Summary of Primary Function/General Purpose of Position
The Respiratory Care Practitioner is responsible for providing respiratory care through patient assessment, planning, intervention, education, and evaluation. Performs all respiratory care procedures within scope of license. Monitors the patient's response to therapies and makes recommendations to change or modify based on the assessment.
Essential Job Functions
In collaboration with the interdisciplinary care team, conducts initial and ongoing patient assessment, analyzes assessment data, creates a plan of care, implements treatment, and evaluates treatment effectiveness.Performs treatments and therapies according to physician orders. Explains therapy and therapeutic goals to patient; modifies treatment procedures based on patient response. Sets up and maintains different modes of therapy. Determines appropriateness of prescribed therapy and recommends methods to physician to achieve therapeutic goals.Maintains proper documentation, patient medical charting and recordkeeping. Maintains established policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance program, safety, environmental, and infection control standards.Provides patient education on cardiopulmonary diseases/disorders and associated treatment options. Instructs patient and patient’s caregiver(s) in incentive spirometer, metered dose inhaler (MDI) administration, oxygen therapy, home aerosol therapy, or ventilator care, if applicable.Sets up and maintains respiratory therapy equipment and supplies.May serve as a preceptor to new team members and/or students.Responds to cardio-pulmonary resuscitations and actively participates as indicated by clinical circumstances.This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.
Licensing/Certification
Current Respiratory Care License in the state they are working (required)
National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) credentialed (required)
Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) (preferred)
BLS Basic Life Support - American Heart Association (required)
ACLS Advanced Cardiac Life Support - American Heart Association or Red Cross (preferred)
PALS Pediatric Advanced Life Support - American Heart Association (preferred)
Valid driver’s license (required for Home Care/DME)
Education
Graduate of an AMA approved school for Respiratory Care (required)
Bachelor's Degree in a related field (preferred)
Work Experience
Previous working experience in an ambulatory or acute care setting (preferred)
6 months Respiratory Therapy experience in a general care area (preferred)
Training
EPIC Electronic Health Record (EHR) training (preferred)
Language
None
Patient Population – Competency is based on the patient population of the site/facility
Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development of the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his or her age, specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in departmental policies and procedures.
Neonates (0-4 weeks)
Infant (1-12 months)
Pediatrics (1-12 years)
Adolescents (13-17 years)
Adults (18-64 years)
Geriatrics (65 years and older)
Working Conditions
Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur
May be exposed to physical altercations and verbal abuse
May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights
May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids*
May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials*
May have periods of constant interruptions
* Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.
Physical Requirements
Physical Demands
Frequency 0% 1-33% 34-66% 67-100%
Lifting/ Carrying (0-50 lbs.) X
Lifting/ Carrying (50-100 lbs.) X
Push/ Pull (0-50 lbs.) X
Push/ Pull (50-100 lbs.) X
Stoop, Kneel X
Crawling X
Climbing X
Balance X
Bending X
Work Position
Frequency 0% 1-33% 34-66% 67-100%
Sitting X
Walking X
Standing X
Additional Physical Requirements/Hazards
Physical Requirements
Manual dexterity (eye/hand coordination)
Perform shift work
Maneuver weight of patients
Hear alarms/telephone/audio recordings
Reach above shoulder
Repetitive arm/hand movements
Finger Dexterity
Color Vision
Acuity – far
Acuity – near
Hazards
Depth perception
Use of Latex products
Exposure to moving mechanical parts
Exposure to dust/fumes
Exposure to potential electrical shock
Exposure to x ray/electromagnetic energy
Exposure to high pitched noises
Gaseous risk exposure
Skills
Strong interpersonal skills and able to effectively interact with patients, their families, physicians, and other staff members
Good communication skills
Able to effectively work with diverse people
Good customer service skills
Good organizational skills and time management skills
Good oral and written communication
Able to receive feedback
Able to gather and interpret data
Accountability
Knowledge of non-invasive respiratory therapy equipment such as oximeters or end-tidal CO2 analyzers
Therapeutic Procedures to include CPAP/BiPap, jet aerosol, oxygen therapy, incentive spirometry, chest physiotherapy, pulse oximetry, high flow oxygen, continuous aerosols, ventilator management, diagnostic testing.
Understanding of EKGs, electronic monitoring, lead placement, and basic arrhythmias.
Arterial blood gas punctures and testing
Airway maneuvers
Bedside pulmonary function
Patient assessment
Patient education
Knowledge of chest suction equipment
Knowledge of chest X-ray interpretation
Many of our opportunities reward* your hard work with:Comprehensive, affordable medical, dental and vision plans
Prescription drug coverage
Flexible spending accounts
Life insurance w/AD&D
Employer contributions to retirement savings plan when eligible
Paid time off
Educational Assistance
And much more
*Benefits offerings vary according to employment status
All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you'd like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Mercy Health – Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours – Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employers, please email recruitment@mercy.com. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team at recruitment@mercy.com