Performs the basic functions of a 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. Under direct supervision. Is responsible for managing all assigned duties, stocking 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: % of Time Spent
Plans, coordinates, and provides professional Respiratory Care to patients in assigned area 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. The Respiratory Student Therapist will not take any verbal/telephone orders from physicians, generate care plans, or change frequency
of medication orders. The Respiratory Student Therapist will contact their charge therapist or supervisor to take a verbal /telephone order or make changes to orders. 20%
2. Performs therapeutic and life support procedures including the administration of oxygen, aerosolized medication, breathing treatments, chest physiotherapy,
arterial blood gas. Takes vital signs and listens to breath sounds. Explains procedures and treatments to gain cooperation and lessen apprehension of the patient. 30%
3. When administering therapeutic procedures and treatments ongoing assessment of a patient is maintained. Completes "RT Severity Index" for treatments ordered
on patients and reports back to charge therapist or supervisor for any pertinent changes needed. 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. Will use equipment to give therapeutic treatments: i.e. Home Cpap/Bipap, Cpap/Bipap, and Optiflow. For any acute situations that require the use of noninvasive ventilation for example Vision or V60 the student therapist will contact their charge therapist or their supervisor/manager. 30%
4. Documents tasks, medications given in electronic medical records. Checks the chart for completeness and accuracy. Receives report from previous shift and
gives appropriate information to the next shift as to patients’ condition and any pertinent occurrences on the shift. 5%
5. Attends in-service programs, skills labs, workshops, and meetings. Maintains the latest on new and changing procedures in the respiratory care field. Participates in process improvement. 5%
6. Responds to emergency situations when necessary. 5%
7. Performs other work duties as assigned. 5%
Total 100%
Employee is required to sit occasionally, walk, or stand continuously. Employee must lift/carry a light (1-20lbs), medium (21-50lbs), and heavy (50lbs+) load occasionally. Employee may be required to lift over 100lbs with assistance. 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.
High School diploma or GED required.
The Respiratory Care Student is actively enrolled in an accredited Respiratory Therapy Program that will award an Associate of Science degree or a Bachelor’s degree in Science or equivalent. Is recognized by the Missouri Board for Respiratory Care. Has a current Temporary Permit or Temporary Educational Permit on file.
