Respiratory Therapist ( Part-time or PRN) - NCCH - Tucson Medical Center

Northern Cochise Community Hospital - Willcox, AZ

Summary:Respiratory Care Practitioner / Respiratory Therapist (Part Time or PRN)serves patients and assist physicians/providers in the diagnosis, management, treatment, and prevention of disease by providing cardiopulmonary care services in accordance with specific physician’s/provider’s orders, department policies and procedures.

PART TIME SCHEDULE: 2 Days and 2 Nights On-Call

This position requires a commitment to teamwork, collaboration and department scheduling needs i.e. good attendance, attitude, customer services, communication skills, etc.,

Special Conditions:Subject to on call and call back after hours and weekends and during emergency conditions.

Position is Safety Sensitive / Drug Free Workplace / Vaccination Requirements.

Supervision Received:Works under the direct supervision of theCardio/Pulmonary Manager or designated administrator. Exercises progressive levels of autonomy in day-to-day activities based on satisfactory job performance.

Essential Functions:

Provides safe and appropriate cardiopulmonary services to patients.

• Accurately reads and verifies physician/provider orders.
• Communicates effectively with health care team.
• Follows The 5 Rights of Medication to reduce potential for medication errors.
• Administers respiratory therapy treatments to include, but are not limited to: nebulizers, patient ventilation, airway management, and monitors for possible side effects.
• Performs diagnostic testing functions to include, but are not limited to: arterial blood gas collection, pulmonary function testing, electrocardiograms, and cardiac stress test tracings.
• Assesses patient’s needs and ability to tolerate treatment and provides reassessment for patient’s response to treatment.
• Educates patient on cardiopulmonary issues and includes patient’s family as appropriate.
• Explains procedures and treatments to patient to gain patient cooperation, facilitate understanding, and alleviate patient apprehension.

Maintains up-to-date and accurate documentation of care provided to ensure the integration of information for use by the healthcare team to ensure quality care.

• Maintains/reviews patient records, charts and other pertinent information.
• Documents all care, procedures, medication administration, communication with ancillary departments and providers, and family interactions and interventions.

Ensures operation of equipment by performing preventative and corrective maintenance of equipment .

• Performs daily, weekly, monthly, or as needed, maintenance on instruments and equipment as appropriate.

• Performs calibration of equipment as required.

• Runs proficiency testing by established protocols.

• Follows established procedures for quality control and reports discrepancies to the appropriate supervisor.

Performs collection and pre-analytical process of biological specimens for analysis.

• Collects specimens directly from patients -- such as blood, sputum, etc.,

• Follows the Hospital Exposure Control Plans / Bloodborne and Airborne Pathogens.

• Works with infection control to follow proper precaution protocols.

Secondary Functions:

Maintains current knowledge/certification/licensure. Pursues professional growth and development.

• Maintains a current knowledge and understanding of differences in techniques and treatment modalities as performed on patients of all ages.

• Participates in professional growth functions and performance improvement activities.

• Attends skills fairs and in services as applicable.

• Participates in tracking Quality Measures.

• Completes annual competencies as required.

Provides employee mask fit testing services.