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Kaiser Permanente

Respiratory Therapist - MMMC - Variable 36hrs

Kaiser Permanente, Wailuku, Hawaii, United States, 96793

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Job Overview

Respiratory Therapist - MMMC - Variable 36hrs at Kaiser Permanente Job Summary Monitors and ensures proper operation and functioning of respiratory therapy equipment. Monitors patients' physiological parameters during therapy. Administers medical gases and aerosolized drugs. Responsibilities

Initiates therapy under a physician's order and makes appropriate recommendations for modalities of therapy. Implements therapy for, and monitors patients while on continuous mechanical ventilators and all modes of positive pressure breathing devices. Utilizes clinical and other data to assess cardiopulmonary status of patients. Assists in intubation. Evaluates ventilator dependent patients' readiness to wean. Administers humidified medical gases as ordered by practitioners with authority to prescribe. Interprets blood gas results. Consults attending physician/practitioner regarding appropriate therapy. Performs arterial punctures. Withdraws blood samples from indwelling lines. Coordinates transport of ventilatory equipment. Implements and monitors care of patients on heated aerosols and CPAP as per practitioner order. Develops good working relationships with laboratory, x-ray, infection control, nursing, physicians and other healthcare workers to maintain optimum total patient care. Cleans and maintains all respiratory therapy equipment. Assists in maintaining adequate inventory of respiratory supplies. Conducts quality control tests on all respiratory equipment. Maintains equipment in safe, workable order; requests repair when necessary. Participates in continuous quality improvement teams as required. Monitors esophageal pressures, swan-ganz catheter data, CVP, arterial blood pressures, electrolytes, fluid balance and intravascular volumes as they pertain to respiratory patients. Performs chest physiotherapy, manual ventilation and suctioning. Positions patients to facilitate respiration. Performs tracheostomy care and mouth care on intubated/trached patients. Changes tracheostomy tube as ordered. Performs electroencephalogram as ordered. This includes taking measurements of the head, placement of electrodes, acquisition of data, monitoring of vital signs. Performs polysomnography as ordered for sleep studies. Documents pertinent information in the medical record. Monitors disease processes, arterial and venous catheter placement and endotracheal tube placement via chest x-ray. Communicates pertinent patient information to physicians, practitioners and nurses as appropriate. Participates in patient rounds with Pulmonologist/Intensivist/Neonatologist. Responds to and participates in Code Blue as part of Code team/RRT Team. Able to instruct patient and family on disease processes and treatments provided by Respiratory Therapy in accordance with hospital patient/family education policies and procedures. Assumes on-call status as needed. Other duties as assigned. Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

Completion of a clinical rotation in critical care/intensive care environment, to include care of respiratory needs of acutely ill patients. Education

Associates degree with major in Respiratory Therapy OR a certificate of completion from a Respiratory Care Program. License, Certification, Registration

Respiratory Therapist License (Hawaii) required at hire. Neonatal Resuscitation Program required at hire from American Academy of Pediatrics. Basic Life Support required at hire. Registered Respiratory Therapist Certificate within 3 months of hire from National Board of Respiratory Care. Additional Requirements

Demonstrated knowledge of and skill in written communication, oral communication, interpersonal relations, customer service, decision making, problem solving, and teamwork. Preferred Qualifications

Experience with NICU (neonatal intensive care) and cardiac surgery patient. Employment details: Seniority level - Entry level; Employment type - Full-time; Job function - Health Care Provider; Industry - Hospitals and Health Care.

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