Student- Respiratory Therapist Technician

Respiratory Technicians must work under the supervision of person or persons holding state Respiratory Care Practitioner Licensure. Provides care for the Adult or Geriatric patient, ages 18 years and over. Respiratory Care Technicians MAY NOT perform any treatment on patients being mechanically ventilated or perform invasive procedures such as arterial blood gas puncture. Demonstrates and understands the importance of and respect for the rights, dignity and individuality of each patient in all interactions.

Make regular rounds, and oxygen equipment at least twice per shift, fill room humidifiers, change suction canisters daily, as well as spot-checking other respiratory therapy equipment per hospital policy and procedure. Assist in preparing respiratory care patients for physical therapy, ambulation, transport, etc. Properly stores oxygen tanks per OSHA and hospital guidelines. Assures participation in facility meetings by attending at least 9 (nine) staff meetings per year.

Completes required competencies assigned upon hire and yearly before scheduled deadlines. Conduct physician prescribed treatments: including, but not limited to Handheld Nebulizer Therapy and various nasal oxygen devices in order to administer prescribed medicinal vapors and gases, humidity, various oxygen concentrations to the respiratory system of the patient, and chest physical therapy treatments. Ensure the adequate maintenance of ventilation and/or compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Record all pertinent information of treatments, and patient response to treatments, on respiratory care records and patient chart; place MAR’s on patient’s chart in proper order Perform trach care per hospital policy and procedure. Change out tubing and inline suction devices, including suction canister per hospital policy and procedure. Perform iSTAT instrument testing as outlined in the technical procedures for each test as approved by the laboratory director.

Report treatments to be conducted and condition of patients to relief personnel. Give complete report of any changes made and new orders written and keep patient’s primary care nurse informed of such changes. Perform preventative maintenance and repair of equipment including EST and SST pre-use checks on ventilator before each use or as needed and properly documents in the cleaning log.