Job Description

Respiratory Therapist

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

The Respiratory Therapist directs and provides professional respiratory therapy for an assigned group of patients across the age continuum. Utilizes assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation to direct or provide care. Respiratory Therapists practice under the able guidance of physicians and should ensure that all respiratory care, starting from diagnosis to therapeutic treatment is properly carried out. Works well under pressure and in emergencies, detail-oriented, able to follow exact instructions, works well in a team or alone and possesses considerable computer proficiency.

Projects a professional demeanor and appearance, while maintaining the confidentiality of patients, coworkers, and facility information while adhering to the HIPAA policy. Reports in good faith, any known or suspected activity that appears to violate laws, rules, regulations, or the SP Code of Conduct. Fulfills annual Cornerstone continuing education requirements per policy.

Patient Population:

The patient population served by South Texas Spine & Surgical Hospital is a minimum of 12 years and/or of adult stature to geriatric patients requiring or seeking pain and/or surgical intervention.

Physical Requirements:

May be expected to lift up to 50 pounds or up to 150 pounds with assistance. May be expected to push or pull 150-300 pounds with assistance. Work is of medium demand; walking or standing most of the time while on duty. Visual and auditory acuity and manual dexterity essential to performing designated duties required. Optimal auditory acuity required. Manual dexterity involving the handling of equipment and instruments or needles is essential to performing assigned duties. Physical conditions are clean, neat and well lit. May be subjected to unpleasant sights and odors, stressful situations and hazardous or infectious agents where judgment as to precautions needed to be taken is essential. Climate control and ambient temperature variances may be experienced and required by patient care and needs of the surgical team. Exposure to limited amounts of radiation, hazardous chemicals or substances and infectious disease processes are a possibility. Hours of duty may be irregular or unexpectedly extended due to the requirements of the daily surgical schedule.

OSHA Exposure Classification:

Job Category I. Direct contact with blood or other body fluids to which standard precautions apply. Personal protective equipment is made available and must be worn.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrates eligibility for employment in the U.S.
• Bachelor of Science or Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy
• Certified or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
• Licensed under the Texas Medical Board, transitioned from the Texas Department of State Health Services to practice.
• BLS certification within 30 days, ACLS certification and PALS certification within 60 days of hire.
• 2 or more years of experience preferred
• Ability to stay calm in emergencies and make decisions that could save a person's life.
• Knowledge in operating respiratory equipment, such as ventilators, aerosol generators, therapeutic gas administration devices, etc.
• Knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field.
• Knowledge of state, federal and accrediting body regulations and standards related to healthcare.
• Ability to read, write and communicate effectively in English, with additional languages preferred.
• Demonstrates ability to comprehend written and oral instructions.
• Willingness to participate in goal-setting and educational activities for his/her own professional advancement and that of others.
• Must be computer literate with basic fundamental computer skills that are required to perform essential job related duties.

Duties and Responsibilities:

PEOPLE

1. Adheres to staffing schedules, attendance policy, and cooperates with daily assignments as requested.
2. Demonstrates skills as a team player.
3. Provides direct patient care in the assigned clinical areas and demonstrates clinical competence.
4. Demonstrates ability to solve problems timely and constructively; maintains focus on improving the situation.
5. Willingness to teach others and participate in competency programs.
6. Completes Healthstream modules in a timely manner annually.
7. Participates in staff meetings for department and facility for informative and educational purposes.

SERVICE

1. Demonstrates highly effective communication skills with staff, management, physicians, patients, and family members.
2. Establishes and maintains exceptional service to all customers including physicians, patients and employees with the goal of delighting all customers.
3. Participates in service recovery by taking ownership of the situation and correcting problems. Keeps customers informed of progress related to clinical operations and provides comfort, information and assistance during the process.
4. Models appropriate interaction with physicians, patients and staff to ensure high level of service in all areas of responsibility.
5. Communicates changes in status as necessary to physicians, family members, and other staff.

QUALITY

1. Complete and document physician orders, obtain necessary diagnostic test results and notifies appropriate physicians and staff regarding variances and/or concerns.
2. Assures the delivery of quality clinical care through participation in SP benchmarking programs.
3. Assures facility clinical policies and procedures are followed.
4. Maintains a safe clinical environment, adheres to all patient care safety requirements.
5. Reviews and participates in performance improvement initiatives.
6. Medical record documentation is accurate, legible, and in accordance with federal and accrediting standards.
7. Participates in quality improvement activities.

FINANCE

1. Conserves resources and minimizes cost when possible.
2. Participates and assists with implementation of cost saving initiatives for the department.
3. Communicates ideas for cost containment and reducing expense.
4. Appropriate staffing levels and overtime is below established benchmarks.
5. Medical record documentation should be completed accurately for all cases.

GROWTH

1. Through competency and customer service, employee will contribute to the growth of the facility.
2. Employee communicates service line development ideas with facility leadership.
3. Employee engages in customer service conversations with physicians as adjunct to facility marketing initiatives.

OTHER DUTIES

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