Inpatient Respiratory Therapist

Closing Date:
Open Until Filled

Hourly Range: $29.03 – $35.99/Hour

APPLICANT MUST HAVE A VALID, UNRESTRICTED INSURABLE DRIVER’S LICENSE

RESUME AND REFERENCES ARE REQUIRED

ESSENTIAL DUTIES, FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides emergency Respiratory Therapy to all patients which requires extensive skill and training.
• Serves as sole technician during periods when staffing is short.
• Administers bronchial hygiene therapy through chest physiotherapy (CPT) i.e., percussion, vibration and postural drainage, incentive spirometry, diaphragmatic breathing and cough technique. Administers volume oriented intermitted positive pressure breathing therapy (IPPB).
• Performs airway care and maintenance.
• Performs nasotracheal suctioning and suctioning of artificial airways.
• Performs endotracheal and tracheostomy tube care.
• Administers aerosol and humidification therapy.
• Administers respiratory medications as prescribed by physician.
• Initiates, monitors and discontinues all modes of oxygen therapy. Initiates, monitors and discontinues all modes of supplemental airway humidification, including ultrasonic nebulizers, continuous aerosols and mist tents.
• Obtains and/or induces adequate sputum specimens for lab analysis.
• Provides diagnostic evaluation of spirometric and pulmonary mechanics to include vital capacity, peak flow, and forced expiratory volume and/or flow rates. Performs, administers and evaluates cardiopulmonary diagnostic studies (PFT, Holter Monitor, EKG, ETT, etc.).
• Performs arterial punctures and arterial blood gas analysis for the purpose of arterial blood gas evaluations.
• Performs, administers, monitors and evaluates pulse oximetry diagnostic studies.
• Initiates, monitors and discontinues mechanical ventilation support.
• Performs weaning parameters, extubation, and evaluates need for further airway support and communicates with the physician. Weans patients from mechanical ventilators per department policy and procedure.
• Assists in emergency and/or elective intubation, oral or nasal, on patient with impending respiratory failure/cardiac arrest.
• Performs external cardiac massage and pulmonary resuscitation.
• Performs patient assessment duties. Documents in the patient medical record a summary of all respiratory therapy administered. Receives documents and carries out verbal orders from the physician that are related to respiratory care. Checks for current and accurate physician orders, if necessary, contacts supervisor. Acts as a consultant to the physician on matters of respiratory care and the practice of respiratory therapy.
• Performs regular maintenance, calibration, assembly, quality control of respiratory therapy equipment, cardiopulmonary diagnostic equipment and blood gas diagnostic equipment.
• Assures uninterrupted supply of necessary accessories and supplies.
• Maintains inventory as needed.
• Assists in the training and orientation of students and new employees as needed.
• Provides continuing education to nursing and medical staff on latest developments in respiratory therapy.
• Complies with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the College of American Pathologists (CAP) standards.
• Complies with all safety rules regarding oxygen delivery, set up, storage and administration as set forth by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Department of Transportation (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). and the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP).
• Maintains the skills and knowledge necessary to administer care to all age groups.
• Participates in professional activities to upgrade present skills and knowledge and keeps abreast of changes in the profession through review of latest journals and articles in the field of respiratory therapy.
• Participates fully in quality assurance and performance improvement process within the department and hospital.
• Reports and completes repair requisition to Healthcare Technology Services for all malfunctioning equipment. Ensures uninterrupted supply of necessary accessories and supplies. Maintains inventory as needed.
• Completes continuing education units as per department policy. Participates and completes required department and hospital training and competencies.
• Participates in the development and revision of…