Johnson Regional Medical Center
Location
Clarksville, Arkansas
The Respiratory Therapist provides cardiopulmonary care services under the Director's supervision, involving administering treatments, setting up and monitoring ventilators, and performing arterial punctures for blood gas analysis. Responsibilities also include maintaining equipment, documenting patient data, performing EKGs, and educating patients and families on care techniques.
Candidates must be graduates of an AMA-approved School of Respiratory Therapy, hold current State Respiratory Therapist Licensure, and possess current ACLS certification along with Neonatal Resuscitation certification. Three or more years of previous experience in cardiopulmonary services is preferred, and strong English communication skills are required.
Under the supervision of the Respiratory Therapy Director, the Respiratory Therapist is responsible for providing cardiopulmonary care services in accordance with specific physician’s orders, department policies and procedures.
Maintains knowledge of the various methods of oxygen delivery, including the necessary equipment. Remains alert to and assesses possible side effects to oxygen delivery. Administers respiratory therapy treatments, understands the purpose of each and the possible side effects associated with each. Sets-up and monitors invasive and non-invasive ventilators and the associated critical care duties required for such treatment, such as airway management, tracheal suctioning, and endotracheal intubation. Able to assess patient pain interfering with optimal level of function or participation in rehabilitation. Makes appropriate physician contact for intervention. Performs arterial punctures to obtain arterial blood samples for blood gas analysis, and understands the possible complications and contraindications associated with the procedure. Follows departmental equipment sterilization procedures. Documents all pertinent data on the patient’s medical record following completion of any service. Maintains a thorough knowledge of all departmental forms, flow charts, logbooks and their proper usage. Performs EKGs, sends reports to physicians who requested them and files reports in department, according to department procedures. Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the differences in techniques and treatment modalities as performed on patients of varying ages, including neonate, pediatric, adolescent and geriatric patients, as well as the general patient population. Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of oxygen concentrations and medication doses as they relate to patients of varying ages, including neonate, pediatric, adolescent and geriatric patients. Follows the seven (7) medication rights and reduces the potential for medication errors. Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors. Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality. Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly. Inspects and tests respiratory therapy equipment to ensure that it is functioning safely and efficiently. Maintains thorough knowledge of hazards of oxygen therapy. Formulates a teaching plan based on identified learning needs of a patient and evaluates effectiveness of learning, Patient’s family is included in teaching as appropriate. Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Coordinates and directs patient care to ensure patients’ needs are met and that hospital policy is followed. Demonstrates ability to assess patient, his/her need, and ability to tolerate treatment and reassessment for response to treatment. Attends education inservice programs to maintain professional competency. Obtains appropriate hospital-specific education and training. Performs all additional duties as assigned by the department manager.
Professional Requirements: Adheres to dress code, appearance is neat and clean. Completes annual education requirements. Maintains regulatory requirements. Maintains patient confidentiality at all times. Reports to work on time and as scheduled, completes work within designated time. Wears identification while on duty, uses computerized punch time system correctly. Completes inservices and returns in a timely fashion. Attends annual review and department inservices, as scheduled. Attends 12 staff meetings annually, or reads and returns all staff meeting minutes. Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner. Actively participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities. Complies with all organizational policies regarding ethical business practices. Communicates the mission, ethics and goals of the facility, as well as the focus statement of the department. Regulatory Requirements: Current State Respiratory Therapist Licensure. Graduate of an AMA-approved School of Respiratory Therapy. Successful completion of Neonatal Resuscitation certification. Current ACLS certification. Three (3) or more years of previous experience in all aspects of cardiopulmonary services, preferred. Language Skills: Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing. Additional languages preferred. Strong written and verbal skills.
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