Summary:

Respiratory Therapy is the Allied Health Science dealing with the prevention and care of lung diseases. Respiratory Practitioners at Cibola General Hospital work in the adult critical care unit, general floors, emergency room as well as the pulmonary function laboratory. They assist with seriously ill patients in Radiology, CT scan, and with ambulance transports. Administers physicians’ prescriptions for therapy with a working knowledge of therapy indications, contraindications and complications of various types of therapy. Cibola General Hospital is equipped with a pulmonary function laboratory. The lab is able to perform a full range of studies, including Flow Volume Loops, DLCOs, and Nitrogen Washouts.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Administers physician’s prescriptions for therapy with a working knowledge of therapy indications, contraindications, and complications of various types of therapy.
2. Keeps an accurate record and charge of all therapy administered.
3. Relays pertinent information to physicians and nurses taking care of the patients.
4. Observes and enforces all safety rules and precautions in all departments. Is familiar with hospital fire and disaster plans.
5. Sets up monitors and regulates mechanical ventilators to breathe for patient who are unable to do so on their own.
6. Delivers oxygen, humidification, nebulizers, aerosols, and CPT per physician orders and/or protocol.
7. Performs testing techniques in the pulmonary function laboratory.
8. Participates in the CPR team.
9. Assists in airway management and intubations.
10. Performs in stress testing, EKG’s, EEG’s, Holter monitoring, drawing blood gases per department policy and procedure and other duties as assigned by department manager within the realm of his/her knowledge, skills, and abilities.
11. Provides patient and caregiver education as well as continuing education.
12. Discusses therapy for individual patients of respiratory care with physician in charge.
13. Provides the required respiratory care with continuing monitoring and evaluation.
14. Maintains the respiratory care equipment to required standard of function and cleanliness.
15. Contributes to evaluation and establishing the department’s standard policies and procedures.
16. Assists in the departmental research projects and in assessment of new respiratory care equipment and technology.
17. Participates in teaching and in-service education.
18. Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide a safe environment for neo-natal, pediatric, adolescence, adult and geriatric patients.
19. Understands and acts in accordance with Cibola General Hospital’s Compliance Policy/Code of Conduct. Reports to the Compliance Coordinator any conduct or activity, either observed or made aware of, that could be considered questionable, unethical or illegal.

Education/Licensure (Mandatory):

1. Associates Science Degree or 2 year AMA approved Respiratory Therapy Program. Must possess a thorough knowledge of principles, literature, standard practices, methods, techniques and new developments in this field; physiology and anatomy; special equipment, medications, studies and procedures, corrective treatment for complications.
2. Must have passed a national/international administered Respiratory Therapy exam.
3. Must hold one of the following credentials: Registered or Certified Respiratory Care Practitioner (RRT, CRT).
4. High school graduate or equivalent.
5. Must be licensed by the New Mexico Occupational Board as a Respiratory Care Practitioner.
6. Possess current CPR certification.

Professional Experience:

Two (2) year post-graduate preferred.

Specialized Knowledge (Desirable):

One (1) year experience critical care

One (1) year experience pediatrics

Some Emergency Room experience

ACLS certified

Physical Demands

Position requires ability to perform simple manipulative skills frequently; requires hand-eye coordination skills; walks, stands, and sits for prolonged periods. During some treatments may be required to assume uncomfortable positions. Stoops and bends frequently when administering treatments or assisting patients. Must be able to see objects clearly and hear normal sounds with some background noises. Handles and lifts supplies and equipment moving it throughout the hospital. Works in a well-lighted and ventilated hospital and patient’s rooms. Must take precautions when using gases and oxygen.

Conditions

Employee may be required to work days, evenings or nights and may be required to work overtime to provide patient coverage in emergencies.