Respiratory Therapist - Plantation Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Position Summary: Responsible for direct care, equipment management and other respiratory related duties relevant to delivery of quality care in a safe environment according to the interdisciplinary care plan approach.

Qualifications:

1. Current state of Florida license CRT/RRT credentials
2. Acute care and/ or long term care Pediatric and/or geriatric experience
3. CPR certification
4. Proficient in airway and ventilator management for children and/or adults.
5. Ability to communicate effectively
6. Ability to work with others as a team
7. Must be able to function independently
8. Must demonstrate good judgment, tact and  patience with others

Physical Demands/Working Conditions:

Predominately heavy work as defined by Dictionary of Occupational Titles

1. Sufficient mobility and strength to move freely, to assure patient safety at all times and to assist,

transfer or otherwise move patients and essential equipment Requires standing walking, reaching, bending, kneeling, crouching, pushing, pulling. The position characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. However, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

2.     Water exposure through frequent hand washing with soap.

3.     Potential direct exposure to blood, body fluids, infection disease, air contaminants and hazardous chemicals.

General Appearance:

1. Must wear appropriate scrubs and MUST have stethoscope at all times
2. Must be neat and clean with appropriate attire to carry out duties
3. Nails must be trimmed; Jewelry worn should not pose a risk injury.
4. Perfumes and colognes may be respiratory irritant to some and are not allowed.

Responsibilities: Carries out all responsibilities according to the policies and procedures of the facility and within the scope of practice of individual licensure, under the direction of the charge nurse Lead Respiratory Therapist.

1. Utilize knowledge and skills to assess and manage the patient respiratory status, including, but not limited to:

a. physical assessment and interpretation-auscultation, performing diagnostic studies (ABG, CBG, etc.), sputum specimens, monitoring and interpretation of SaO2,pCO2, blood gas values, and other diagnostics, assist with procedures, assess patient response to interventions and determine appropriate course of action.

b. airway management-care of artificial airway and cuff, suctioning, positioning, medication      administration, humidification, aspiration precautions.

c. Ventilation management-monitor assess work of breathing, monitor and assess lab values and results of others diagnostic tools, oxygen and medication administration, COPT, postural drainage, monitor and assess patient response to interventions

             2.  Other duties as assigned