Respiratory Therapist II

Job Description

Job Summary:

• Under direction and general medical supervision, administers respiratory therapy to patients, prepares respiratory therapy treatment programs for patients, performs complex respiratory treatments, electrocardiography testing and cardiopulmonary services, performs medical diagnostic procedures and other medical technical instrumentation to patients at Client Center and at assigned health care locations that may include skilled nursing facilities, home care, clinics and physician offices.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

• This is the journey level in the Respiratory Therapy flexible classification series.
• The Respiratory Therapist II is more fully trained and experienced, with work being distinguished by increased consultation with physicians, increased training responsibilities and the use of more complex treatment techniques.
• This level may be assigned off-site to perform duties that are consistent within this classification.
• This level works under supervision and carries out routine medical technical therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Administers IPPB therapy.
• Performs humidity and aerosol therapy.
• Administers medical gas and pulmonary drainage procedures.
• Performs cardiorespiratory resuscitation, electrocardiography testing, and related procedures.
• Administers aerosolized drugs.
• Provides continuous mechanical ventilation; maintains artificial airways.
• Performs more complex pulmonary function testing.
• Cleans and prepares equipment; performs routine mechanical maintenance on respiratory therapy equipment.
• Makes periodic and emergency checks on respiratory therapy equipment installations.
• Operates analyzers to determine saturation of oxygen and other gases in the blood.
• Implements infection control and demonstrates knowledge of aseptic techniques.
• Responds to emergency calls throughout the hospital.
• Documents care given; maintains records of treatment given; generates necessary documents for charges or record keeping.
• Dependent upon area of practice or department assignments, demonstrates clinical knowledge and skill in the care of the newborn, infant, toddler, child, adolescent, adult and geriatric patient.

Other Functions:

• Assists with maintenance and processing of equipment and products used in providing cardiopulmonary services.
• Performs arterial blood gas sampling.
• Assists with bronchoscopies.
• Participates in training and supervision of new employees; assists in the instruction of nursing personnel in surveillance of patient and equipment after initial installation.
• Performs intubation of the patient.
• Under direction, may be responsible for the operation of the department.
• Performs EEG, EKG, Pulmonary Function and Echocardiogram tests, records results and related duties as required.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Requirements:

• Possession and maintenance of a current American Heart Association Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) card, Advanced Cardiovascular Lift Support (ACLS) card, Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) card, & Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP).
• Appointees not possessing the BLS card must successfully complete appropriate training and qualify for the BLS card within 60 days of employment.

Registration And Or Certification:

• Eligible for registration with the National Board for Respiratory Care as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).
• Certified by the National Board for Respiratory Care as a Certified Respiratory Therapy Technician (CRTT).

Licensure:

• Possession of a valid, current license as a Respiratory Care Practitioner issued by the State of California.
• Possession of a Class C California Driver’s License may be required by assignment to off-site locations.
• Depending on assignment incumbents may be required to possess and maintain specific certificates of competency as a condition of employment.