The RCP I is an entry level position that evaluates, cares for, and treats patients with deficiencies/abnormalities associated with the cardiopulmonary system upon the receipt of a written or verbal order from a qualified provider. The RCP provides education and diagnostic/therapeutic respiratory care. Care is provided to the infant, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric population. This position works independently, under the direction of the Respiratory Therapy Leadership, to manage shift activities within the department. Under prescribed protocols, continually assesses and treats patients with a variety of respiratory conditions Performs ventilation and airway management using appropriate techniques Administers pharmacological agents, airway clearance and hyperinflations techniques Performs diagnostic testing which may include but not limited to pulmonary function testing, screenings, cardiac diagnostic testing, electroencephalographic testing, electrocardiographic testing, and inhaled specialty gas administration, as applicable Provides emergency medical care such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation and artificial respiration Monitors patients' physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, chemistry changes and consults with the provider if adverse reactions or conditions occur Transports ventilated patients Preceptorship of new employees Other Functions: Performs other duties as assigned Participates in /audits a quality improvement/performance improvement activity Ongoing departmental project assigned/approved by leadership Accrues 5 hours over mandatory requirements for continuing education May serve as a competency skills training for the department May serve as a preceptor for new staff/students May serve as a lead RCP for the shift Uses their knowledge, skill and ability to proactively manage/coordinate work Required Education: Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Care Practitioner Program Required Experience: None Required License/ Certifications: Required License/ Certifications: Credentialed by the National Board of Respiratory Care as a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). Licensed by the Virginia State Board of Medicine to practice as a Respiratory Care Practitioner. Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support within 90 days (about 3 months) of hire. Pediatric Advanced Life Support is not required at Centra Specialty Hospital. Preferred Experience: Clinical experience in a hospital-based setting Travel Required: Occasionally Work Environment: The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The setting for this role will include the healthcare settings. Exposure to controlled temperature environments, both hot and cold, is to be expected. Workplace Exposure: All procedures or other job-related tasks that involve an inherent potential for mucous membrane or skin contact with blood, body fluids or tissues, or a potential for spill or splashes of (blood or body fluids) Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate with others. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, demonstrate hand, and finger dexterity in their work, handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their essential duties and responsibilities. The expected physical workload is expected to be Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. This role is expected to use the following machines, tools, and equipment: Computer Medical gas administration equipment Respiratory care equipment
