and colors of medicines and solutions. Work is mostly inside, with good ventilation and comfortable temperature.

Possible exposure to: toxic/caustic chemicals or detergents, moving mechanical parts, potential electric shock, radiant energy, communicable diseases, blood borne pathogens

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Wellness Resources