Respiratory Therapist Respiratory

Job Summary:

Performs all procedures germane to the practice of Respiratory Care as well as those procedures related to Cardiac Diagnostics.

• Perform respiratory care evaluations in a timely manner and make appropriate recommendations for therapy; and recommendations to the physician regarding alternate modalities when the patient is unable to tolerate or comprehend the prescribed therapy.
• Administer therapy with supplies and equipment that are appropriate to the age, development and comfort of the patient.
• Communicate effectively with patents of all ages and degrees of illness .
• Respiratory therapy modalities are administered according to standard department procedure.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic modalities; make recommendations to physicians regarding alternative methods of therapy, when appropriate.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the medications utilized in respiratory care, and POC system is utilized in documentation of all prescribed therapy.
• Demonstrate a competent level of technical skill in the operation of all mechanical ventilator systems.
• Evaluate patient for changes in ventilatory status; monitor respiratory parameters/advises MD.
• Demonstrate an understanding of arterial blood gases in relation to the patient’s respiratory status.
• Perform arterial blood gas punctures according to standard procedure. Demonstrate competency in procuring arterial blood gases.
• Demonstrate the ability to ET suction, position the endotube and extubate. Abide by universal precautions when handling blood, secretions and ventilator circuits.
• Show compassion and sensitivity when in contact with ventilator supported patients/families.
• Maintain and calibrates pulmonary function unit with specifications.
• Possess a good working knowledge of the PFT unit and be capable of performing basic trouble-shooting.
• Provide clear and concise instructions to patient.
• Demonstrate the ability to interpret test results.
• Complete test results to include calibration of patient effort, medication administered and documentation of tolerance.
• Perform electrocardiograms according to standard department procedure, assuring proper lead placement minimal artifact.
• Perform Holter monitoring according to standard department procedure, assuring proper lead placement, and explicit patient instruction.
• Competently perform cardiac stress testing with or without sestimibi component, as well as persantine studies.
• Accurately maintain department files in an orderly manner, generate required reports, reviews, and correct discrepancies as necessary.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance per specifications.
• Adhere to decontamination and sterilization procedures established for equipment.
• Provide ventilatory support to patients during transfer to other facilities or diagnostic laboratories.
• Assist with the development of criteria, collect data, and participate in data evaluation. Ensure QA assignments are done in a timely manner.
• Integrate various disciplines involved in the examination of patients into an effective team
• Provide a safe environment for all patients, and report incidents as policy dictates.
• Coordinate departmental services with other departments involved in patient care and provides other departments with timely information of changes affecting work flow or patient care.
• Perform routine maintenance and cleaning procedures on mechanical ventilators.
• Ensure appropriate use of equipment to minimize repair costs and premature placement needs.
• Participate in organizational Quality Management program as necessary.
• Report patient and staff incidents as outlined in hospital-wide policy.
• Ensure departmental compliance with applicable federal, state and local regulatory agencies and with professional licensure.
• Interact with medical staff in a manner conducive to improving cardiopulmonary services.
• Demonstrate knowledge of cultural factors and age-specific competencies in regards to patient population served.

License Requirements:

• CRT, Certified Respiratory Therapist (National Board for Respiratory Care)
• Licensed or eligible to be licensed in the State of Maine as a Certified Respiratory Therapist