The purpose of the Respiratory Therapist is to evaluate, treat, document care for residents with impaired respiratory and pulmonary function due to disease process; including resident’s with tracheotomy and residents who are ventilator dependent, and participate in the interdisciplinary team meetings as required. Qualified candidate will plan, organize, develop, and direct the overall operation of the Respiratory Department in accordance with local, state, and federal guidelines and regulations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs duties and responsibilities with assigned functional area within a nursing home facility which may include, but are not limited to, any combination of the following tasks:

• Evaluate residents’ respiratory functional needs when referred by the resident’s attending physician or interdisciplinary team.
• Follow physician’s orders, facility policies and procedures to evaluate and treat residents and complete required documentation for care provided.
• Participate in discharge planning when appropriate.
• Evaluate and document evaluations of referred residents in accordance with facility policies and procedures.
• Provide appropriate treatment to help residents maintain or attain the highest level of respiratory function possible within the confines of his/her physical condition.
• Recommend and/or provide appropriate treatment, preventative measures to prevent decline in residents’ respiratory function.
• Provide appropriate resident or caregiver education to help residents maintain or attain the highest level of respiratory function possible within the confines of his/her physical abilities.
• Operate respiratory therapy equipment safely and effectively.
• Maintain timely and accurate resident reports as required by federal, state and local regulatory agencies and third-party payers.
• Perform all duties assigned in an effective, timely and professional manner.
• Observe infection control procedures.
• Know and understand Illinois Department Public Health regulations and requirements.
• Be responsible for the safety of residents under his/her supervision.
• Observe all facility policies and procedures.
• Assume duties related to completion of Minimum Data Set assessments as assigned.
• Complete documentation related to evaluations, treatment plans, MDS assessments, resident care plans and progress notes in a timely manner.
• Participate in resident care conferences, interdisciplinary care conferences and rehabilitation conferences as scheduled.
• Participate in implementation of programs to improve resident care related to Quality Indicators.
• Assume Quality Assurance duties as assigned.
• Accept assigned duties in a cooperative manner.
• Assume accountability for all data contained in the employees’ handbook (if employed by the facility).
• Perform other related duties as directed by his/her supervisor.
• Come to work as scheduled and consistently demonstrate dependability and punctuality.
• Come to work in neat, clean attire and consistently present an appropriate professional appearance.
• Consistently work cooperatively with residents, residents’ representatives, facility staff, physicians, consultants, and ancillary service providers.
• Other duties may be assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS 

• Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Program. 
• Valid IL State license as an RT.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience as a Respiratory Therapist.
• Thorough understanding of regulatory process, MDS and care planning process.
• Fiscal and budgetary knowledge
• Must know documentation requirements and be driven by quality care standards 
• Ability to work with physicians and other healthcare professionals