Respiratory Therapist, Cardiopulmonary Services
Bakersfield, California
Kern Medical Center

Respiratory Therapist Position

Location: Bakersfield, California
Employment Type: Staffing - Supplier Sourced
Contract Length: Approximately 13 weeks

Job Description

• Administer complex respiratory therapies and cardiopulmonary diagnostic procedures under general medical supervision.
• Perform treatments including IPPB therapy, humidity and aerosol therapy, medical gas administration, pulmonary drainage, and aerosolized drug delivery.
• Provide continuous mechanical ventilation and maintain artificial airways.
• Conduct advanced pulmonary function testing and arterial blood gas sampling.
• Perform electrocardiography testing and cardiorespiratory resuscitation.
• Clean, prepare, and maintain respiratory therapy equipment; perform routine mechanical maintenance and emergency equipment checks.
• Operate analyzers to measure oxygen and other blood gas saturations.
• Serve as a technical resource to physicians and staff regarding respiratory care methods and equipment effectiveness.
• Educate patients and families on equipment use, self-care techniques, and cardiorespiratory disease management.
• Develop individualized exercise routines, bronchial clearing procedures, and monitoring techniques.
• Implement infection control and aseptic techniques.
• Respond to emergency calls throughout the hospital.
• Document treatments and maintain accurate records for patient care and billing.
• Conduct quality assurance monitoring.
• Provide care across all age groups, from newborns to geriatric patients.
• Assist with bronchoscopies, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, and training/supervision of new staff and nursing personnel.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Respiratory Therapist license for California.
• Knowledge of ventilators, respiratory care equipment (IPPB, nebulizers, humidifiers, oxygen analyzers), and cardiopulmonary physiology.
• Ability to perform and interpret diagnostic tests such as EEG, EKG, pulmonary function tests, and echocardiograms.
• Skill in goal-oriented ventilator management with collaboration among physicians and nurses.
• Competence in interpreting arterial blood gas results and recommending timely therapy adjustments.
• Familiarity with hospital routines, organization, and multidisciplinary teamwork.

Shift Details

• Day shift and night shift available on an as-needed basis.

Additional Notes

• Experience working with a wide patient age range (newborn to elderly).
• Ability to provide patient and family education on respiratory care and equipment.
• Participation in quality assurance and training activities is expected.

No prior travel experience requirement specified.