Job Description

• Initiates, monitors, and maintains life support systems for residents in the skilled nursing facility.
• Performs airway care and maintenance.
• Manages artificial ventilator status as directed by an approved protocol.
• Maintains and troubleshoots mechanical ventilators.
• Participates in cardiopulmonary resuscitation procedures including bag ventilation and closed chest massage.
• Initiates, monitors, and documents performance of various respiratory care modalities.
• Performs assessment of residents' cardiopulmonary status utilizing physical assessment and history taking skills, laboratory findings, and professional judgment to formulate a respiratory care plan upon the order of a physician.
• Checks physician's orders for completeness and pertinent information to determine precautions to be observed at bedside.
• Observes and charts vital signs and resident's general appearance, including breathing exercises and teaching to residents.
• Notifies supervisor of all new starts and discontinued residents.
• Administers proper technical respiratory care procedures and dispenses proper dosage of medication.
• Acquires and adjusts devices to ensure optimal results from therapy, including masks and trach equipment.
• Observes resident's respiratory rate and pattern, pulse, breath sounds, and reaction to medication during and after treatment.
• Documents all resident care services rendered as part of a medical record.
• Accepts and transcribes verbal orders related to respiratory care procedures.
• Sets up, maintains, and records log entries on all types of oxygen and respiratory supplies and equipment as required.
• Instructs residents and family members in the rationale and methodology of every respiratory procedure administered to facilitate cooperation and understanding.
• Attends internal and external educational programs to maintain and enhance technical skills and clinical competencies.
• Participates in interdisciplinary resident rounds and conferences to plan and evaluate effective resident care.
• Participates in quality assurance program data collection as assigned.

• Completion of a NBRC approved and accredited program in respiratory therapy.
• One year of clinical practice experience under medical direction.
• Current Basic Cardiac Life Support certification.
• Current State Licensure for a Respiratory Care Practitioner.
• Nice-to-haves
• Experience in skilled nursing facilities.
• Knowledge of geriatric care practices.
• Familiarity with quality assurance programs.

• Health insurance coverage.
• Paid holidays.
• Professional development opportunities.