ABOUT NCH
NCH is an independent, locally governed non-profit delivering premier comprehensive care. Our healthcare system is comprised of two hospitals, an alliance of 700+ physicians, and medical facilities in dozens of locations throughout Southwest Florida that offer nationally recognized, quality health care.
NCH is transforming into an Advanced Community Healthcare System(TM) and we’re proud to: Provide higher acuity care and Centers of Excellence; Offer Graduate Medical Education and fellowships; Have endowed chairs; Conduct research and participate in national clinical trials; and partner with other health market leaders, like Hospital for Special Surgery, Encompass, and ProScan.
Join our mission to help everyone live a longer, happier, healthier life. We are committed to care and believe there's always more at NCH - for you and every person we serve together. Visit nchjobs.org to learn more.
JOB SUMMARY
The Pulmonary Rehab Therapist will be responsible for initiating and following through with the education plan and exercise reconditioning of patients referred to the program by a physician. The Pulmonary Rehab Therapist will possess knowledge about all chronic obstructive and restrictive lung diseases. In addition, the clinician will be responsible for patient assessments, daily exercise prescription, patient education, patient follow-ups, physician communication, and insuring routing progress reports are forwarded to the physicians in a timely manner. The Pulmonary Rehab Therapist will also perform routine respiratory care procedures as assigned by the department supervisor or manager. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills are essential for this position. Requires minimal supervision.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Other duties may be assigned.
· Properly identifies patients that would qualify and benefit for Pulmonary Rehabilitation.
· Competent in performing new patient assessments and completing all required documentation.
· Clinician demonstrates exceptional knowledge in chronic lung diseases.
· Properly evaluates patients for pulmonary rehab exercise and provides an individualized exercise & education program to meet the patient’s goals.
· Completes physician reports as required.
· Evaluates outcomes of care using departmental tools to determine if the patient’s needs were met and modifies the rehab process to accommodate patient goals.
· Explains all tests and treatments to the patient/family and provides patient education as appropriate.
· Competent to operate all exercise equipment and to educate the patients on their use.
· Provides patient and family education in groups 1:1 according to departmental policy.
· Properly documents all patient exercise and education interactions.
· Performs routine patient check-ins and check-outs.
· Demonstrates good time management skills in delivery patient’s care. Has ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks.
· Performs routine respiratory care procedures as required (nebs, CPT).
· Properly identifies all respiratory care medications and knows how to report an adverse drug reaction.
· Follow AACVPR, ACSM and Medicare guidelines to provide pulmonary rehab services to all patients.
· Properly documents all patient care activities.
· Properly handles medical gas supply tanks and ensures tanks are safely secured (thumbscrews).
· Helps to gather information for performance improvement and patient outcome activities.
· Helps to clean exercise equipment and patient monitors.
· Assists peers with their work assignments as time allows.
· Maintains good attendance standards, has infrequent sick calls and tardiness.
· Helps to maintain a clean and organized work environment.
· Completes clinical competency testing on time.
· Maintains flexibility within the department.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
· Must be a graduate of an accredited program of Respiratory Care Program.
· Licensed by the State of Florida as a Respiratory Therapist (RT).
· Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) preferred.
· Minimum of 3 years of clinical respiratory care experience required.
· Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
· Advanced Life Support (ACLS) certification from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association is preferred but not required.
· Must have demonstrated aptitude of clinical education and teaching.
· Intermediate computer knowledge: Uses Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Windows