Respiratory Therapist

Performs basic and advanced therapeutic, diagnostic and life support respiratory care procedures in general and in intensive patient care areas, or home care environment. 

Schedule: Full-Time, Days / Nights, 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assesses, plans, implements and evaluates patient care in order to achieve optimum patient outcomes for patients of all ages as appropriate to service area.
• Age specific ongoing assessments are completed, documented and used to develop a plan of care.
• Collaborates with members of the health care team/patient/family to develop, implement, and evaluate an age-specific interdisciplinary plan of care. Revises plan according to changes in patient status.
• Treatments and medications for patients of all ages are accurately administered and documented.
• Patient/family (caregiver) educational needs are identified in a timely manner, incorporated into the plan of care, implemented and documented appropriately. 
• Actively participates in performance improvement program by obtaining desired outcomes.
• Assures personal and professional development through participation in educational activities and completion of annual competency validation.
• Consistently demonstrates the role of patient advocate, protector of patient’s rights, and provider of psychological/social/cultural support.
• Applies knowledge of growth and development to appropriately care for patients served.
• Determines and performs within clinical, leadership and / or education pathways to support (direct/indirect) evidence based quality patient care service and performance improvement.
• Exhibits clinical expertise in rapidly changing circumstances.
• Plans strategies to reduce length of stay, turn around time, resource consumption and improve patient outcomes.
• Functions as role model for clinical practice to coworker, students and physicians.
• Manages resources, establishes priorities, and modifies environment to meet patient care needs.
• Completes manager/director predetermined projects within specified time frame and according to pre-established guidelines..
• Uses problem solving methods to facilitate resolution to patient and personnel situations that present in the work area.
• Takes an active role in the orientation of new employees.
• Provides feedback to staff using appropriate communication and documentation.
• Provides input into practice, environment and work issues by participating on unit, hospital and /or organization activities which facilitate staff participation/input in decision making.
• Assists with providing educational activities for the respiratory care department, other hospital departments and the community.
• Consistently deliver the best in customer service and patient care. As a team member, demonstrate respect, dignity, kindness and empathy in each encounter with patients, families, visitors and other employees.
• Champion Kissito’s standards for IPER: comply with the policies and procedures, ethical standards and code of conduct set forth by the company.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate degree and / or certification required from CoARC (Committee on Accreditation of Respiratory Care Education) approved school of respiratory therapy. 
• Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner by the VA State Board of Medicine.  
• Certified / Registered Respiratory Therapist (C/RRT) by the National Board for Respiratory Care.
• 1-5 years of experience is preferred. 

 PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS:

• Work requires moderate effort for such activities as bending, stretching, stooping, pushing or walking. 
• Occasional heavy lifting. 
• Occasional exposure to seasonal unpleasant environmental conditions or cramped workspace. 
• Occasional exposure to serious injury or environmental hazards to include blood and bodily fluids requiring standard precautions. 
• May be exposed to infectious diseases, bio-hazardous materials and combative patients. 
• Work is performed in patient care environment and is often fast-paced, requiring use of prioritization skills.