Exam Bulletin

Department of State Hospitals

Exam Code: EX-2674

Examination Plans Included:

  • RESPIRATORY CARE PRACTITIONER, DEPARTMENTS OF MENTAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES - Open

Final Filing Date: Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.

Classification Details

RESPIRATORY CARE PRACTITIONER, DEPARTMENTS OF MENTAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES: $3,317.00 - $5,919.00 per Month

View the RESPIRATORY CARE PRACTITIONER, DEPARTMENTS OF MENTAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES classification specification.

Application Instructions

Upcoming Filing Cutoff Dates:

  • 7/5/2024
  • 8/2/2024
  • 9/6/2024
  • 10/4/2024
  • 11/1/2024
  • 12/6/2024

Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) must be received or postmarked by the filing date indicated above. Applications postmarked, personally delivered or received via interoffice mail after the filing date will be processed in the next group.

Who Should Apply:

The information below will help you determine which classification(s) is(are) appropriate for you. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications as stated on this bulletin to compete in this examination.

Open and Open, Non-Promotional Examination(s):

  • RESPIRATORY CARE PRACTITIONER, DEPARTMENTS OF MENTAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES - Open

For all Classifications, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 6 months:

Exam Code(s):

    2674

For RESPIRATORY CARE PRACTITIONER, DEPARTMENTS OF MENTAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 6 months:

Exam Code(s):

  • EX-02674

How To Apply:

Submit an Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) to apply for this examination.

Electronic applications can be submitted through your account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov.

You may apply by mail to:

  • Department of State Hospitals
    Department of State Hospitals - Sacramento
    Human Resources Office
    1215 O Street, MS 17
    Sacramento, CA 95814

Indicate the Examination Code and Classification(s) on your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678).

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

  • Department of State Hospitals
    Department of State Hospitals - Sacramento
    Human Resources Office
    1215 O Street, MS 17
    Sacramento, CA 95814
    8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Indicate the Examination Code and Classification(s) on your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678). All applicants must provide proof of identification. Accepted forms of identification are: 1) a photo identification card or 2) two forms of signed identification.

Special Testing Arrangements:

If you require assistance or alternative testing arrangements due to a disability, indicate on your application that you need reasonable accommodation. You will be contacted by a representative of the testing department to make the necessary arrangements. If you have not been contacted by the time you receive notification of testing, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

If you are unable to submit your application or complete the test due to a disability, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

Minimum Qualifications

All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements as stated on this exam bulletin to be accepted to the examination.

Unless otherwise stated in the Minimum Qualifications, qualifying experience may be combined on a proportionate basis if the requirements stated below include more than one pattern and are distinguished as "Either" 1, "or" 2, "or" 3, etc. For example, applicants possessing qualifying experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 1 and additional experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 2 may be accepted to an examination as meeting 100% of the overall experience requirement.

00108300 - RESPIRATORY CARE PRACTITIONER, DEPARTMENTS OF MENTAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES

Education: Graduation from a school of respiratory therapy approved by the American Medical Association Council on Medical Education for Training of Respiratory Therapists or one supported by the Joint Review Committee for Respiratory Therapy Education. and A certificate to practice Respiratory Care issued by the Division of Allied Health Profession of the Board of Medical Quality Assurance of the State of California.

Drug Testing Requirement

Applicants for positions in this class are required to pass a drug screening test. Testing of current employees who are applicants in an examination or who are transferring is permitted only if the person does not have a current appointment to a class for which drug testing is a requirement.

Position Description

00108300 - RESPIRATORY CARE PRACTITIONER, DEPARTMENTS OF MENTAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES

Typical Tasks
Tests and measures respiratory dysfunction in clients with pulmonary disorders by such means as spirography, measurement of diffusion capacity, and obtaining arterial blood for blood gas analysis; administers chest physical therapy, including percussion, vibration and postural drainage; administers respiratory therapy through the use of oxygen or compressed air, with or without nebulized pharmacological agents; provides ventilatory assistance to conscious and unconscious clients; cares for airways in clients with endotracheal tubes or tracheostomies; observes client's reactions to treatment and reports unusual occurrences to medical staff; trains clients in methods of improved breathing mechanics and bronchial hygiene; trains and supervises nursing personnel in the use of positive pressure breathing apparatus, in the giving of oxygen to clients and in the application of such physical therapeutic techniques as percussion and vibration prepares of the chest and postural drainage; operates respiratory therapy equipment and maintains it in sanitary condition; maintains clinical notes and records and prepares reports; orders necessary equipment and supplies.

Special Personal Characteristics
Aptitude for and interest in working with acute and chronically ill respiratory clients; sympathetic understanding of respiratory clients, their attitudes and problems; willingness to comply with prescribed procedures; patience and emotional stability; aptitude and interest in working with long- term ventilator dependent clients.

For information regarding position location(s), please refer to the Eligible List Information section.

