Job Description

The Respiratory Care Practitioner, RCP, provides care to patients with pulmonary deficiencies and abnormalities. Assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates respiratory care modes. Coordinates patient care within the overall medical plan of care in conjunction with physician’s orders and appropriate department/hospital guidelines. Responsible for care of neonates to geriatrics. Actively and consistently contributes to department operations and communications, behaves in a manner consistent with the mission, vision, and values of Pipeline Health, upholding standards of AIDET (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, Thank you) patient communication.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

Essential Functions:

• Manages artificial airways.
• Accurately document care given, the patient’s condition, and any other observations or interactions made utilizing the appropriate forms.
• Conducts respiratory assessments and makes appropriate recommendations based on findings.
• Performs ventilator weaning parameters and makes appropriate recommendations based on results.
• Demonstrates timely physician notification of significant changes in patient’s condition and other conditions requiring physician notification.
• Administers aerosolized liquids and medications.
• Monitors oxygen therapy.
• Performs spirometry, to include incentive spirometry, peak flows, VC, and FVC.
• Delivers Intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB) therapy.
• Safely and effectively use of all respiratory equipment, as listed in the equipment book.
• Implements emergency measures immediately for life threatening emergencies.
• Maintains basic knowledge of cardiology.
• Operates, performs routine maintenance, and manages mechanical ventilators, including Bi-Pap.
• Assists with C – sections and operates/sets-up infant ventilator.
• Draws arterial blood gases and interprets results.
• Changes trach tubes and troubleshoot for problems associated with trachs.
• Perform EKG’s.
• Uses clear, concise, professional communication with coworkers, patients, all customers internal and external.
• Uses AIDET in interactions with patients and family members. Utilizes white boards for patient communication.
• Collaborates across disciplines to assist in coordination of patient care, including but not limited to patient transfer, discharge, referrals, and spiritual/psychosocial support needs.
• Acts with a sense of urgency when performing tasks.
• Basic unit/department maintenance such as keeping files, drawers, cabinets free from unnecessary clutter.
• Reports on any equipment and or environmental issues for repair.
• Abides by HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations.
• Utilizes SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) when communicating with oncoming shift, physician communication and giving report to ancillary or other nursing services.
• Speaks up to stop the line and escalates potential safety events if necessary.
• Completes and attends monthly training assigned.
• May float to other areas of the hospital as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Behavioral Standards:

• Treats everyone as their customer; utilizes scripting and other tools to ensure consistency in customer service; Expresses recognition and shows appreciation to others; fully utilizes AIDET principles; responds quickly to handle requests, complaints, and questions; displays a positive attitude.
• Demonstrates the highest level of professionalism, passion and care when interacting with patients, families, physicians, and hospital staff members.
• Using a lens of equity in all aspects of patient care delivery, education, and research to promote policies and practices to allow opportunities for all to thrive and reach their potential, embracing ingenuity to service our customers.

Communication/Knowledge:

• Wears nametag properly; follows dress code policy; answers phone correctly and promptly; is prepared for meetings; meets deadlines; does not participate in gossip; acts ethically and treats others with respect; respects customer’s and co-worker’s time; establishes and maintains effective relationships with customers and co-workers.

Collaboration/Teamwork:

• Attends staff meetings; follows HIPAA guidelines; follows patient rights policy; complies with the compliance program; demonstrates knowledge of role in a disaster; demonstrates knowledge of fire and fire drill procedures; working knowledge of hospital emergency codes; always utilizes standard precautions in the clinical setting; safely manages the environment of care by demonstrating a working knowledge of the requirements of the: Life Safety program, Utilities Management program, Hazardous Materials program, Emergency Preparedness program, Safety Management program, Medical Equipment Management program, Security Management program.

Experience:

• Minimum six (6) months’ experience working in a healthcare setting.
• Prior experience as a respiratory care practitioner but will train new graduated students from accredited schools.
• Critical thinking, service excellence and good interpersonal communication skills, ability to read/comprehend written instructions, strong organizational skills, ability to follow verbal instructions, and PC (computer) skills.
• A capacity to learn, synthesize, make critical judgments, work independently, place patients and families first, and collaborate with the team members who are recognized leaders within health care.