Respiratory Therapist

Job Description

Job Summary:

• To assess in the treatment management and care of patients with Pathophysiological alteration of gas exchange within the body associated with Respiration and to consistently adhere to the Hospital Wide Customer Service patient satisfaction’s plan.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Reports to work on time in proper uniform.
• Phones in assignment, lunch hour and beeper number to switchboard operators at the beginning of the shift.
• Reports to all Cardiac Pulmonary emergencies and provide Respiratory care as needed.
• Verifies Physician’s Order, assesses patient and administers treatment to patients including ventilator and noninvasive ventilation care, nebulizer treatments, peak flow, sputum inductions, oxygen and aerosol therapy incentive spirometry.
• Maintains artificial airways and performs endotracheal and nasotracheal suctioning.
• Initiates mechanical ventilation, monitors and makes required changes in modes, FI02, rate tidal volume as prescribed by physician.
• Transports intubated patients for diagnostic testing and transfer.
• Consults with physician to exact changes in respiratory therapy as appropriate.
• Attends multidisciplinary rounds as per Hospital Policy.
• Keeps up at all time with proper electronic documentation including record of information pertaining to treatment on patient’s medical record.
• Completes required paperwork within the Respiratory Care Department.
• Always writes legibly and uses approved abbreviations.
• Documents patient’s and family’s education.
• Administers and monitors medical gases and humidifier systems.
• Obtains charge slip from patient’s floor and units as required.
• Checks Nitrous Oxide Bank and changes banks as necessary.
• Gives bedside report to incoming shift to ensure continuum of care.
• Follows all infection control protocol. Follow proper hand washing technique.
• Changes ventilator circuit every month and PRN and affix orange sticker – changes HME everyday and PRN.
• Cleans and troubleshoots RT equipment.
• Collects and returns discontinued equipment to Respiratory Care Department.
• Picks up medication from pharmacy.
• Notifies supervisor/director when stock is getting low.
• Upon discontinuing respirators, strip, clean, set up, and run test.
• Makes routine checks in assigned areas to ensure that the Physician’s orders are observed and equipment is functioning.
• Performs other duties as required and those assigned by the Director.

Required Education:

• A.A.S. degree in Respiratory Care from an approved A.M.A / NBRC school.

Preferred Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Respiratory Care from an approved A.M.A / NBRC school

Required Certifications & Licensure:

• Licensed Respiratory Therapist RRT -BLS -ACLS.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Minimum 2 years experience preferably in a Hospital setting.
• Ability to effectively communicate in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Excellent creative skills, ideas to improve existing programs.
• Services, processes, ideas that have impact on this job and the department.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Minimum 2 years’ experience preferably in a Hospital setting.
• Ability to effectively communicate in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Excellent creative skills, ideas to improve existing programs.
• Services, processes, ideas that have impact on this job and the department.
• Involves standing, walking, sitting, talking, hearing and bending.
• May include some repetitive motions.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without compromising patient care.

Physical Demands:

• Involves standing, walking, sitting, talking, hearing and bending.
• May include some repetitive motions.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without compromising patient care.