Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory Therapist Extern

Patients depend on our team for the best in evidence-based care and innovative therapies, such as inhaled nitric oxide, high-frequency oscillation, and invasive and non-invasive ventilator support modalities. Opportunities exist for motivated Registered Respiratory Therapists (and Certified Respiratory Therapy Technicians) with the skills to provide a high level of quality service in a variety of settings including the ED, Trauma and Critical Care.

The Respiratory Therapist Extern works under the direction of Respiratory Therapists (RT). The extern is responsible for maintaining an appropriate level of equipment and supplies in the various work areas and assisting Respiratory Therapists with various procedures and tasks.

Responsibilities:

• Assists with transporting patients.
• Assists with patient education related to COPD, Asthma, Bronchiolitis, Smoking cessation education (under the supervision of an RT).
• Assists with keeping patient rooms and areas stocked, clean, and orderly.
• Cleans and disinfects respiratory equipment, Bi-paps, Vents, High flows, after patient use.
• Checks difficult to intubate and emergency carts for scope expiration dates, etc., and maintains and ensures logs are up-to-date.
• Delivers equipment and assists RTs in assigned areas.
• Performs EKG testing as delegated.
• Keeps respiratory inventory supplies up to par in all designated supply areas.
• Exchanges medical gas tanks from empty to full in storage areas throughout the hospital.

Competencies:

• ACCOUNTABILITY
• ARTERIAL BLOOD GAS SAMPLING - ARTERIAL PUNCTURE
• ARTIFICIAL AIRWAY CARE/MAINTENANCE
• CUSTOMER SERVICE
• HFNC/VAPOTHERM
• INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL
• MECHANICAL VENTILATION WEANING/PULMONARY MECHANICS
• MEDICAL GAS NEEDS
• NON-INVASIVE POSITIVE PRESSURE VENTILATION (NIPPV)
• PATIENT AND FAMILY CENTERED CARE
• REPROCESSING EQUIPMENT
• RESPONDING TO CHANGE
• STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR

Education and Certification Requirements:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent (Required)
• BLS American Heart E-Card (BLS AHA ECARD) - American Heart Association (AMERICAN HEART)
• BLS Cert American Heart_non ecard (BLS AHA) - American Heart Association (AMERICAN HEART)
• BLS Certification Grace (BLS GRACE) - Employee Grace Period for Essential Credential (GRACE)
• BLS Cert Red Cross (BLS RC) - Red Cross (RED CROSS)
• PALS American Academy of Pediatrics (PALS AAP) - American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
• PALS American Heart_non ecard (PALS AHA) - American Heart Association (AMERICAN HEART)
• PALS American Heart E-Card (PALS AHA ECARD) - American Heart Association (AMERICAN HEART)
• PALS Certification Grace (PALS GRACE) - Employee Grace Period for Essential Credential (GRACE)
• PALS Red Cross (PALS RC) - Red Cross (RED CROSS)

Additional Job Information:

Complexity of Work: This role requires critical thinking skills, effective communication, decisive judgment, and the ability to build and foster positive relationships. Required Work Experience: Enrollment in a Associate of Science in Respiratory program and completion of, at least, the first year of the program. No experience required. Other Information: Must be actively enrolled in an accredited Respiratory Therapy Program and must have completed, at least, one (1) year of the program.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Asbestos = 0%
• Audible Speech = 80%
• Bending and Stooping = 80%
• Bio hazardous Waste = 80%
• Biological Hazards - Respiratory = 80%
• Biological Hazards - Skin or Ingestion = 80%
• Blood and/or Bodily Fluids = 80%
• Climbing = 0%
• Communicable Diseases and/or Pathogens = 80%
• Computer Monitor = 80%
• Cytotoxic Chemicals = 60%
• Depth Perception = 80%
• Distinguish Color = 80%
• Domestic Animals = 60%
• Dust = 60%
• Extreme Heat/Cold = 0%
• Fire Risk = 40%
• Gas/Vapors/Fumes = 80%
• Hazardous Chemicals = 0%
• Hazardous Medication = 60%
• Hazardous Noise = 40%
• Hearing Acuity = 80%
• Heating Devices = 60%
• Hypoxia = 0%
• Keyboard Entry = 80%
• Kneeling = 80%
• Laser/High Intensity Lights = 0%
• Latex = 60%
• Lifting or Carrying > 75 lbs Non-Patient = 0%
• Lifting or Carrying 0 - 25 lbs Non-Patient = 80%
• Lifting or Carrying 25.01 lbs - 75 lbs Non-Patient = 80%
• Lifting/Carrying Patients 35 Pounds or Greater = 80%
• Magnetic Fields = 80%
• Moving Mechanical Parts = 80%
• Needles/Sharp Objects = 80%
• Potential Electric Shock = 40%
• Potential for Physical Assault = 60%
• Pushing or Pulling > 75 lbs Non-Patient = 60%
• Pushing or Pulling 0 - 25 lbs Non-Patient = 80%
• Pushing or Pulling 26 - 75 lbs Non-Patient = 80%
• Radiation = 60%
• Reaching = 80%
• Repetitive Movement Foot/Leg = 0%
• Repetitive Movement Hand/Arm = 80%
• Running = 60%
• Seeing - Far = 80%
• Seeing - Near = 80%
• Sitting = 60%
• Smelling Acuity = 60%
• Squatting = 80%
• Standing = 80%
• Sudden Decompression During Flights = 0%
• Taste Discrimination = 0%
• Unprotected Heights = 0%
• Walking = 80%
• Wet or Slippery Surfaces = 80%