RESPIRATORY THERAPIST

Sweeny Community Hospital; Sweeny (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Sweeny Community Hospital is seeking a Respiratory Therapist to provide cardiopulmonary care in accordance with physician orders, department policies and hospital policy. You will administer therapy and tests to support diagnosis and treatment of heart and lung disorders.

Responsibilities include operating ventilators, blood gas analysis, arterial punctures, pulmonary function testing, EKGs and thorough documentation.

Qualifications

• NBRC registered or certified and current state license (RCP).
• BLS certification, ACLS within six months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Maintains knowledge of oxygen delivery methods and equipment.
• Administers respiratory therapies and nebulized meds and monitors effects.
• Performs chest physiotherapy to loosen secretions.
• Sets up and monitors ventilators and provides critical care duties.
• Monitors ventilation during CPR and performs arterial blood sampling.
• Performs arterial punctures and blood gas analysis.
• Conducts pulmonary function testing and documents data.
• Performs EKGs and files reports per procedures.
• Adapts techniques to patients of varying ages (pediatric to geriatric).
• Ensures equipment safety, maintenance, cleaning and testing.
• Maintains department cleanliness and patient/family communication.
• Coordinates care and reports patient status to staff.

Skills

Clinical knowledge

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Independence

Attention to detail

Confidentiality

Teamwork

Job description

Job Details

Location: Sweeny, TX 77480
Type: Full Time
Shift: Graveyard

Summary / Objective

The Respiratory Therapist is responsible for providing cardiopulmonary care services in accordance with specific physician orders, department policies and procedures, and hospital policy. The Respiratory Therapist administers respiratory care and life support to patients with deficiencies and abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary system, performs diagnostic tests of the cardiovascular and pulmonary system to aid physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of heart and lung disorders.

Essential Functions

• Maintains knowledge of the various methods of oxygen delivery, including the necessary equipment. Remains alert, assesses possible side effects to oxygen delivery.
• Administers respiratory therapy treatments and nebulized medications; understands the purpose of each and the possible side effects associated with each.
• Performs chest physiotherapy involving percussion and postural drainage to loosen and mobilize secretions in the lungs and clear the airway.
• Sets-up and monitors mechanical ventilators and performs the critical care duties associated with the procedure.
• Monitors patients to ensure adequate ventilation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Performs arterial punctures to obtain arterial blood samples and understands the possible complications and contraindications associated with the procedure; performs blood gas analysis.
• Performs pulmonary function testing.
• Follows departmental equipment maintenance, cleaning, sterilization and packaging procedures as necessary.
• Documents all pertinent data in the patient’s medical record following the completion of any service, and reports the condition of the patient to nurse, physician or relief personnel.
• Performs EKGs, sends reports to physicians who request them, and files reports with medical records according to department procedures.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the differences in technique and treatment modalities performed on patients of varying ages, including pediatric, adolescent and geriatric patients.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of oxygen concentrations and medication doses as they relate to patients of varying ages.
• Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly; inspects and tests respiratory therapy equipment to ensure it functions safely and efficiently.
• Maintains the department in a clean, neat and orderly condition.
• Treats patients and families with respect and dignity; explains the purpose and procedure of treatments, tests and equipment to the patient and family; coordinates and directs patient care to ensure patients’ needs are met and that hospital policy is followed.

Competencies

• Knowledge in general clinical services.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to determine appropriate course of action in more complex situations.
• Ability to work independently and with other team members, exercise creativity, be attentive to detail and maintain a positive attitude.
• Ability to manage multiple and simultaneous responsibilities and prioritize scheduling of work.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of all medical, financial, and legal information.
• Ability to complete work assignments accurately and in a timely manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to handle difficult situations involving patients, physicians, or others in a professional manner.
• Maintains the highest standards of professional performance for the benefit of the patient, physician and community in accordance with professional standards and Code of Ethics.

Supervisory Responsibility

Performs certain duties or functions of the department director as delegated or on a temporary basis during the absence of the director.

Work Environment

Work in varying degrees of temperature (heated or air‑conditioned). Work under extreme pressures. Work with the risk of possible exposure to various communicable or infectious diseases. Work with risk of possible exposure to hazardous and toxic chemicals that require special care in their usage.

Physical Demands

Position requires light to moderate work with 50 lbs maximum weight to lift and carry without assistance; anything over 50 lbs requires another person or a lift device. Duties may require reaching, bending, stretching, stooping and handling objects with hands and/or fingers. Requires walking the length of the hospital on one’s own and helping move a patient with another employee or a lifting device. Requires regular talking and hearing. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Position Type / Expected Hours of Work

The therapist must be able to take call on a rotating schedule as needed and respond within 30 minutes. Must be able to work weekends and holidays on a rotating shift, extended shifts or night shifts under circumstances such as continuous mechanical ventilation or disasters, and be willing to work overtime if circumstances warrant. Must attend in‑service programs, seminars and workshops as requested.

Travel

No travel is required except for completing required continuing education and/or training.

Required Education, Experience and License

NBRC Registered or Certified and current state license (RCP). Must have the ability to acquire a working proficiency of various types of therapy and testing. Must maintain a current BLS certification and obtain ACLS certification within six months of hire and maintain it thereafter.

AAP/EEO Statement

Sweeny Community Hospital provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Other Duties

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.