Respiratory Therapist

JOB DESCRIPTION:

TITLE: RESPIRATORY THERAPIST
Reports to: Site Manager/ RT Director/ MSS President
Job Summary:
To provide respiratory patient care, including but not limited to, ventilator management and weaning, airway management, bronchodilator therapy and diagnostic testing. Assist with new staff hire orientation. Support patient, family and staff education, when indicated.
Qualifications:
•    Minimum 1 years’ experience, long term care preferred.
•    Graduate of a respiratory therapy school program approved by the AMA.
•    Must hold CRTT or RRT credentials.
•    Must have a current RCP, state license.
•    Must have/ provide a copy of diploma of highest level of education. (High school, AS, BS, MS etc.)
•    Must demonstrate independent time management, for patient care.
•     Must speak, write, read and comprehend the English language.
•    Must be physically able to meet the demands of the position.
•    Must have the ability to work independently and make decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
•    Must have the ability to effectively communicate with client personnel, patients, families, staff, visitors and physicians.
•    Must have BLS CPR card.
•    Must be available for weekends, holidays; when indicated.
•    Adhere to the policies and procedures for the provision of respiratory services, in accordance with the goals of Alden.
•    Adhere to the ABG lab policy and procedures for sample gathering, processing, reporting of arterial blood gas sticks; in accordance with the goals and safety of Alden Management Services (* when applicable)
•    Provide direct patient care, as indicated; per Alden’s policy & procedures.
•    Perform Q shift equipment changes, RT equipment trouble shooting, cleaning and disinfection of equipment; according to Alden’s policy & procedures. Initiate and mange accurate resident charting thru electronic portal and department documentation procedures.
•    Perform & document monthly resident evaluations. Review of resident’s respiratory orders and ensure that care is rendered according to physician orders.
•    Submitting next months availability to site manager/ MSS, by the 10th of current month.
•    Communicate pertinent census changes, equipment needs, resident/family concerns, patient care, to site manager/ MSS.
•    Supports vent patient’s independence from vent unit and for video swallow procedures.
•    Perform patient transports/ appointments; under the direction of Alden.
•    Perform required ABG lab quality control testing, patient testing, and proficiency program processes; when applicable.(Must qualify, with credentials, prior to ABG machine usage)
•    Be courteous to all employees, residents, and their families, and considerate of them, their environment, and their culture.
•    Prioritize and maintain a work schedule that is appropriate for the position.
•    Provide in-service education to employees of Alden & MSS and resident/ family education as indicated.
•    Attend in-service education when indicated. Review department memo’s and sign off on mandatory communications. Maintain state respiratory license.
•    Maintain and neat & organized therapy department and supply space.
•    Assist MSS/ Management staff in maintaining a positive, productive and beneficial working relationship with Alden staff.
•    Completion of annual OSHA and company competency process. Maintain up to date credentials for employee file. 
•    Provide both resident and staff confidentiality. (per Alden’s HIPPA guidelines)
•    Demonstrate good knowledge of equipment, along with maintenance, cleaning and care of respiratory devices/ modalities.
•    Perform required trach tube changes, per facility demand/ schedule.