JOB SUMMARY The Respiratory Therapist I (RT I) provides a full range of diagnostic and therapeutic respiratory care services to patients of all age groups. Responds to cardiopulmonary emergencies providing airway maintenance and manual and mechanical ventilatory support using a variety of devices and techniques. Administers therapeutic gases, inhaled aerosol medications and humidity therapy.
Obtains, reviews, and interprets data and assesses the need for and response to respiratory care interventions and consults with medical and nursing personnel to optimize patient care planning. Performs arterial blood gas analysis and a variety of cardiopulmonary diagnostic procedures. Provides patient and family instruction in respiratory therapy self-administration and proper use of equipment and supplies.
Responsibilities % of time Essential Function (Yes/No) Key Responsibilities 45% Yes Assessment, administration and documentation of intermittent aerosolized medication therapy, bronchial hygiene, oxygen, and lung expansion therapies. Consults with physician’s ordering services to assure patients are continually receiving the most appropriate and cost-effective modalities of therapy. 40% Yes Application, maintenance, monitoring, troubleshooting and documentation of non-invasive and invasive mechanical ventilatory support systems.
Assessment and monitoring of patient-ventilator interrelationship to assure safe, appropriate, effective support and timely weaning. 5% Yes Contributes to the achievement of departmental quality and performance goals. 5% Consults with RCS, Nursing, Medical, and other patient care personnel to develop and implement individualized care plans for optimal provision of respiratory care. 5% Maintains all age specific and technical competencies required to work in all clinical areas served by the Respiratory Care Service. 100% REQUIRED
This position requires flexibility to orient and work at all UCSF Medical Center locations. Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Therapy program conferring eligibility to sit for the Registered Respiratory Therapist examination of the National Board of Respiratory Therapy. Strong communication and leadership skills.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and to collaborate and work effectively within intra and inter departmental teams. Ability to establish and maintain productive and positive working relationships with internal and external customers. Possess the knowledge and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.
This includes but is not limited to the ability to perform all of the required procedures and assessments and possession of a thorough understanding of the techniques and rationale for the selection and application of respiratory care procedures.
Prior experience and demonstrated abilities in: Critical or emergency care Implementation and application of patient-driven protocols. REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS: Valid and Current California Respiratory Care Board Respiratory Care Practitioner License. Current Registered Respiratory Therapy (RRT) Certificate from NBRC.
Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (HCP) certification
Day shift