The primary function of a health care recreation therapist is to develop individualized recreation plans for persons in an Independent Living Rehabilitation program. The quality of life for participants can be improved by assisting them to have greater independence to function in their own home.
Duties involve:
- Evaluating the recreational needs of participants
- Developing an appropriate plan of service
- Providing therapeutic recreation services as part of the team.
- Traveling is normally required
- Working under general supervision
- Knowing standards for resident care
- Training individuals to function independently by working on their daily living skills.
- Bathing
- Personal hygiene
- Recreation
- Cooking
- Behavior management
- Choice making
- Work activities
- Communication
- Independent mobility
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
A health care recreation therapist needs understanding of current therapeutic recreation philosophies and principles. A recreation therapist has to be able to integrate a philosophy of therapeutic recreation into a program of Independent Living Rehabilitation services. Therapist needs an understanding of etiology and various medical conditions and how a recreation therapy program is designed around the health problems.
A therapist needs to be familiar with assisting devices needed by persons with disabilities and must have an ability to communicate effectively, both orally and through written media with persons who have disabilities and also with their families. It's essential for the therapist to keep accurate work records and reports. A health care therapist does much of the work independently with minimal supervision. The therapist needs to be sensitive to patients’ physical and psychological needs.
Education Requirements
Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in therapeutic recreation, which includes an internship in recreation, and an equivalent combination of training and experience, would be a minimum education requirement. Knowledge of J.C.A.H. (Joint Council for Accreditation of Hospitals), standards for resident care or I.C.F.M.R. (Intermediate Care for Mentally Retarded), standards for resident care and Resident Review & Licensing Regulations would be helpful for therapeutic recreation candidates. Bachelor's degree in psychology or a human service related field could be helpful when training to become a health care recreation therapist. Child abuse clearance and criminal background check are required per OAPSA and Child Protective Services Act.
Respiratory Therapist Job
Respiratory therapists and respiratory therapy technicians also known as respiratory care practitioners, evaluate, treat, and care for patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders. Under the direction of a physician, respiratory therapists assume primary responsibilities for all respiratory care. Respiratory therapists supervise respiratory therapy technicians. Respiratory therapy technicians always follow specific procedures under direction.
Respiratory therapist jobs are available in most communities and in all major medical facilities. The majority of the jobs are in hospital departments of respiratory care, anesthesiology, or pulmonary medicine.
Because hospitals operate 24 hours a day, therapists may work evenings, nights, or weekends. They stand for long periods of time and walk between patients’ rooms. In an emergency, the position handles great stress. Respiratory therapists are employed in home health care and need to visit the homes of patients frequently. Respiratory therapists work with hazardous gases stored under pressure.
Passing the CRT exam qualifies respiratory therapists for state licenses. Most employers employ respiratory therapists to maintain a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification. Supervisory positions and intensive-care specialists usually require RRT eligibility.
Future job opportunities are expected to be extremely good, especially for respiratory therapists with cardiopulmonary training and the experience of working with babies. Employment will increase faster than average over the next 5 to 10 years. There will be growth in the middle age and elderly population. Older people suffer from many respiratory ailments.
Respiratory therapists are also needed to deal with such cardio-pulmonary diseases as:
- Pneumonia
- Chronic bronchitis
- Emphysema
- Heart disease
Title: Recreation Therapist
Description: The Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (a program of The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine) is seeking a Recreational Therapist. Responsible for providing instruction and personal assistance to assisted living residents in the pilot project. Evaluates and assesses client's current level of functionality, completing all required recreation evaluations in a timely manner. Serves as part of the interdisciplinary team and develops and updates client treatment goals. Assists with the development of appropriate daily recreational activities for all assigned clients including on-site and community based programming. Schedules and implements appropriate weekly therapeutic groups in accordance with individual client goals. Maintains an inventory of therapeutic recreation supplies and equipment.
Models appropriate behavior for all patients, as well as for each assigned patient, and assists in their instruction and training as required. Observes and records patient behavior; administers, scores, and documents results of recommended testing. Provides guidance on health and nutrition, physical mobility, household and community living, cognitive and communicative functioning, interpersonal relationships, leisure and/or work functioning. Perform other duties as assigned.
- Good interpersonal skills. Ability to administer, score, and document tests, and assist in the development of Individual Treatment Plans.
- Must have a bachelor's degree in recreation therapy or related field; CTRS or eligible to sit for the certification test. Must have one or more years experience in a human service/health care field and have experience in working with persons with disabilities.
- Physical Capabilities: Walking, standing, bending, and carrying light items. Must be able to participate in physical exercise activities of patients. May encounter or work with patients who are confused, agitated, or abusive.
Specialist (CTRS)
Resources: MedHunters.com, Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Dec 30 08
Title: Registered Respiratory Therapist
Description: A new-generation hospital, which provides quality services you need in a home-like setting. Through our unique mix of expertise, technology, and specialized care, our hospital brings quality close to home.
The Hospital offers the vision and expertise of the Hospital System to patients in a home-like setting. With a staff chosen for their dedication, expertise, and compassion, our Hospital provides the community with the latest advances in diagnoses and treatment. This new-generation facility is the perfect combination of professionalism, technology, and personalized care, in a comfortable atmosphere for patients.
Description: Reporting to the Shift Supervisor, this position is responsible for administering safe and competent respiratory care as ordered per physician, with emphasis in specialty areas (i.e., Emergency, Neonatal, Pediatric, Geriatric and Critical Care), monitoring mechanical ventilation, administering medications, patient assessment, understanding ramifications of hemodynamic monitoring, understanding blood work results, monitoring, teaching, and training.
The position's requirements include: graduation from a two-year AMA-approved School for Respiratory Care, passing score on the NBRC entry level examination, licensing by the State as a Respiratory Care Practitioner, and CPR certification. The incumbent must be able to concentrate and make quick judgments with a high level of skill, knowledge, understanding, and accuracy, and have the ability to work without close supervision. The incumbent may be asked to work overtime with little or no advance notice. ACLS is preferred.
Resources: MedHunters.com, Sugarland Hospital, 01/09/2009
