Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

At Houston Methodist, the Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) position is responsible for performing routine respiratory care procedures as assigned, varying in complexity which include, but are not limited to, preparation, administration and monitoring of medication and treatment modalities and gas therapy, ventilator support, spirometry, and assistance with bronchoscopy. This position may perform diagnostic testing of the cardiac respiratory system, as appropriate. As a member of the direct patient care team, the RCP position provides direct assistance to physicians and other care health professionals, with respiratory care-related procedures within the scope of the professional licensure. This position delivers exceptional patient care and adheres to standards and guidelines established by respiratory and regulatory agencies and Houston Methodist to ensure optimal patient safety and customer service.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Job responsibilities labeled EF capture those duties that are essential functions of the job.

PEOPLE - 20% * Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team focused work unit that actively helps one other to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the interprofessional team by using progressive skills in therapeutic communication and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner, which includes active listening and teaching. (EF)

• Communicates effectively with others to facilitate providing the highest quality service during every customer and patient encounter. (EF)
• Practices in a manner that is congruent with cultural diversity and inclusion principles. Serves as a patient advocate in preventing/resolving ethical issues. Facilitates interventions to relieve the patients/family spiritual distress. (EF)
• Provides contributions towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability. (EF)

SERVICE - 30% * Performs respiratory care to include but not limited to: arterial blood gas and analysis, pulse oximetry, spirometry and flow volume loops, lung volume determination, airway resistance measurement, breath diffusion capacity, bronchoprovocation testing, maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures, bronchodilator administration, diagnostic radiology procedures. Prepares, administers, and monitors treatment modalities and medication delivery. Implements, monitors, and evaluates ventilator support. (EF)

• Performs other procedures and tests as needed and if assigned, such as Electrocardiograms, Holters, and Arterial Blood Gas. (EF)
• Provides care for the physical needs of patients by executing various respiratory care concepts to maximize performance, which includes positioning, physiology, procedure preparation, and technical factors. Modifies technical factors to achieve desired results and recognizes complications / limitations associated with certain procedures. Proactively identifies how to address these for optimum outcomes. (EF)
• Uses peer-to-peer accountability to contribute towards improving department score for patient satisfaction. (EF)

QUALITY/SAFETY - 30% * Troubleshoots, calibrates, and performs preventive maintenance and quality control on all equipment and analyzers per department guidelines, documenting activities. Assembles, prepares, cleans, and operates bronchoscopy equipment, monitoring equipment and accessories in accordance with manufacturing recommendations and department guidelines. Reports malfunctions. (EF)

• Provides direct assistance to physicians, performing tests as ordered, assessing, and assuring quality, acceptability, and reliability of results; takes corrective action and involves others as needed toward achievement of this end. (EF)
• Contributes to identification of corrective action and improvement activities and to meet department and hospital targets for quality and safety, focusing on the task at hand and reporting near misses, and inputting errors promptly into TAPS to improve processes and identify trends. (EF)

FINANCE - 10% * Accurately documents all patient care and respiratory-related activities and procedures in the appropriate documentation system. Enters charges at the time service is delivered. (EF)

• Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively, minimizing incidental overtime, and prioritize daily tasks. (EF)

GROWTH/INNOVATION - 10% * Participates in practice projects focused on innovation, efficiency or improvement in patient care and activities. Embraces and enacts new care pathways or service line implementation to improve service to the community. (EF)

• Identifies own learning needs, consults with healthcare team experts, and seeks continuing education opportunities to meet those needs to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development as a Respiratory Care Practitioner. Completes and updates the My Development plan on an on-going basis. (EF)

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

o Graduate of education program approved by the credentialing body for the required credential(s) indicated below in the Certifications, Licenses and Registrations section.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

o One year experience as a Respiratory Care Practitioner preferred

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED

o Licensed as Respiratory Care Practitioner by the Texas Medical Board (TMB-RCP)

o Registered as Respiratory Therapist by National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC-RRT)

o American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS)

o American Heart Association Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) within 90 days of hire

o American Heart Association Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) within 90 days of hire*

o American Heart Association Pediatric Life Support (PALS)*

*preferred, depending on area assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

o Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations

o Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security

o Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

o Possesses basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to maintain patient and exam documents

o Exhibits strong interpersonal and team player skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers

o Demonstrates time management skills

o Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities with minimal supervision including, organizing workflow, and actively participating in problem-solving

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Work Attire Yes/No

Uniform No

Scrubs Yes

Business professional No

Other (dept approved) Yes

On-Call* Yes, as required by entity/department for operational need

*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (i.e. Disaster, Severe Weather Event, etc.) regardless of selection above

Travel**

May require travel within Yes

Houston Metropolitan area

May require travel outside No

of Houston Metropolitan area

**Travel specifications may vary by department.

Please note any other special considerations to this job:

Company Profile:

Since 2000, Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital has been serving Northwest Houston residents. Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital is a comprehensive acute care facility and has been named a Magnet recognized health care facility by the American Nurses Credentialing Centers (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program. With 358 operating beds, 20 operating rooms and more than 2,300 employees, Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital provides comprehensive, personalized care for patients in Champions, Tomball, Magnolia, Spring and Cypress.

Houston Methodist