Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory Therapists are clinical specialists who provide quality care to patients and their families according to physician orders and approved protocols. Services include assessment, treatment and management, rehabilitation, diagnostic evaluation and care of patients with deficiencies and abnormalities affecting the cardiopulmonary system. This involves the application and analysis of respiratory care as it applies to clinical data, equipment, and therapeutic procedures.

• Perform specific testing techniques to assist in diagnosis, monitoring, treatment and research, including measurement of ventilatory volumes, pressures and flows, specimen collection of blood and other materials, hemodynamic and other related physiological monitoring of cardiopulmonary systems, including inserting, monitoring, and maintaining arterial catheters and other cardiovascular indwelling catheters, including central venous and pulmonary artery catheters following appropriate education and training.
• Insertion of intravenous and intraosseous catheters in appropriately identified health care settings, including medical evacuation and transport vehicles, outpatient bronchoscopy facilities provided the respiratory care practitioner has completed a competency-based training and education program in the insertion and maintenance of such catheters.
• Insertion of nasogastric tubes, including such tubes used for the purpose of sensing diaphragmatic movements.
• Utilize respiratory equipment in all modalities to include, but not limited to: medical gases such as oxygen, Heliox, and nitric oxide therapy, IPPB treatments, aerosol treatments, chest physiotherapy and other airway clearance techniques according to physician orders or protocols to meet patient respiratory needs.
• Provide education to patients, families and the general public to promote knowledge of disease process, therapies, self‑help, cardiopulmonary wellness and disease prevention.
• Initiate and maintain invasive and non‑invasive mechanical ventilation according to physician order or protocol. Ensure patient‑ventilator synchrony, maintain, monitor, measure and adjust appropriately to assure proper function and to ascertain therapeutic effectiveness.
• Administer pharmacologic, diagnostic and therapeutic agents related to respiratory care procedures necessary to implement treatment, disease prevention, pulmonary rehabilitation, or diagnostic regimen prescribed by a physician or protocol.
• Assist physicians in patient assessment, response to therapies, and recommendations for changes in therapies.
• Respond to all STAT situations involving Respiratory Care, requiring airway management and/or cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Maintain natural airways as well as insertion and maintenance of artificial airways.
• Perform or assist with fiber‑optic bronchoscopy, oximetry, VD/VT and O₂ consumption, tracheobronchial suctioning, tracheostomy tube changes, intubations, bedside spirometry and EKGs, arterial puncture and analysis of blood using point of care.
• Team member of the Critical Care Transport Team. Transport pediatric and neonatal patients requiring respiratory interventions or supervision as needed.
• Contribute to the development and revision of Respiratory policies, procedures and protocols.
• Promote continuous learning and expand expertise by engaging in and seeking opportunities to develop self and others with the goal of achieving a self‑directed work team. Collaborate in the development and implementation of research and/or quality improvement activities.
• Participate in clinical affiliation programs and/or orientation and education of respiratory therapist and other health care professionals.
• Work efficiently as a team member by consulting with physicians, RNs and other RTs within and across clinical settings to provide quality respiratory care to patients and service to medical center units through communication, cooperation, and collaboration.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the age‑related differences and needs of patients in appropriate, specific populations from neonate through adolescence and apply them to practice. Demonstrate cultural sensitivity in all interactions…