JGH Registered Respiratory Therapist

Licensed by West Virginia Board of Respiratory Care as a Licensed Respiratory Therapist – Registered (LRTR).

Graduate of an accredited program in Respiratory Therapy

Current BLS and ACLS

Provide respiratory therapy (conventional/routine to patients as ordered).

Receive assignment. Check patient chart and physician’s orders. Set up equipment and medications and administer treatments as ordered, e.g. oxygen administration, humidity therapy, airway management, resuscitation, mechanical ventilation, postural drainage procedures, Pulmonary Function Testing, closed atmosphere and respiratory monitoring, intermittent positive pressure breathing, pharmacology respiratory therapy. Chart treatment, response and progress.

Draw blood for lab tests.

Provide appropriate care utilizing knowledge and skill according to the age of the patient—neonate, pediatric, adolescent, geriatric

Assess data reflective of the patient’s status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient’s requirements relative to his/her age specific needs. Provide the care needed as described in the department’s policies and procedures

Communicate with patients and explain treatment procedures. Assess patients understanding of therapy

Monitor environmental control and other systems. Deliver and set up equipment and monitor patients on continuous ventilation. Do nasotracheal and tracheal (endotracheal tube or tracheotomy) suctioning.

Make patient rounds regularly. Observe patient, check equipment, change/make adjustments as necessary. Solve problems. Discontinue therapy as ordered. Remove equipment from patient rooms, dissemble, etc

Give a clear concise report to the next shift including all-important observations and any changes in therapy

Recognize medical problems and report to physician. Apply emergency protocols as needed or alert supervisor

In the event of cardiac arrest, proceed to location and assist physician with establishment and maintenance of patient airway

Maintain established department policies, procedures, objectives, performance improvement, safety, environmental and infection control

Assist with care and maintenance of department equipment and supplies. Maintain stock levels of supplies. Call for maintenance and repair of equipment (in-house). Alert supervisor to malfunction of equipment. Document maintenance/repair

Maintain department records (patient/other), reports, and files as required

Attend meetings as required. Consult with medical/nursing staff as needed/requested

Enhance professional growth and development through inservice meetings, educational programs, current literature, workshops, etc

Ability to be on feet walking for extended periods of time.

Ability to lift, push, and/or pull 40 pounds.