Respiratory Therapist (Certified or Registered) - Cherokee Nation

Performs all manner of respiratory therapy procedures and treatments prescribed by CNWWH medical providers.

Routine duties shall include providing health care services to individuals eligible for services in accordance with the self-governance compact and funding agreement between the Cherokee Nation and the United States executed under the authority of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act.  Establishes and maintains mechanical ventilatory support for critical newborn, pediatric, and adult patients using a variety of pressure and volume ventilators. Makes all ventilator adjustments as determined by the interpretation of diagnostic test results, observation and assessment, patient response, and ventilatory status.  Monitors the patient for changes in cardio-pulmonary status and responds appropriately. Maintains a patent and stable airway during resuscitation and mechanical ventilation; performs oral intubations, establishes and maintains the stability of artificial airway, and maintains appropriate cuff pressures.  Applies advanced ventilator techniques such as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), Pressure Support (PS), Synchronized Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation (SIMV), Positive End Expiratory Pressure (PEEP); demonstrates expertise in the management of patients on life support systems and is responsible for total care and maintenance of the equipment.  Establishes ventilator weaning criteria specific for each patient and initiates weaning procedures without direction from the physician. Performs extubations after it has been determined by the therapist that the patient has met all weaning criteria.  Initiates and performs effective CPR without physician direction. Ability to use a variety of manual resuscitators and maintains air exchange and respiration.  Transports patients, when necessary, within or outside the hospital while maintaining ventilation and perfusion.  Performs arterial punctures for blood gas analysis, interprets results and acts accordingly.   Makes recommendations to the physician regarding treatment based on blood gas results and clinical evaluation.  Obtains blood samples from the appropriate anatomical location on patients of all sizes and ages, or using Swan-Ganz and arterial catheters.  Performs daily calibrations and maintenance of the blood gas analyzer; quality control and assures accuracy of test results. Troubleshoots malfunctions and takes the appropriate steps to correct problems occurring with the analyzer.  Continually assesses the cardio-pulmonary status of patients using information collected from physical observation and the accurate interpretation of diagnostic test results. Determines the effectiveness and/or need for therapy.  Performs hemodynamic monitoring and interprets Pulmonary Artery Pressures, Pulmonary Capillary Wedge pressures, Cardiac Output, and Central Venous Pressure measurements to make adjustments in ventilation.  Assists the physician with special procedures including diagnostic and therapeutic bronchoscopy, thoracoscopy, thoracentesis, and surgical tracheotomy. Assists the Pediatrician with the delivery of high-risk infants, especially those born prematurely.  Performs Pulmonary Function studies, interprets results and makes recommendations to the physician relative to the patient's diagnosis and treatment.  Processes contaminated equipment, including cleaning and sterilization, assembly, function, and safety checks, and returns equipment to inventory in the proper location. Identifies and corrects mechanical malfunctions on all equipment; performs emergency repair on ventilators and assures reliability; checks inventory daily and replaces items needed for daily operations.  Documents all treatments, findings, observations, and progress pertinent to patient care in the appropriate medical record.  Demonstrates expertise (technique and theory) in the administration of a variety of treatment modalities, including Intermittent Positive Pressure Breathing (IPPB), Hand Held Nebulae's, oxygen and aerosol therapy, and chest percussion with postural drainage.  Serves as a consultant to the nursing and medical staff regarding diagnostic information, patient status, and appropriate treatment regimens for individual cases. Serves as a clinical instructor for Respiratory Therapy students.  Other duties may be assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

No supervisory responsibility.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENT

Associate's degree from a 2-year college or technical school; or two years (60 credit hours) coursework from an accredited college or university; or three years related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT

No additional experience required.

COMPUTER SKILLS

An individual should know Database software.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS 

Must possess and maintain a current Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license issued by the Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision (OSBMLS), or be eligible for a ‘Temporary Letter to Practice’ issued by OSBMLS until the board meets to issue an RCP license. The employee must obtain full licensure status within 6 months of hire.  Must be certified as a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) through the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) and maintain certification throughout employment.  Within ninety (90) days of employment must obtain Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certificates and maintain throughout employment.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

The employee must not be and will not be under sanction by the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (OIG), or by the General Services Administration (GSA) or listed on the OIG’s Cumulative Sanction Report, or the GSA’s List of Excluded Providers, or listed on the OIG’s List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE).  Must meet and maintain pre-employment and periodic background investigation and adjudication for child care.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee is frequently required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; the risk of electrical shock; risk of radiation and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions; extreme cold and extreme heat. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.