Respiratory Therapist
Bakersfield, California
Kern Medical Center

Respiratory Therapist Opportunity

Location: Bakersfield, California
Employment Type: Clinical Allied Registry
Contract Length: 26 weeks (approximately 6 months)

Job Description

• Administer respiratory therapy under general medical supervision, including complex respiratory treatments, electrocardiography testing, cardiopulmonary services, and medical diagnostic procedures.
• Provide therapy in various settings such as hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, home care, clinics, and physician offices.
• Perform therapies including IPPB, humidity and aerosol therapy, medical gas administration, pulmonary drainage, aerosolized drugs, and continuous mechanical ventilation.
• Conduct advanced pulmonary function testing and arterial blood gas sampling.
• Operate and maintain respiratory therapy equipment, including ventilators, nebulizers, humidifiers, oxygen analyzers, and related diagnostic equipment.
• Respond to emergency calls and perform cardiorespiratory resuscitation.
• Serve as a technical resource to physicians and hospital staff regarding respiratory care methods and equipment.
• Educate patients and families on respiratory care techniques, equipment use, and disease management.
• Develop individualized exercise routines and bronchial clearing procedures.
• Implement infection control and aseptic techniques.
• Document treatments and maintain accurate records.
• Participate in quality assurance monitoring and assist with bronchoscopies and cardiorespiratory rehabilitation.
• Assist in training and supervising new employees and instruct nursing personnel on patient and equipment surveillance.
• Provide care across all age groups, from newborns to geriatric patients.

Required Knowledge & Skills

• Operating principles of ventilators and respiratory care equipment, including intermittent positive pressure breathing apparatus, nebulizers, humidifiers, and oxygen analyzers.
• Cardiopulmonary physiology and electrocardiography testing.
• Chemistry of gases in respiratory therapy and symptoms of respiratory ailments.
• Ability to conduct and interpret diagnostic tests such as EEG, EKG, Pulmonary Function, and Echocardiograms.
• Goal-oriented ventilator management with close collaboration with physicians and nurses.
• Interpretation of arterial blood gas results and timely therapy adjustments.
• Understanding of hospital routines and organization.

Experience Requirements

• Specialty: Respiratory Therapist
• Years of Experience: Not explicitly stated; assume standard professional competency expected for complex respiratory therapy roles.

Prior Travel Experience

• Not specified or required.