Examination Information

Applicants must submit their exam application AND complete the exam during the same cut-off period. For example, if you submit your exam application on July 8, 2024 (which is after the July 5, 2024 cut-off) you must complete the exam by August 2, 2024. Filing cut-off dates are listed at the beginning of the exam bulletin.

This examination consists of the following component(s):

Component OrderComponent TypeComponent DuePercentage of Final Score
1Supplemental ReportWith Application100%

Components that are due with your application will be scored and will count toward your final examination result. Failure to submit these items may result in disqualification or elimination from the examination.

A final score of 70% must be attained to be placed on the eligible list.

Complete and submit the following items with your application. These will be scored and count toward your final examination result. Failure to submit these items will result in disqualification from the examination.

Click the above link to take the exam after you have submitted your application. Exam responses must be received by the corresponding cut-off date of your application.

In addition to evaluating the applicant's relative knowledge, skill and ability as demonstrated by quality and breadth of education/experience, emphasis in each test component will be on measuring competitively, relative to job demands, each applicant's:

Knowledge of: Procedures for evaluating pulmonary dysfunction; procedures for providing ventilatory assistance to conscious and unconscious clients safely and effectively; respiratory disorders and appropriate therapeutic methods and practices; use and care of respiratory equipment, including aseptic procedures and sterilization techniques; procedures for keeping clients' airway free from obstruction; basic principles of training and supervision; basic pathology of respiratory disorders and nursing care.

 

Ability to: Perform various respiratory therapy procedures safely and effectively, apply emergency methods of cardiopulmonary resuscitation; employ appropriate tests and measures for evaluation of pulmonary dysfunction and to properly interpret results; obtain the confidence and cooperation of clients; analyze situations accurately and take appropriate action.

Eligible List Information

A Departmental Open eligible list for the RESPIRATORY CARE PRACTITIONER, DEPARTMENTS OF MENTAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES Classification will be established for:

  • Department of State Hospitals

The names of successful competitors will be merged onto the eligible list(s) in order of final score regardless of test date. Eligibility expires 12 months after it is established. Applicants must then retake the examination to reestablish eligibility.

Resulting Eligibility List(s) will be used to fill vacancies throughout the State of California.

Veterans' Preference will be granted for this examination. Veterans' Preference is an assistance program for veterans, veteran widows and widowers, and spouses of 100% disabled veterans who seek employment with the state. Veterans' Preference is also extended to currently serving military members nearing their retirement or separation date.

You are not eligible for Veteran's Preference if you are:

  • A veteran who has been dishonorably discharged or released.
  • A veteran, widow or widower of a veteran, or spouse of a 100 percent disabled veteran who currently has permanent civil service status. (Permanent civil service status is the status of an employee who is lawfully retained in his/her position after completion of the applicable probationary period. This does not include limited term).

Veterans' Preference is codified in Government Code Sections 18973 – 18979.

Veteran status is verified by the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR). Directions to apply for Veterans' Preference are on the Veterans' Preference Application (Std. Form 1093), which is available at www.CalCareers.ca.gov, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Career Credits are not granted for examination(s) administered on an Open basis or a Promotional basis.

Training & Experience Examination Preview

Instructions:
Rate your knowledge performing specific job-related tasks, knowledge skill or ability.

