Performs the primary functions of a Professional Registered Respiratory Therapist in assessing, planning, implementing, educating, and evaluating a designated group of patients in accordance with established Respiratory Care Standards, Hospital and Departmental Policies. Is responsible for managing all assigned personnel, duties, supplies, and equipment in the hospital or on their assigned unit and for promoting team work with all members of the healthcare team. Performs duties and responsibilities in a manner consistent with our mission and values.
Principle Accountabilities:
1. Performs therapeutic and life support procedures including the administration of oxygen, aerosolized medication, breathing treatments, chest physiotherapy, arterial blood gas, and invasive and noninvasive ventilation. Takes vital signs and listens to breath sounds. Explains procedures and treatments to gain cooperation and lessen apprehension of the patient. Applies Respiratory Therapy knowledge and clinical expertise to evaluate, initiate, and update Respiratory Therapy assessment as necessary. Participates in physician rounds and discharge planning.
2. When administering therapeutic procedures and treatments ongoing assessment of a patient is maintained. Watches for change in condition or reactions. Observes and
reports reactions, changes and/or significant incidents to nurse and/or physician, physician assistant, and supervisor when appropriate. Evaluates emotional status of patient and offers counsel and support to patient and their family. Educates patients on disease prevention, lung health, use of inhalers and inhalation devices Uses equipment properly to give therapeutic treatments. Makes rounds with physicians and assist in examination and treatments.
3. Demonstrates advanced clinical skills and critical thinking skills to support ECMO ventilator management, bronchoscopies and bedside tracheostomies Responsible for operating and maintaining acute care ventilators for both short term and long term mechanical ventilation of adults, pediatrics and neonates.
4. Plans, coordinates, and provides professional Respiratory Care to patients according to assessment, care plans, protocols, physician’s orders, and individual
patient needs. Utilizes established respiratory care standards and conforms to the policies and procedures of the department and to the philosophy and objectives of the hospital.
5. Cross trains in a variety of settings including Pulmonary Function Lab, Hyperbaric Medicine, In-patient Pulmonary Rehab, and Outpatient Pulmonary Rehab. Performs diagnostic tests that assess cardiac and lung function and operates physiologic monitoring equipment and life support systems in critical care settings.
6. Documents tasks, medications given and plan of care in electronic medical record. Receives report from previous shift and gives appropriate information to the next shift as to patients’ condition and any pertinent occurrences on the shift.
7. Participates with formal process improvement to ensure and enhance the quality of patient care when instructed.
8. Acts as a preceptor for Respiratory care, Nursing students and Certified therapists.
9. Attends in-service programs, skills labs, workshops, and meetings. Serves on committees as requested. Maintains the latest on new and changing procedures in
the respiratory care field. Becomes a resource person for their peers and other members of the healthcare team with questions and procedures when necessary.
10. Responds to emergency situations when necessary.
11. Performs other work duties as assigned.
Employee is required to sit occasionally, walk, or stand continuously. Employee must lift/carry a light (1-20lbs), medium (21-50lbs), and heavy (50 lbs+) equipment load occasionally. Employee may be required to assist with patient movement, repositioning or transfers in accordance with established Safe Patient Handling and Movement guidelines. Employee is occasionally required to bend, squat, crawl, kneel, climb, lift waist to overhead. Employee is occasionally required to reach forward and reach overhead. For repetitive action, employee is required to perform simple grasping and pushing/pulling and one hand for fine manipulation. Employee is occasionally exposed to fumes, electrical hazards, and CRT terminal work.
(Occasionally: 1-33%, Frequently: 34-66%, Continuously: 67-100%)
The most significant of duties are included but this does not exclude occasional work assignments not mentioned or developmental duties.
Associate of Science degree or equivalent, or a Bachelor’s degree in Health science or equivalent.
