I. POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of Respiratory Manager, performs various therapy modalities to patients as ordered by the physician. Manages ventilators and other diagnostic or monitoring devices. Keep appropriate clinical and clerical patient records. Perform patient assessment and education. Participate in staff education and supervision as necessary. Supervise equipment and departmental supply maintenance and perform other duties as assigned by the Respiratory Manager.

II. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Lifting: Lifts air cylinder, positioning equipment up to 25 pounds between ground and shoulder frequently. Patient transfers (50 pounds) using appropriate assistance devices to assist as required occasionally.
• Carrying: Carries air cylinders, various equipment up to 25 pounds throughout the hospital, with assistance if required, frequently.
• Standing: Works on feet in one position frequently
• Walking: Walks on a routine basis daily to assist hospital patients frequently.
• Reaching: Reaches for equipment from overhead storage, assists patients, reaches over equipment to set up flow meters, etc. frequently.
• Talking: Speaks in pleasant, well-controlled voice with all customers to exchange information, patient education and answer questions frequently.
• Fingering: Manipulates switches, dials, and buttons: positions electric plugs frequently
• Performing and assisting in CPR.
• Blood Gas Functions: Performing Arterial Blood Gases(ABGs), Documentation, Preliminary Analysis, Analysis/Post Analysis, Blood Gas Interpretation, Perform all required function of ABG machine.
• Age Specific Competency: Knowledge of medication/treatment dosages and administration based on patient’s age, weight and clinical condition. Demonstrates knowledge of adult respiratory physiology. Able to assess respiratory status of adult patients. Explains rationale for all treatments, tests and procedures, explaining to patient prior to performance. Patient education of patient’s Respiratory Diseases and management.

Clinical Skills: Able to assess/reassess patients when administering prescribed medications and medical gases. Demonstrates thorough knowledge of the set-up, documentation, and use of: Ventilators, EKGs, ABG machines, Hand-Held Nebulizers, Venturi Mask, Partial rebreathing mask, Non-rebreathing mask, Simple oxygen mask, nasal cannula, Tracheotomy Care, Pulse oximeter, administering oxygen, oxygen tanks, suction, suction machines, as well as any other Respiratory procedures in conjunction with the listed items above. Cleaning, disinfecting and sterilizing of equipment, performing instrumentation calibration, as well as quality control testing.

I. EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Graduate of AMA-approved school of Respiratory Therapy.
• Licensed by the Respiratory Care Board in the State of California
• CRT required, RRT preferred.
• Current BLS and ACLS certifications are required. PALS certification is optional.

II. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

a. Physical Activity- Medium work - Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and /or up to 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and /or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

b. Working Hazards or Risks – potential for musculoskeletal injuries related to moving/lifting patients and equipment; potential for exposure to infectious processes and hazardous substances within the hospital environment.

OSHA Blood Borne Risk Category I.