Baptist Health Princeton Hospital

Assesses, treats, and cares for patients with breathing disorders. Initiates and conducts therapeutic procedures; maintains patient records; and selects, assembles, checks, and operates equipment.

Essential Functions

• Demonstrates competency in respiratory therapeutics and in the use of ventilators, pulmonary diagnostics, physiologic monitors, intra-aortic balloon pumps, and other equipment required for the provision of respiratory care.
• Maintains accurate and precise documentation.
• Demonstrates a strong power of analytical reasoning and effectively blends patient care management skills with technical expertise.
• Communicates openly and effectively with all members of the healthcare team.
• Demonstrates proficiency in quality control and maintenance of arterial blood gas analyzers, specimen collection, and analysis of blood for gas transport and acid/base determinations.
• Maintains reasonably regular, punctual attendance consistent with Baptist Health policies, the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.
• Maintains compliance with all Baptist Health policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient’s age and medical condition.
• Demonstrates expertise in medical gas administration, environmental control systems, humidification, medical delivery, ventilator support, airway management, hemodynamic monitoring, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Instructs clinical practicum students.
• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate for the age of the patients served on their assigned unit.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient’s status. Interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient’s requirements relative to their age-specific needs and provides the care needed as described in the unit’s/area’s/department’s policies and procedures.

Education/Training

• Associate degree from an approved Respiratory Care program. (If licensed prior to December 31, 2008, a certificate of completion from an approved Respiratory Care program will be accepted.)

Licensure/Certification

• Certified by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).  Licensed by the State of Alabama (Department of Health) - renewed bi-annually. Maintains current BLS/HealthCare Provider certification. Advanced Life Support as appropriate per unit and site.  Preferred: Maintains active membership in the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) and Alabama Association for Respiratory Care.