Tasks:
1. Provide therapeutic care by administering chest physical therapy (e.g., percussion, respiratory therapy) through the use of oxygen or compressed air, with or without nebulized pharmacological agents as directed by medical staff.
2. Test and measure respiratory dysfunction in patients with pulmonary disorders through spirometry to support overall patient health and wellness.
3. Provide assistance to conscious and unconscious patients as necessary and refer them to Emergency Room (ER), Intensive Care Unit (ICU), or acute care hospitals as appropriate.
4. Provide therapeutic care for airways in patients with endotracheal tubes or tracheostomies to support overall patient health and wellness.
5. Observe patient reaction to respiratory care treatment and report any unusual occurrences to appropriate medical staff as necessary.
6. Assess patient response to treatments and modify treatments according to protocol as necessary to support overall patient health and wellness.
7. Provide training to patients in methods of improved breathing mechanics, practices, and bronchial hygiene to support overall patient health and wellness.
8. Provide training and support to nursing personnel in the use of positive pressure breathing apparatus and administering oxygen to patients to ensure efficient unit operations.
9. Assist in the identification of unit level nursing service training needs and in the provision of in-service training related to respiratory care.
10. Prepare reports for quality assurance reviews in order to comply with standards of reporting utilizing patient medical and respiratory treatment records as required by licensing agencies.
11. Ensure sufficient working equipment (e.g., breathing circuit bags, Intermittent Positive Pressure Breathing (IPPB) machines, medical oxygen masks) to provide respiratory care to patients.
12. Coordinate the maintenance (i.e., repair, cleaning, culturing and upkeep) of respiratory equipment to facilitate standard of care and infection control in respiratory therapy by utilizing manufacture’s specifications.
13. Communicate with patients to obtain cooperation during care and intervene if necessary to avoid injuries or property damage to ensure the safety and security of self and others.
14. Recognize symptoms requiring respiratory attention and analyze situations quickly and accurately to apply effective action.
15. Assure adequate medical supplies and equipment are available to provide appropriate patient care by collaborating with vendors, facility procurement staff and appropriate health care services staff to meet the health care needs of the patient population.
16. Collaborate with interdisciplinary health care staff in the identification of transfer requirements, development and implementation of interventions in regards to respiratory care to support overall patient health and wellness.
17. Participate in quality improvement activities such as audits on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma to ensure efficient unit operations.
18. Intervene in instances of disruptive or assaultive behavior among patients, to ensure safety and well-being of self, patients and staff, using visual observation, safety training, and Personal Protection Equipment, as required by facility.
19. Facilitate sleep studies on patients to achieve Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and support overall patient health and wellness.
KSACPS:
1. Knowledge of procedures for evaluating pulmonary dysfunction (e.g., pulse oximetry, spirometry, respiratory pattern).
2. Knowledge of procedures for providing ventilatory assistance to conscious and unconscious individuals safely and effectively.
3. Knowledge of respiratory disorders and appropriate therapeutic methods and practices.
4. Knowledge of use and care of respiratory equipment (e.g., pulmonary function testing equipment) to provide quality patient care.
5. Knowledge of procedures (e.g., positioning, suctioning) for keeping an individual’s airway free from obstruction.
6. Knowledge of basic pathology of respiratory disorders and nursing care.
7. Knowledge of the characteristics of mental, emotional, physical and developmental disorders to provide effective treatment.
8. Knowledge of infection control procedures required for respiratory therapy in order to prevent the spread of infectious disease.
9. Knowledge of training methods, techniques, and training aides in order to effectively provide updated training to applicable staff.
10. Knowledge of computer usage (e.g. software programs, etc.) to maintain accurate records and retrieve patient records, communicate effectively, and contribute to the department’s needs.
11. Knowledge of methodologies and standard protocol for keeping sensitive data confidential and secure including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
12. Ability to perform various respiratory therapy procedures safely and effectively, apply emergency methods of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
13. Ability to employ appropriate tests and measures for evaluation of pulmonary dysfunction and to properly interpret results.
14. Ability to evaluate ongoing assessments and relay clinically relevant information to share with clinical and nursing staff.
15. Ability to observe clinical data and accurately record such data systematically.
16. Ability to organize and keep records of relevant materials (e.g., treatment plans, progress notes) and prepare appropriate repo

Testing Departments

  • Department of State Hospitals

Contact Information

Questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

Department of State Hospitals
Department of State Hospitals - Sacramento
Human Resources Office
1215 O Street, MS 17
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 654-2351

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice). TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Drug Free Statement

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free State work place. Any applicant for State employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective, because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing civil service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

General Information

Examination and/or Employment Application (STD 678) forms are available at the California Department of Human Resources, local offices of the Employment Development Department, and through your CalCareer Account (www.CalCareers.ca.gov).

If you meet the requirements stated on this examination bulletin, you may take this examination, which is competitive. Possession of the entrance requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list. Your performance in the examination described in this bulletin will be rated against a predetermined job-related rating, and all applicants who pass will be ranked according to their scores.

Department of State Hospitals reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the service, if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service laws and rules and all applicants will be notified.

General Qualifications: Applicants must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and a state of health consistent with the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class. A medical examination may be required. In open examinations, investigation may be made of employment records and personal history and fingerprinting may be required.

Eligible Lists: Eligible lists established by competitive examination, regardless of date, must be used in the following order: 1) sub-divisional promotional, 2) departmental promotional, 3) multi-departmental promotional, 4) service-wide promotional, 5) departmental open, 6) open. When there are two lists of the same kind, the older must be used first. Eligible lists will expire in one to four years unless otherwise stated on the bulletin.

High School Equivalence: Equivalence to completion of the 12th grade may be demonstrated in any one of the following ways: 1) passing the General Education Development (GED) Test; 2) completion of 12 semester units of college-level work; 3) certification from the State Department of Education, a local school board, or high school authorities that the competitor is considered to have education equivalent to graduation from high school; or 4) for clerical and accounting classes, substitution of business college work in place of high school on a year-for-year basis.

Accepted applicants must provide proof of identification at each in-person test session. Acceptable identification consists of a photo identification card or two forms of signed identification.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
In Person (see bulletin for details)
Alternate Application Process

While we recommend that you utilize your CalCareer Account to take advantage of all the tools available, you may choose to apply for this examination without using your account. In this case, print and complete the Exam Application Package Checklist and include it if you submit a hard copy application.

Exam Application Package Checklist

Blank Application Form (STD678)

Accommodation Request (STD679)