Respiratory Therapist

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the DON, the Respiratory Care Practitioner delivers direct respiratory care to subacute care patients as assigned. The therapist plans, implements and evaluates the effectiveness of respiratory care provided at the Children’s Health of Northern CA. The Respiratory Therapist acts as resource person to other therapists, nurses and physicians regarding the respiratory care of patients in their assigned area. They participate in clinical in-service education and training concerning respiratory care policies and procedures.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities Performed

Responsibility: Provides direct patient care respiratory services as assigned.

Tasks

• Coordinates and monitors patient care according to departmental policies and procedures.
• Sets up, adjusts and manages patients on continuous mechanical ventilation which includes maintenance of airway patency, auctioning, stabilizing trach tubes, monitoring cuff pressures, etc. ensuring ventilators are delivering proper volume, mode of ventilation, pressures, respiratory rates and oxygen concentration. When indicated, weans patients from continuous ventilation according to established procedures.
• Documents all therapeutic and diagnostic activities and results in the patient’s medical record including but not limited to: date, time and duration of therapy medications administered, power source, supplemental O2 (if any), heart and respiratory rate, breath sounds, description of sputum production and cough, complications or adverse effects (if any) response to therapy and general observations.
• Assesses and formulates an appropriate Respiratory Care plan based upon patient assessment and discusses variances with primary physician when necessary.
• Monitors and identifies problem regarding quality assurance.
• Communicate effectively with all physicians utilizing respiratory care services in clinical area.
• Participates in patient rounds in designated clinical area and serves as respiratory care resource person to other members of the health-care team. Communicates changes in the respiratory care plan with other healthcare team members.
• Explains treatment procedures to patients and/or family members to allay fears and elicit cooperation and ensures patient education regarding the pulmonary system.
• Participates in meetings and conferences designated to expedite and improve delivery of respiratory care.
• Proposes, develops, and helps implement techniques, methodology, and treatment modalities related to respiratory care. Assists in development of new clinical procedures in designate area.
• Performs emergency and acute respiratory care procedures in accordance with service policy and procedures. Responds to all cardiopulmonary arrest and performs cardiopulmonary resuscitation and airway care as needed.
• Identifies the need for development of improved documentation forms and problem areas regarding departmental, staff and patient safety.
• Performs peer review of other therapists working in area of responsibility.
• Provides input to supervisor regarding staffing, equipment, and supply needs.
• Assembles and checks and corrects malfunctions and performs quality controls on respiratory care equipment.
• Maintains clinical and professional competency based upon established standards of practice