Respiratory Therapist- Per Diem- Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital

Demonstrates competence in providing Oxygen Therapy:

• Provides for safe and effective use of medical gas
• Obtains appropriate physician orders
• Identifies use of device for proper FiO2/liter flow
• Checks device at all connections for proper fit/patient comfort
• Properly identifies medical gases including vessel containers and their safety measures.
• Documents procedure appropriately

Demonstrates competence in Arterial Blood Gas Sampling:

• Verifies physician orders, and properly identifies patient.
• Explains procedure to patient/family using appropriate method of communication.
• Chooses appropriate site. Performs Allen Test if radial site is utilized.
• Prepares site and palpates selected artery.
• Punctures site at 45 degree angle for radial access & 90 degree angle for femoral/brachial access.
• Safely and efficiently obtains specimen.
• Applies pressure to site (minimum of 5 minutes for brachial/radial, 10 minutes for femoral.)
• Assesses for local hemorrhage at site, communicates to nursing staff.
• Labels specimen, obtains and completes lab slip(FiO2, name vent settings if appropriate).
• Documents procedure appropriately.

PULMONARY TOILET/OROPHARYNGEAL SUCTIONING

• Verifies physician orders, and properly identifies patient.
• Explains procedure to patient/family using appropriate method of communication.
• Maintains patient airway. Maintains clean technique throughout procedure.
• Utilizes proper size and length of catheter.
• Tests suction for patency.
• Suctions mouth for no more than 15 seconds.
• Flushes catheter after each suction pass.
• Encourages patient to deep breathe and cough between suction attempts.
• Provides oral hygiene after procedure.
• Disposes of equipment according to standard precautions.
• Documents amount, odor and color of secretions.

Code Blue Response: Functions within the scope of practice/licensure at a cardiopulmonary emergency:

• Recognizes changes in patient condition and responds appropriately (notifies nurse/physician, initiates CPR)
• Functions calmly and efficiently in an emergency situation, so that the patients immediate needs are addressed and met.
• Ensures adequate maintenance of ventilation and oxygenation during procedure
• Assists nursing staff as needed
• Documents respiratory interventions on code records
• Assists anesthesia department as needed
• Assesses oxygen transport needs
• Maintains current BCLS or ACLS

VENTILATOR CARE

• Sets up and maintains ventilator functions.
• Verifies physician order, sets up ventilator as ordered by physician.
• Monitors use of ventilator for safe operation.
• Suctions as per protocol.
• Uses BIPAP and CPAP devices, ensuring proper size fit and comfort of patient.
• Maintains knowledge of various ventilators in use.
• Troubleshoots and corrects problems, reports to biomedical department.
• Maintains infection control measures.
• Cleans and tests equipment after each use and returns to storage area.
• Educates patients as needed.
• Documents appropriately

PULSE OXIMETRY

• Demonstrates appropriate use of pulse oximetry device.
• Correctly utilizes different probes/sensors.
• Identifies age-related issues for site selection (digit size, ear lobe, hand/foot), decreased circulations, decreased skin integrity, fragility of skin, decreased oxygen saturation.
• Identifies acceptable pulse ox saturation levels based on age and disease process.
• Reassures the patient that the procedure is painless and non-invasive.
• Patient Education
• Participates in the education process of patients and families
• Recognizes special needs/concerns of populations served and adjust treatments/communication accordingly, i.e. potential decreased hearing, elderly; language barrier, as well as cultural needs/issues.
• Provides education on the following:
• Patient education of medications
• Questions/clarification of misconceptions
• Equipment use, questions and concerns
• Community resources or needs
• Follow up/referral to appropriate health care provider
• Documents education on the interdisciplinary teaching record and/or EMR. Recognizes special needs/concerns of populations served and adjusts communication accordingly, i.e., language barrier, diminished hearing, concrete terms, etc.

Other duties as needed and assigned by the manager.

Education & Training: HS graduate or equivalent, graduate of an AMA approved respiratory therapy program.

Certification & Licensure: current PA license & registered Respiratory Therapist /

BCLS Required.

Experience: Preferred.

Our Commitment

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.