Job Code:	1262
Job Title:	Respiratory Therapist III
Creation Date:	2/24/07
Revision Date:
FLSA Status:	Exempt

JOB SUMMARY:

Possesses experience and is highly knowledgeable and skilled in respiratory care and assessment.  Provides competent basic and specialty care utilizing an interdisciplinary approach and individualizing care to meet unique patient needs. Able to manage unexpected emergency situations effectively. Serves as preceptor for new orientees and respiratory care students.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

·       Assesses the respiratory care needs of patients.

·       Identifies potential and actual diagnosis/patient care needs and identifies the contraindications and possible complications of patients receiving respiratory care.

·       Use specialized knowledge and skills to proficiently administer and monitor a patient’s response to respiratory care procedures such as hyperinflation therapy, tracheal suctioning, chest therapy, (hyper) humidity therapy, and cough therapy.

·       Collaborates with other care providers regarding the overall plan of care and initiates, evaluates, and reviews respiratory care plans that reflect a multidisciplinary approach to appropriate preventive action.

·       Capable of patient assessments and presenting clinical decision-making rationale in logical and understandable phrasing for RCS personnel, new orientees, nursing staff and medical staff as it applies to the patient being treated.

·        Demonstrates advanced knowledge and skills as demonstrated by participation in special clinical programs

·        Proficiently provides comprehensive and effective patient/family education and instruction.

·        Participates in interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary groups to improve patient outcomes

·        Demonstrates thorough knowledge of the set up and maintenance of respiratory equipment.

·        Proficiently performs blood gas analysis and pulmonary function tests.

·        Maintains oxygen, humidity, and aerosol therapy equipment inventory and supplies.

·        Actively participates in patient rounds.

·        Maintains patient records and equipment inventory.

·        Maintains records and prepares reports.

MARGINAL OR PERIODIC JOB FUNCTIONS:

·        Adheres to internal controls and reporting structure.

·        Performs related duties as required.

REQUIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:

·        Graduation from an approved Respiratory Therapy Program with a Bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Care or other healthcare-related specialty and four (4) years experience in respiratory care, to include at (2) years of critical care experience. 

·         Must be a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). 

·         Must have BCLS, ACLS, and Certified as a Neonatal Respiratory Practitioner

EQUIPMENT:

Standard and specialized respiratory care equipment, related supplies and mechanical devices.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/LOCATION OF POSITION:

·        Work environment is located in a comfortable indoor area.

·        Conditions such as noise, odors, cramped workspace and/or fumes could sometimes cause discomfort.

·        Moderate to extreme physical effort may be required such as walking, standing and lifting materials, equipment, objects, and/or patients.

·        Occasional lifting may be heavy and awkward, over 50 lbs.

·        Vision, hearing, talking, and sense of touch abilities must be adequate enough to enable one to quickly and accurately perform tasks such as: performing a physical assessment to include lung sounds, equipment alarms, reading small print, reading from monitoring equipment, defining details, sending and receiving clear and accurate verbal communication.

·        Frequent periods of concentrated or focused attention will be needed to interpret visual, auditory, and sensory inputs.

·        Shift work may be required.

·        Alertness and careful attention to detail will be required to avoid injury.

·        May be exposed to such occupational hazards as communicable diseases, radiation, chemotherapeutic agents, and disoriented or combative patients.

·        May be required to be on standby and work extended shifts in situations deemed necessary by a designated Assistant Vice President for Patient Care Services & Chief Nursing Officer and/or Director of Patient Care Services & Assistant Chief Nursing Officer.

OTHER:

Specific job requirements or physical location of some positions allocated to this classification, may render this position security sensitive, and thereby subject to the provisions of Section 51.215, Texas Education Code.

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents in lieu of stated minimums require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.