Respiratory Care Practitioner

Summary

Administer and evaluate a wide variety of therapeutic and diagnostic procedures to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of primary pulmonary disease and other medical problems that may affect a patient's pulmonary status. Perform other related duties as required.

Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another.

• Instill Trust and Value Differences
• Patient and Community Focus and Collaborate

Performs according to the Respiratory Services Policy & Procedures Manual (204-211) a variety of therapeutic procedures, including:

• Intermittent positive pressure breathing
• Chest physiotherapy
• Postural drainage
• Nebulizererosol therapy
• Incentive Spirometry
• Breathing exercises
• Tracheal irrigation and aspiration

Administers all inhalant medications with a scientific understanding of actions, expected responses, and adverse reactions to include:

• Bronchodilators
• Mucolytics
• Antibiotics
• Wetting agents
• Steroids
• Chromalin drugs
• Anti‑fungal agents

Sets‑up and performs CPAP, Bi‑Pap and non‑invasive ventilation. Provides and monitors continuous oxygen and humidification therapy. Instructs patient on the use of equipment and monitors equipment function, proper use of equipment, and compliance with written physician's orders.

Initiates, monitors, and provides respiratory care to all patients dependent on mechanical ventilation for life support (P&P Manual, Section 301-310) — adult mechanical ventilation; neonatal/pediatric ventilation.

Performs equipment check‑out procedures prior to use to ensure proper function, adjusts all ventilatory parameters, initiates and monitors mechanical ventilation, and makes adjustments to coordinate the ventilator with the patient. Demonstrates knowledge of all ventilator modes.

Nebulizes fluids, irrigates airway, and performs deep tracheal suction and cuff care as needed. Monitors oxygen concentration, ventilatory volumes, muscular strength, humidification, ventilating pressures, sputum collection and characteristics, breath sounds, and changes in respiratory/pulmonary condition and ability. Monitors equipment for proper function.

Demonstrates ability to properly perform arterial blood gas analysis, as indicated, when authorized by the physician (P&P Manual, Section 401-407):

• Adult arterial blood gases
• Infants/children arterial blood gases
• Blood Gas Lab Safety
• Call physician with critical values
• Calibration
• Preventive maintenance
• Quality control procedures

Demonstrates ability to accurately transcribe ABG results and correlate results with the clinical situation. Makes arrangements to improve oxygenation and acid‑base balance. Interprets and executes all orders prescribed by a physician. Demonstrates ability to review history and physical, labs, X‑ray reports, and interdisciplinary progress notes to assess patient’s condition and therapeutic needs or contraindications to ordered therapy. Consistently works within the physician’s order to deliver the therapy appropriate for the patient’s condition.

Demonstrates ability to determine best methods for therapy such as appropriate pressure and flow rates for intermittent positive pressure breathing, positions required for chest physiotherapy/postural drainage, types of breathing exercises, sensitivity, flow rates, pressure limits/control, ventilatory waveforms, and need for suction‑irrigation for patients on mechanical ventilation. Responds to hazards of therapies in an appropriate manner, including life‑threatening situations.

Instructs patient on rationale and proper procedures for all therapies. Monitors pulmonary and cardiac response and results of all therapies. Performs accurate and complete documentation of all findings to physician via medical record. Demonstrates ability to evaluate changes in patient’s condition and determines if current therapy is successful in meeting therapeutic objectives. Accepts verbal/telephone orders from physicians when appropriate and transcribes accurately in the medical record (see P & P Manual, Section…