Respiratory Therapist

JOB SUMMARY:

The respiratory therapist serves as a key stakeholder in the clinical setting for respiratory care. The respiratory therapist is expected to set-up and operate various types of respiratory care and cardiac care equipment to be utilized in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiopulmonary diseases and illnesses. Responsible for assessing, educating and treating patients across the lifespan from neonates to geriatrics with cardiopulmonary diseases and illnesses.

Essential Functions:

• Responsible for explaining purpose and procedures of treatments, tests, and equipment to the patient.
• Conducts physician prescribed treatments of a routine nature.
• Performs procedures such as but not limited to arterial punctures, operates, and maintains Blood Gas Analyzer.
• Responsible for initiation and maintenance of ventilators when patient's respiratory system is incapable of adequate spontaneous ventilation.
• Works with physicians to provide recommendations on proper ventilation devices.
• Proficient with the use of high flow oxygen, nebulizers, invasive ventilators and non-invasive ventilators.
• Participates in rapid response and code 99s.
• Involved with patient care drills and serves as a liaison for teaching and coaching clinic staff within the scope of practice of a respiratory therapist.
• Ensures the adequate maintenance of ventilation during CPR.
• Performs pulmonary function studies.
• Makes regular rounds on inpatient and outpatient units.
• Operates EKG, holter monitor, and stress testing equipment.
• Records all pertinent information of EKGs, holters and stress tests, respiratory treatments and patient response to treatment or procedure in patient's chart/respiratory record.
• Processes respiratory equipment cleans, sterilizes and packages as required.
• Cares for patients with contemporary practices and participates in quality improvement activities.
• Exhibits good clinical judgments and decision making.
• Fosters a positive relationship with internal and external key stakeholders.
• Take initiatives and can work independently.
• Adheres to facilities policies, procedures and protocols.
• Maintains the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served, i.e., Neonate, Child, Adolescent, Geriatric.
• Performs such related duties not listed herein but deemed in the best interest of the hospital.
• Responsible for patient and employee safety as it applies to their work environment.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Therapy Program.
• Must have and maintain national credentials through the NBRC.
• Must be CRT or eligible, RRT or eligible.
• Should have a working knowledge of both respiratory and diagnostic cardiology services (i.e., EKG, holter monitor, stress testing), with a minimum of 2 years of experience.
• Maintains ACLS, PALS, NRP certifications.

WORKER TRAITS:

• Verbal ability is necessary to comprehend meaning of medical prescriptions as applied to a specific patient, and to confer with patient to obtain cooperation.
• Clerical ability is necessary to recognize pertinent details in patient's chart and to keep accurate records of treatment data.
• Motor coordination and finger dexterity are necessary to set up and position equipment accurately, to manipulate equipment controls, and to make minor repairs.