RESPIRATORY THERAPIST
JOB SUMMARY:
Under the supervision of the Chief Nursing Officer, the Respiratory Therapist is responsible for providing cardiopulmonary care services in accordance with specific physician’s orders, department policies, and procedures.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Maintains knowledge of the various methods of oxygen delivery, including the necessary equipment. Remains alert to assess possible side effects of oxygen delivery.
- Administers respiratory therapy treatments, and understands the purpose of each and the possible side effects associated with each.
- Set up and monitors mechanical ventilators and the associated critical care duties required for such treatment, such as airway management and tracheal suctioning.
- Able to assess patient pain interfering with the optimal level of function or participation in rehabilitation. Makes appropriate physician contact for intervention.
- Performs arterial punctures to obtain arterial blood samples for blood gas analysis, and understands the possible complications and contraindications associated with the procedure.
- Follows departmental equipment sterilization procedures.
- Documents all pertinent data on the patient’s medical record following completion of any service.
- Maintains a thorough knowledge of all departmental forms, flow charts, logbooks, and their proper usage.
- Performs EKGs, types report interpretations, sends reports to physicians who requested them, and files reports in the department, according to department procedures.
- Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
- Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly. Inspects and test respiratory therapy equipment to ensure that it is functioning safely and efficiently.
- Maintains thorough knowledge of hazards of oxygen therapy.
- Formulates a teaching plan based on identified learning needs of a patient and evaluates the effectiveness of learning. The patient’s family is included in teaching as appropriate.
- Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Coordinates and directs patient care to ensure patients’ needs are met and that hospital policies are followed.
- Demonstrates ability to assess patient, his/her need, and ability to tolerate treatment and reassessment for response to treatment.
- Attends education in-service programs to maintain professional competency. Obtains appropriate hospital-specific education and training.
- Performs all additional duties as assigned by the department manager.
- Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
- Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly. Inspects and test respiratory therapy equipment to ensure that it is functioning safely and efficiently.
- Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the differences in techniques and treatment modalities as performed on patients of varying ages, including geriatric patients, as well as the general patient population.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Current Phil Respiratory Therapist Licensure.
- Graduate of an approved School of Respiratory Therapy.
- Current CPR certification. (Specify if BLS or ACLS)
- Three (3) or more years of previous experience in all aspects of cardiopulmonary services is highly preferred.