Respiratory Therapist

Cambridge Healthcare Services; Bell Gardens (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Briarcrest Nursing Center in Bell Gardens, CA is seeking a Respiratory Therapist to perform physician-directed respiratory care for residents. You will administer IPPB, oxygen, nebulizers, and ventilation support while maintaining patient dignity and privacy.

Responsibilities include documenting care, performing chest therapy, operating ventilators, and ensuring equipment is cleaned and ready for use. CA licensure and BLS are required, with experience in a skilled nursing setting preferred.

Qualifications

• Current California Respiratory License (NBRC credentialed).
• Must have valid BLS certification.

Responsibilities

• Conduct physician prescribed respiratory treatments using IPPB, oxygen devices, nebulizers and related equipment.
• Explain procedures and purposes of treatments to residents.
• Perform chest physical therapy to mobilize secretions and clear airways.
• Operate and monitor ventilators as directed by the physician and team.
• Record respiratory care activities and patient data in charts promptly.
• Maintain and sterilize respiratory equipment and participate in QC activities.

Skills

English proficiency

Education

California Respiratory License (NBRC credentialed)

BLS certification

Job description

Briarcrest Nursing Center is a 135-bed skilled nursing facility located in Bell Gardens, CA.

5648 Gotham St, Bell Gardens, CA 90201

POSITION SUMMARY

The purpose of your job position is to perform the duties of respiratory care upon the physician’s request by following the federal, state, and local guidelines that govern the facility and as directed by the DON and Administrator.

The Respiratory Therapist will treat each resident fairly, kindly, and show them dignity and respect. They will refer to each resident by their name. They will communicate clearly, empathetically, and effectively when speaking to residents, family members, visitors, all staff and governmental agencies. They will work cooperatively with all departments and multidisciplinary teams. They will demonstrate patience, initiative and willingness to assist residents that may be difficult or in discomfort. They will relate all pertinent information concerning a resident's condition to a charge nurse as required. They will be committed to always doing the right thing.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conducting physician prescribed treatments of a routine nature operating Intermittent Positive Pressure Breathing (IPPB) Machine, various oxygen devices, nebulizer and ultrasonic nebulizer in order to administer prescribed medicinal vapors and gasses, humidity and various oxygen concentrations to the respiratory system of the resident

• Explaining the purpose and procedure treatments to residents

• Performing chest physical therapy treatments involving percussion, postural drainage, and suctioning in order to mobilize secretions and mucus in the lungs and to clear airway blockage in the respiratory systems

• If authorized, performing arterial puncture, operates blood gas analyzer measuring and determining the acid base balance efficiency of ventilation, and metabolism of the respiratory systems

• Setting up, operating and monitoring ventilators

• Ensuring the adequate maintenance of ventilation during cardio-pulmonary resuscitation

• Performing pulmonary function studies determining the volume, distribution, and movement of air in the respiratory system

• Timely recording of all respiratory care records in residents chart

• Reporting treatments to be conducted and condition of residents to relief personnel

• Processing respiratory therapy equipment - cleaning, sterilizing and packaging as required

• Performing preventative maintenance and repair of equipment as needed

• Frequent rounding to check residents oxygen equipment, replacing humidifiers as necessary, as well as spot-checking other respiratory equipment on a timely basis

• Participating in the Hazardous Material Program. Hazards include exposure to blood and body fluids, possible communicable diseases, sharp objects and instruments, assorted chemical and gasses as listed in the Hazardous Materials Program Manual

• Participating in QC activities as requested

• Protecting each resident's file and data with confidentiality per HIPAA standards.

• Abiding with all facility policies and procedures including not disclosing user ID codes and passwords

Every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position. However, it in no way states or implies these are the only duties you will be required to perform as directed by management. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or is an essential function of the position.

REQUIREMENTS

Education / Licensure

• Current California Respiratory License (credentialed by the NBRC)

• Must have valid BLS certification

Qualifications / Experience

• Minimum of 1-year work experience, skilled nursing setting preferred

• Must be able to read, write, understand and communicate proficiently in English language

• Must possess excellent time management skills

• Working Conditions

• May be involved with residents, family and government agencies

• May be requested to work beyond scheduled working hours at times

• May be exposed to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including TB and the AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to sit, stand, bed, twist, walk and move intermittently throughout the day

• Must be able to work under stress and in emergency situations.

• Must be able to work under conditions that require sitting, standing, walking, reaching, pulling, pushing and grasping.

• Visual acuity is required to observe details of instruments required for life support.