Respiratory Therapist, Cardiopulmonary Services
Bakersfield, California
Kern Medical Center

Respiratory Therapist - Per Diem

Location: Bakersfield, California
Employment Type: Staffing - Supplier Sourced
Contract Length: Approximately 52 weeks

Job Description

Under general medical supervision, administer respiratory therapy to patients, including the most difficult and complex treatments, electrocardiography testing, cardiopulmonary services, and medical diagnostic procedures. Work settings may include hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, home care, clinics, and physician offices.

Key responsibilities include:

• Administering IPPB therapy, humidity and aerosol therapy, medical gas, and pulmonary drainage procedures
• Performing cardiorespiratory resuscitation, electrocardiography testing, and related procedures
• Providing continuous mechanical ventilation and maintaining artificial airways
• Conducting complex pulmonary function testing and arterial blood gas sampling
• Cleaning, preparing, and maintaining respiratory therapy equipment
• Operating analyzers to determine oxygen and other gas saturation in blood
• Serving as a technical resource to physicians and hospital staff regarding respiratory care
• Educating patients and families on equipment use, self-care techniques, and cardiorespiratory disease management
• Developing individualized exercise routines and bronchial clearing procedures
• Implementing infection control and aseptic techniques
• Responding to emergency calls throughout the hospital
• Documenting care and maintaining treatment records
• Conducting quality assurance monitoring
• Providing care across all age groups, from newborns to geriatric patients
• Assisting with bronchoscopies and cardiorespiratory rehabilitation
• Participating in training and supervision of new employees and nursing personnel

Required Qualifications

• Valid Respiratory Therapist license for California
• Knowledge of ventilators, respiratory care equipment, and cardiopulmonary physiology
• Ability to perform and interpret diagnostic tests such as EEG, EKG, Pulmonary Function, and Echocardiograms
• Skill in goal-oriented ventilator management and arterial blood gas interpretation
• Strong communication skills for patient and staff education
• Ability to work collaboratively with medical staff and patients

Experience

• Specialty: Respiratory Therapist
• Required years of experience: Not explicitly stated; assume standard for licensed respiratory therapists
• Prior travel experience: Not required

Additional Information

• Familiarity with hospital routines and organization
• Ability to adjust respiratory equipment to individual patient needs
• Knowledge of chemistry of gases in respiratory therapy and symptoms of respiratory ailments