Overview
The Respiratory Therapist - Special Procedures delivers specialized diagnostic, therapeutic, and supportive respiratory care to adult and pediatric patients, with primary emphasis on assisting pulmonologists in advanced pulmonary procedures, performing pulmonary function testing, arterial blood gas analysis, and educating patients with chronic respiratory diseases. The role may also encompass duties of a Registered/Certified Respiratory Therapist as needed.
Responsibilities
The Special Procedures Technologist provides diagnostic, monitoring, and rehabilitative services to adult and pediatric patients.
Accountability related to meeting/exceeding department goals, DCH Values, DCH Mission and VisionPulmonary Function Testing including plethysmographyPulmonary RehabilitationBlood collection and analysisSputum Induction and collectionNoninvasive cardiopulmonary monitoringBronchoscopy, EBUS, Thoracentesis, assisting physician in other procedures as neededAerosolized medications to include hand held nebulizer, metered dose inhaler, and dry powder inhalerDemonstrate leadership skillsRequires decision making that will affect othersResponsible to achieve outcomesMust be able to communicate clearly and accuratelyAbility to delegate to team members and studentsMust be able to receive delegationAddress conflict and stressful situationCommunicate with different personalities and engage in face to face discussionDealing with unpleasant or verbally/physically aggressive personalitiesParticipates in call rotationMust be able to use electronic mail, telephone and textingMust be able to work in groupsMust be able to perform structured and unstructured workMust be meet time pressure and time linesIncludes possible exposure to human body fluids, disease, infection, lab chemicals and hazardous materials and/or cleaning solutionsRequires wearing of common protective and safety equipment such as gloves, safety glasses, mask, gowns, etc.Perform Low/High Level Disinfection as per manufacturer’s recommendation (IFU)Performs and accurately records technical procedures safely, effectively, efficiently, and within scope of policyAdvocate for and participant in patient safetyGives rationale for actions, decisions, and clinical care, based on scientific principles, clinical practice guidelines, or successful experiencePatient care procedures include but not limited to the following:- Oxygen/Aerosol Therapy
- Bronchial Hygiene
- Postural Drainage and Percussion
- Intermittent Positive Pressure Breathing, VPEP, PAP
- Intrapulmonary Percussive Ventilation
- Cough Assist
- Aerosolized Medications
- Hand Held Nebulizer
- Metered Dose Inhaler
- Dry Powder Inhaler
- Adult/Pediatric/Neonatal Critical/Acute Care (Neonatal Intensive Care is not required)
- CPAP/BiPAP
- Mechanical ventilation including transport
- Heated High Flow Therapy
- Blood collection and analysis
- Emergency tracheostomy tube replacement
- Bedside Pulmonary Function Testing
DCH Standards:
- Maintains performance, patient and employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation.
- Performs compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee Handbook
- Must adhere to the DCH Behavioral Standards including creating positive relationships with patients/families, coworkers, colleagues and with self.
- Requires use of electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet.
- Must adhere to all DCH Health System policies and procedures.
- All other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Current Alabama Respiratory Care licensure.Associate Degree in Respiratory Therapy (Bachelor’s preferred) or certificate in Respiratory Therapy.Active Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential (CRT acceptable with experience).Minimum three (3) years of recent clinical experience as a Respiratory Therapist.Preferred: Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) or Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT).BLS (AHA) upon hire; ACLS (AHA) within six months of start date.Strongly encouraged: Membership in professional organizations (e.g., AARC, Alabama Society for Respiratory Care).Ability to read, write legibly, speak, and comprehend English.WORKING CONDITIONS
WORK CONTEXT
- Environmental Conditions: Includes exposure to human fluids, disease, infection, lab chemicals and hazard materials and/or cleaning solutions. Requires wearing common protective or safety equipment.
- Psychological Conditions: Includes demonstrating leadership skills. Delegating to team members, addressing conflict, communicating with all types of personalities, and being responsible for outcomes/results.
PHYSICAL FACTORS
- Ability to tolerate prolonged periods of standing and walking.
- Ability to lift and carry up to a maximum of 50 pounds with frequent lifting and/or carrying objects weighing up to 10 pounds.
- Ability to reach reasonable distances in any direction.
- Ability to run in emergency situations.
- Must be able to move fingers in a coordinated manner.
- Must have ability to feel and perceive temperatures, texture, shape and size with fingertips.
- Physical presence onsite is essential.
- Hearing and vision must be normal or corrected to within normal range.
- Able to perform the duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
