Respiratory Therapist

Job Summary

Responsible for the drawing and analysis of arterial blood gases, patient assessments, Therapist Driven Protocols, continuous mechanical ventilator management, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, bronchial hygiene, chest physical therapy, oxygen administration, hyperinflation therapy, aerosol therapy, and screening Pulmonary function studies, performance of emergency procedures, CPR certification, teamwork, pulse oximetry, cleaning and changing equipment (and if applicable charge duties- to include work distribution prioritizing workload for staff, presentation of one topic per year to the Respiratory Therapy staff), maintaining a keen interest in latest trends for the profession.

Performs documentation for all activities as outlined for charge on documentation policy/procedure to include EMR, Cardex and treatment cards.

• Supports and promotes the mission and values of Covenant Health Ministry.
• All respiratory therapy treatments are documented and charged in the electronic medical record (EMR) using the charge on documentation system.
• Notes include breath sounds, cough effectiveness, sputum production, time given, mode of delivery, medication, dosage, toleration, adverse reactions, O2 therapy, and O2 Saturation.
• Initial note includes thorough assessment and proper initiation of therapist driven protocol(s) which encompass frequency and duration of therapeutic regimen.
• Follows therapeutic goals outlined through Therapist Driven Protocol (TDP).
• Paperwork completed for oncoming shift- ensuring Cardex and treatment cards being thoroughly completed.
• Clearly and accurately completes extended therapy sheets utilized for EMR downtime, special procedure forms utilized for all patient care areas.
• Order derived from TDP is entered/updated in EMR.
• Patient/family education is documented in EMR.
• Updraft Nebulizer Therapy/Metered Dose Inhaler/IPPB/USN
• Therapy performed as ordered and/or as revised per TDP (i.e. frequency, dosage, and time).
• UDN and MDI determined as appropriate for patient or interaction with MD has generated appropriate therapy.
• Changes in therapy are pursued and transcribed per TDP.
• Patient is closely monitored for adverse reactions/effects. Any adverse reactions are entered into occurrence reporting tool and are communicated to the appropriate MD and manager.
• Interaction with MD has generated appropriate therapy.
• Incentive Spirometry
• Patient Volumes and effort are recorded in EMR.
• Goals adjusted to achieve maximum patient effort.
• ABG Analysis and Oximetry
• ABG obtained without causing unnecessary trauma to the patient.
• Blood Gas controls properly run and analyzed. Any necessary action taken is recorded in corrective action log.
• Pulse oximetry results are closely monitored and documented properly. Provides recommendations to physicians for appropriate use of pulse oximetry.
• Overnight Saturation studies are initiated, and reports generated before end of shift.
• Nursery & Pediatric Procedures
• Able to utilize designated mechanical ventilator in infant mode.
• Provides patient/family education when appropriate.
• Oxygen rounds done accurately with room to room checks and are completed no later than the middle of the shift.
• Oxygen therapy initiated in accordance with TDP and followed as ordered by provider.
• Oxygen equipment is changed as needed or as delineated by policy.
• Oxygen therapy is closely monitored and adjusted with pulse oximetry and appropriate recommendations are made to covering provider.
• Responds to all Trauma Team and PCI Team Activations, Code Blue and RRT.
• Takes immediate steps in establishing the airway including endotracheal intubation.
• Maintains skills required for intubation/or exhibits competency within a 6-month period.
• Anticipates the patient’s immediate needs and is aggressive in resuscitation efforts.
• Makes proper recommendation for oxygen delivery devices.
• Utilizes portable vent when transporting intubated patients.
• Performance of Critical Care Procedures
• Institutes standing ventilator orders per policy.
• Documents changes in parameters, performs ABG after ventilator is initiated and patient is stabilized.
• Performs Spontaneous Breathing Trial and documents…