Respiratory Therapist (Long Beach, CA)

This position in contingent upon the award of the contract.This position will support the US Department of Veterans Affairs Critical Staffing Program.  The person in this position will represent International SOS and provide services outlined below: International SOS is looking for an individual who is an experienced Respiratory Therapist (RRT) to treat, evaluate, and care for patients with breathing and cardiopulmonary disorders, implementing therapeutic techniques and manage respiratory equipment. RRTs will provide specialized care in inpatient units, including administering respiratory medications (e.g., bronchodilators, steroids), performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), conducting Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), and responding to emergencies according to hospital protocols. The Registered Respiratory Therapist is a multi-skilled health professional who works interdependently with other health care professionals to provide quality health care to the patient. The Registered Respiratory Therapist is educated and trained to perform both administrative and clinical skills in the medical care environment.  They play critical role in improving patients' respiratory health and quality of life through both acute and chronic care interventions. Key ResponsibilitiesAssist with Intubations and other simple procedures. (i.e.: Bronchoscopies, thoracentesis, chest tube placement). Be familiar with multiple Mechanical Ventilators and have proficiency in ventilation management.  Draw and analyze Arterial Blood Gasses (ABGs) and able to interpret with the ability to assess and adjust patient modality per ABG results.  Discuss patient care plans, treatment plans and other pertinent care information with Physicians and other patient care providers (i.e.: Physician assistants, Nurse practitioners). Maintain, operate and make adjustments with both invasive and non-invasive ventilator machines to include portable CPAP and Bi-level machines.  Provide education to patients, caregivers, and family members pertinent to their treatment plan while admitted or upon discharge. 36C26225Q0317 Page 8 of 94  Utilize Handheld Nebulizers; Intermittent Positive Pressure Breathing (IPPB) Treatments.  Administer medications to the respiratory tract, including bronchodilators, decongestants, wetting agents, mucous emulsifying agents, and steroids.  Perform CPR in accordance with hospital and department policy and procedure.  Perform PFTs and/or Spirometry Tests.  Respond and perform duties associated with Hospital Codes.  Be subject to the professional direction of the Chief of Respiratory Therapy, or designee.  Provide direct and indirect treatment through assessing patient status and determining priorities, in any areas of assignment within VALBHS.  Exercise independent judgment, organizational skills, communication skills and the ability to utilize an interdisciplinary approach in the provision of care.  Serve as a resource person to nursing staff in the use of respiratory equipment.  Comply with the VALBHS standard operating procedures and policies.  Utilize guidelines in the form of oral and written instructions using standard operating procedures in the planning of prescribed treatments. Additional materials such as technical manuals, textbooks, and reference books are available for review. Use the guidelines available in operating the highly complex and technical equipment.  Use independent judgment along with previously acquired practical knowledge.  Perform basic typing and PC computer skills with ability to enter clinical assessment in an electronic medical record. Documentation and ordering of patient care will be done electronically on the VISTA computer system. As a part of the orientation process, Contract RRTs shall be required to request and obtain an access code to the VISTA computer system. This list is non-exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake additional duties that are not specifically listed above.