Respiratory Therapist

Job Description

Duties:

• Provides professional respiratory care through patient assessment, planning, intervention, education, and evaluation.
• Performs, interprets, and evaluates diagnostic testing procedures according to protocol.
• Obtains arterial gases.
• Oversees and troubleshoots the operation of equipment for optimal patient care.
• Initiates Respiratory Protocol according to department criteria.
• Initiates interventions based on the interpretation of assessments.
• Administers medications in a timely and safe manner.
• Evaluates effect and re-evaluates appropriately and according to protocol.
• Ensures that progress of patient is communicated to staff, physicians and other departments.
• Maintains awareness of assigned patients overall condition.
• Communicates and shares patient information with the physicians and nurses.
• Makes appropriate recommendations for patient care.
• Recognizes the educational needs of patients and families in relation to health promotion and wellness.
• Teaches patients and families self-care techniques and modalities.
• Completes documentation according to departmental standards.
• Accurately documents productivity information.
• Monitors supplies and equipment and notifies appropriate person when supplies are low, out on loan or broken.
• Utilizes time effectively to achieve productivity standard, including utilizing low census time when patient load does not support full productivity.
• Participates in quality and patient safety initiatives.
• Identifies potential areas for improvement including processes that could be streamlined or revised to improve patient satisfaction.
• Identifies potential safety hazards that may create problems for patients and/or staff, and takes appropriate actions.
• Participates in departmental meetings, contributing ideas or feedback.
• Promotes mission, vision, and values of SCL Health, and abides by service behavior standards.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• May be required to float to other departments (within Product of competency and qualifications) based on business need.
• May be required to be placed on-call during a regularly scheduled shift.
• Provides professional respiratory care through patient assessment, planning, intervention, education, and evaluation.

Required Education:

• Graduate of AMA approved program for Respiratory Therapy is required.

Required Certifications & Licensure:

• Current license for Respiratory Therapy in the state of practice is required.
• Certified Respiratory Therapist is required.
• BLS.
• American Heart Association.
• ACLS is required for critical care.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• One (1) year of acute or critical care experience is preferred.