Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory Therapist

Night Shift 6p-6:30a

The Respiratory Therapist is responsible for administering respiratory medications and providing other respiratory services and/or therapeutic treatments to hospital patients. Services and treatments could include BIPAP/CPAP; oxygen therapy; sputum collection; suctioning; airway management; inhalation therapy treatments; humidifier and mist test setup and monitoring; pulmonary function tests; pulse oximetry and others.

Knowledge & Experience

• Demonstrates ability to give and follow instructions accurately
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal skills necessary to interact with various levels of health care personnel and patients
• Demonstrates proficiency in basic computer skills

Knowledge

• Anatomy and physiology of pulmonary system
• Basic respiratory therapy therapeutic treatments and services
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support concepts and measures
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support concepts and measures

Education

• Associate or Bachelor of Science degree in respiratory therapy preferred
• Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credentials required
• Current registration as a Respiratory Care Practitioner with the state of Indiana Health Professions Bureau

Experience

• Two-five years of experience preferred
• A minimum of one year of previous clinical experience required

Authority and Accountability

• Extensive exposure to confidential information or matters
• Frequent contact with various persons or groups within and outside of the hospital including employees, department managers, physicians, patients, visitors and outside agency personnel
• Must be able to work with and communicate with different types of people

Aptitudes

• Must be able to prioritize, utilize critical thinking, and adjust to change
• Must be able to reason and use logical problem-solving skills
• Performs duties that require some latitude for independent judgment and initiative in handling situations out of the ordinary

Physical and Mental Effort

• Regular requirement to walk, stand, and sit; use hands to handle, or feel; reach with hands or arms; talk; and hear
• Frequent requirement to stoop, crouch, and kneel
• Regular requirement to lift 10-25 pounds
• Occasional requirement to lift > 25 pounds
• Specific vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus
• Speaking and listening skills are essential
• Must be able to work under a moderate amount of stress
• Must be able to read, write and do simple calculations; follow written and oral instructions

Environmental and Working Conditions

• The noise level in this work environment is usually moderate
• Work is performed in a clean, well-lighted and ventilated building
• Could be subject to infectious diseases, cuts, abrasions, burns, and punctures
• Work schedule may vary

Accountability

• Reports to the VP of Nursing

Quality Assurance-Key Responsibilities

Administers oxygen per physician order

• Nasal cannula
• Mask
• Regular
• Non-rebreather
• Venturi
• Pediatric
• T-Tube

Sets up, maintains, and takes down mist/croup tents

Cleans, sterilizes and stores Respiratory Services equipment appropriately and in a timely fashion

Performs pulse oximetry readings

• bedside
• exercise oximetry

Performs patient suctioning appropriately

• Oral
• Nasal
• Endotracheal
• Tracheostomy

Public Relations

• Maintains effective channels of…