Respiratory Therapist

Job Description
Job Details

Job Title:

Respiratory Therapist

Department/

Location:

Respiratory / Chicago, IL

Shift: Nights. 7:00 pm - 7:30 am.

Registry:
As Needed; non-benefit eligible

FTE: 0.1

Req. Number: 1031

Reporting to the Manager, Respiratory Care - Chicago or Director of Respiratory Care Services, and according to established policies, procedures, respiratory standards of care and practice and the direction of the medical staff, the Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) renders competent, humane, individualized care to every patient and the family. The RCP assesses, plans, implements and evaluates the delivery of respiratory care services to facilitate continuity of care through the continuum of services offered vides age and developmentally appropriate care to adult and geriatric patients.

• Exemplifies the RML REACH (Service Excellence) culture by demonstrating respect, excellence, appreciation, concern, and honor in all interactions with patients, families, and co-workers, as identified in departmental and hospital-wide behavioral expectations.
• Maintains accountability for the management of all respiratory care services required by assigned patients. Accepts and responds to written and verbal physician orders, participates in emergency and “code” situations, performs cardiopulmonary resuscitation, performs pulmonary assessments, administers and monitors patients’ response to bronchodilators, performs blood gas analyses, performs stat electrolytic analyses, performs complex respiratory treatments, and manages patients on mechanical ventilation per physician order and approved RML ventilator weaning protocol.
• Demonstrates clinical competence by consistently applying respiratory knowledge and performing within the scope of practice of a Respiratory Care Practitioner in the state of Illinois. Responsible for maintaining knowledge and skills appropriate to the respiratory needs of patients at RML (equipment, procedures, respiratory medications, etc.). Obtains necessary information and demonstrates competence prior to implementing new or unfamiliar care practices, or responsibly declines to provide assigned care and notifies supervisor until able to obtain the appropriate skill.
• Executes the medical treatment plan by implementing MD orders for respiratory care. Seeks clarification on any unclear or questionable order by consulting with the ordering physician (or on-call physician after hours), prior to implementation. If the question is not resolved, the RCP refers the question to the Lead RCP for assistance, to the Clinical Supervisor, the Manager, of Respiratory Care Services, the Director of Respiratory Care Services, or to the V.P. Patient Care Services/ CNO as necessary for resolution.
• Performs blood gas and electrolyte analysis as ordered by the physician, and is consistent with hospital policies. Reports problems in specimen management or equipment operation to the lead RCP or department director.
• Assists in the assembly, disassembly, cleaning, and processing of respiratory therapy equipment according to department policies.
• Works in a team environment with all other members of the healthcare team to provide patient-centered care. Works closely with other disciplines to define an individualized problem list and interventions. Correlates individualized patient care goals into an interdisciplinary patient care plan. Participates as requested in organized “staffing” meetings to discuss patient progress and revise goals.
• Assess patients’ progress in accordance with established goals and initiates appropriate actions. Documents thoroughly in Meditech regarding patient’s condition and interventions performed (e.g., medications given, treatments performed, etc.). Reports significant information to all appropriate individuals (change of shift report, change in condition to RN and/or MD, etc.). Ensures patient acuity is accurate for the assigned shifts in Opti Link.
• Works closely with other disciplines and the care coordinator to ensure that interventions and patient care are timely and progress effectively in order to ensure patient and family…