Respiratory Therapist

Brief Summary:

Under limited supervision, provides respiratory care for Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital patients.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education:

• A minimum of an Associate’s degree in Respiratory Therapy or related field preferred.
• An equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or training may be substituted for education.
• Two (2) years of Respiratory Therapy experience required.
• RRT preferred.

Essential Job Functions

• Performs respiratory therapy assessments according to Department procedures.
• Administers respiratory treatment in various modalities for acute and chronic respiratory illness as prescribed by the medical staff for neonate, pediatric, adolescent and adult patients.
• Ensures delivery of clinically appropriate respiratory care procedures. Instructs orients and recommends respiratory care and procedures to medical staff and allied health professionals.
• Mechanical Ventilation and oxygen support systems: Perform set-up, monitoring, assessment of equipment/pt. interface and makes appropriate changes. Recognizes abnormal changes and immediately notifies physician.
• Maintains secure and patent airways and performs nasal, nasotracheal, endotracheal and oral suctioning. Evaluates test results for clarity and accuracy; reviews tests with peers. Distributes completed test results to physicians and service providers.
• Performs ABG blood draw following completion of competency assessment. 
• Maintains patient charts, enters diagnostic information, logs data into patient information systems, and updates file systems for tests and treatments performed. Provides patient education and instruction and answers questions and explains procedures.
• Maintains competency and certification on all current and new procedures and equipment related to delivery of respiratory care.
• Cleans and sterilizes equipment and workspace. Recognizes equipment malfunctions and readjusts equipment or refers for repair. Trains and cross-trains other clinical staff as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Desired Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Minimum Certification Qualification.
• Must be registered or registry eligible by the National Board of Respiratory Care.
• BLS certification required at hire date and MUST be maintained continuously throughout employment.
• ACLS, PALS & NRP preferred at hire date, but must achieve within six-months of hire, and must maintain continuously throughout employment.
• Experience in the Alaska Tribal Health System. Training or experience specific to worksite wellness programs is highly preferred, as is experience with implementation of systems change in worksite settings.

Arctic Slope Native Association, Ltd.:  Exercises its rights in Native Hire Preference, Contracting/Subcontracting and Employment Practices applicable by law is committed to maintaining a drug free, smoke free workplace.