HI - Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory Therapy Position

This position works in the respiratory therapy unit of a hospital and exercises considerable independent clinical judgment in applying scientific knowledge and theory to practical respiratory care problems in accordance with physicians' orders. The position is responsible for independently administering respiratory tests and treatment to patients with respiratory diseases and disorders including cases involving critically ill, pediatric, and neonatal patients. The position may be required to work on shifts, including evenings, and weekends and holidays.

Key

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Life Support Systems:
  Initiate, monitor and maintain volume and pressure cycled respiration units for patients requiring continuous ventilation as a life support measure as determined by a physician.
• Participate in administering and initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation as part of the resuscitation team which includes airway maintenance and/or establishment with an endotracheal tube, manual ventilation via mouth to mouth, ambu-bag and mask or bag to tube; perform arterial punctures for blood gas analysis; ventilate patients during transfer to Intensive Care Unit and initiate mechanical ventilation when indicated.
• Provide consultation and patient evaluations:
  Assess and evaluate patients with respiratory disorders as requested by the primary physician, i.e., clinical status, history, laboratory results, chest x rays, vital signs, etc. Use the principles of growth and development to assess each patient's age-specific needs.
• Administer treatments:
  Provide age-specific treatment and care. Communicate and interact with patients and families in a positive and courteous manner.
• Pulmonary Function Testing:
  Operate pulmonary function testing equipment to obtain data relative to patient's respiratory process to include vital capacity, forced vital capacity and maximum inspiratory flow rate and all expiratory flow rates.
• Pulse Oximetry:
  Operate pulse oximetry monitors for spot checking SP02. Able to identify stable wave forms to insure reliable results. Basic maintenance of equipment as necessary.
• Patient
  
  Education:
  
  Able to instruct patient and family on treatments provided by Respiratory Therapy in accordance with the hospital patient/family education policies and procedures.
• Provide initial instruction to outpatients at the hospital or in the home (re: aerosol treatment, breathing exercises, and postural drainage exercises).
• Adhere to safety/infection control policies and procedures. Report unsafe equipment.
• Maintain a clean, well-stocked, safe environment for patients and staff. Keep patient care and utility areas neat and clean.
• Maintain the strictest confidentiality of all facility and facility-related employee information.
• Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation:
  This is a service that involves extensive patient teaching concerning disease processes, instructing the patient to do peak flows, monitor medications, ABG interpretation, and exercises for oxygen conservation.
• Electroencephalogram:
  Placement of electrodes to monitor electrical conductivity of the brain essential for clinical decisions. This includes taking measurements of the head, placement of electrodes, acquisition of data, monitoring of vital signs. This information is prepared for physician interpretation.
• Polysomnography as performed in Sleep Studies.
• Other Duties In addition to the key duties and responsibilities, this position may be assigned to:
  Clean and cold sterilize non-disposable respiratory therapy equipment and supplies; adjust, maintain, and make minor repairs to equipment; perform routine record keeping and filing; participate in training and educational programs; and perform other related duties as assigned.

Education, Experience, Certification, Licensure:

Desirable

Qualifications:

Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) recognized by the National Board of Respiratory Care or Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRTT) recognized by the National Board of Respiratory Care.