Plan, organizes, and directs the provision of respiratory therapy services for patients of the hospital as ordered by a physician. Supervises department personnel and all functions including respiratory therapy equipment and procedures, conducting pulmonary functions, EKGs, and arterial blood gas analysis.

　　Job Qualifications:

　　Education:Graduate of an approved JRCRTE Program RRT Associate degree required; Bachelor of Science degree preferred OR an equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities for the position.

　　Personal Job-Related Skills:Demonstrated leadership and management abilities and effective oral and written communication skills.

　　Licensure, Registry or Certification:Credentialed by NBRC as an RRT. Current Texas licensure as a Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP). BLS required; ACLS and PALS preferred.

　　Experience:

　　Prior Work Experience:Three years experience as a Registered Therapist with supervisory and critical care experience preferred.

　　Technical Training:Basic computer skills required.

　　Physical and Mental Requirements:Duties of the position require intermittent periods of sitting, standing, and walking with occasional periods of exertion when performing treatments. Repeated bending, stooping, and reaching is required. Pushing and pulling up to 50 pounds and carrying may be required during the patient treatment process, or when transferring or supporting patients who may suddenly become weak or helpless. Must be physically able to operate equipment used in the job. Vision requirements include close, distance, color vision and the ability to adjust focus; must be able to hear conversation to interact with physicians, patients, staff, family members and other team members. The work environment may be subject to noise from equipment. Stressful situations involving patients may occur during treatment. Employees are exposed to patient elements.

　　The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position without compromising patient care or standards of the areas supervised.

　　ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

　　This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities assigned to this job classification. Changes and/or additions may be made as needed.

　　Supervises and performs all aspects of direct respiratory care according to physicians order and / or approved protocols. Consults physicians on effectiveness of therapy and makes appropriate recommendations.

　　Demonstrates knowledge in various modes and methods of oxygen delivery and the equipment needed for each and can conduct prescribed therapeutic procedures to achieve adequate oxygenation.Maintains patients airways. Initiates, monitors, and maintains mechanical ventilators and is aware of the crucial care duties and effects of such therapy.Supervises and performs or directs arterial punctures and analysis of the blood. Maintains blood analyzer per policy and procedures, and follows all regulations required by COLA and CMS standards. Performs and evaluates blood sampling analysis with a thorough understanding of the values, and the importance and treatment of abnormal results.Administers therapeutic procedures, understanding the purpose and benefits, and possible effects associated with each.Performs diagnostic procedures as outlined in policy, such as PFTs, EKGs and ABGs.Evaluated current therapies using appropriate judgment and making proper recommendations concerning plans of care and patient education needs.Documents therapy and results as required by hospital department and regulatory agencies. Communicates information t appropriate members of the healthcare team.Initiates, conducts, and modifies respiratory care techniques in an emergency setting.Follows departmental safety guidelines. Completes all regulatory requirements.Completes annual proficiency evaluation of respiratory care equipment and procedures.Is proficient in the electronical medical records and its interface with the Respiratory Therapy department.Provides care appropriate for the neonate and the pediatric, adolescent, and geriatric patients served based on demonstrated knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span.Assesses and interprets data on neonate and the pediatric, adolescent, and geriatric patients status to identify patients requirements relative to their age-specific needs and provides care needed a stipulated in departmental policy.Observes and evaluates respiratory care provided:

　　Discusses the condition and treatment of patients with the patients physician and staff members and recommends changes in respiratory care when indicated.Monitors respiratory services to assure quality and seeks improvements.Provides quality assurance reports to the hospital Quality Improvement committee.Provides for maintaining stock levels of supplies and for obtaining and maintaining required equipment:

　　Establishes a system for the procurement, storage, control, and issue of respiratory supplies.Keeps abreast of changes in technology and recommends equipment to be purchased or modification of existing equipment.Provides for the maintenance of equipment including preventive and periodic maintenance, and for its cleaning and sterilizing.Manages department functions and supervises department personnel:

　　Initiates department policies, procedures, and practices consistent with hospital policy and technical requirements.Establishes management control procedures to create efficient and effective provision of respiratory services.Supervises and coordinates activities including work routine and schedules, and selects, hires, develops, evaluates, disciplines, and terminates department employees in compliance with hospital policy.Directs and coordinates department budget preparation and monitors the use of approved budgeted resources.Assures compliance with federal, state, and other regulations or standards pertaining to respiratory operations.Plans and implements safety policies and procedures and participates in the educational process for department personnel:

　　Assurance compliance with exposure control practices for the designated OSHA classification when involved in direct patient care or when handling potentially infectious materials.Demonstrates knowledge and support of the Emergency Preparedness Plan and Safety Policy.Demonstrates recognition of emergency codes and consistently implements appropriate emergency procedures and lifesaving equipment.Follows safety policies and procedures and Quality Improvement Guidelines and participates in these activities as directed:

　　Observes safety regulations and procedures covering safety related issues.Assists with and participates in Quality Improvement activities as required.Attends annual health and safety education as scheduled.Observes infection controls practices at all times.Other significant