Respiratory Care Therapist

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The Respiratory Therapist performs assessment, evaluation, planning and documentation of care provided to patients with cardiopulmonary disorders in the following age groups: infants, pediatrics, adolescents, adults, and geriatrics. This care will be delivered in accordance with established standards of performance.

This is a Casual (PRN) position . Days of work are Sunday - Saturday with hours typically from 6:00am - 6:30pm, 7:00am - 7:30pm or 8:00am - 8:30pm. Weekend and holiday work are variable to meet the department needs. Call rotation may be required on an as-needed basis.

JOB FUNCTIONS

• Initiates, conducts, modifies and monitors the effects of respiratory care treatment plans, including therapeutic, diagnostic, blood gases, monitoring and rehabilitation based on physician approved protocols and written physician order.
• Provides set up of equipment and management of patients requiring invasive and noninvasive ventilation. This includes mechanical ventilation, BIPAP and CPAP.
• Performs specific testing techniques that include measurement of ventilatory volumes, pressure, flows, blood gas analysis, and other related physiology.
• Performs arterial blood gas analysis and relays results to the physician.
• Performs bronchial hygiene and assists or instructs patients in performance of breathing exercises.
• Educates inpatients and outpatients and their families about their conditions and teaches appropriate disease management techniques, such as breathing exercises and the use of aerosol medications and respiratory equipment.
• Explains treatment procedures to patients to gain cooperation and allay fears.
• Schedules and conducts Pulmonary Function Testing as ordered by the provider
• Inspect, clean, test and maintain respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently, ordering repairs when necessary.
• Obtains additional training as a tobacco treatment specialist (TTS), as desired or requested by the department manager. Job duties of the TTS include assessment of patients (inpatient and outpatient) with tobacco/nicotine dependence, use of motivational interviewing skills to escalate the conversation to a meaningful visit, recommendation of appropriate treatment strategies, providing behavioral counseling and support throughout the entire quit process, and maintenance of continuing education requirements for the position.
• Works as part of a team of providers, nurses and other healthcare professionals to manage patient care.
• Provides emergency care, including artificial respiration and assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Demonstrates compliance with Infection Control policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates compliance with departmental and hospital policies.
• Participates in the department’s performance improvement activities and is compliant with accreditation and regulatory agencies.
• Reports potential risk management, corporate compliance, HIPAA, and quality and safety issues on timely basis to department manager.
• All other duties as assigned.