Job Summary:
Performs basic and critical respiratory care services.Has the ability to work well without supervision as well as maintain supervision over others, as delegated. Provides respiratory care services for the adult and geriatric patient. Provides respiratory care for patients with respiratory disease, as ordered by the physician and in accordance with current department policies concerning all phases of respiratory therapy. Completes paperwork, electronic medical records, flow sheets, and charges for each patient.
Job Requirements:
Education and Work Experience:
- Bachelor's Degree or equivalent: Preferred
- Master's Degree: Preferred
- Five years' technical experience: Preferred
Licenses/Certifications:
- Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) or National Registered Respiratory Therapist (NBRC-RRT) or National Certified Respiratory Therapist (NBRC-CRT) license in the state of practice: Required
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification from approved vendor per AH policy: Preferred
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification from approved vendor per AH policy: Preferred (Required if assigned to ICU and/or ED)
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification from approved vendor per AH policy: Preferred
- Pediatric Emergency Assessment, Recognition and Stabilization (PEARS) certification: Preferred
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from approved vendor per AH policy: Required
- Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) or National Certified Respiratory Therapist (NBRC-CRT) or National Registered Respiratory Therapist (NBRC-RRT): Required
Facility Specific License/Certifications:
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from approved vendor per AH policy: Required
Essential Functions:
- Assesses and documents the appropriateness of prescribed therapy (including recommendations) for patients receiving respiratory care services. Administers aerosol and oxygen therapy, while maintaining charts. Draws arterial blood gases per policy and physician order. Provides care to ventilator patients. Assists in department record keeping and operation, as well as participation in training and supervision of new employees. Documents care given; maintains records of treatment given; generates necessary documents for charges or record keeping. Assists in the instruction of nursing personnel in surveillance of patient and equipment after initial installation.
- Performs pulmonary function tests, drainage procedures, and provides additional patient care regarding cardio respiratory disease. Provides suggestions regarding the patients' treatment and pulmonary progress. Provides assistance in cardio respiratory rehabilitation. Provides instruction to patients and family in the nature of cardio respiratory disease and its ramifications.
- Makes rounds to check all respiratory therapy equipment in use or on standby in patient areas. Ensures completion of the initial ventilator bundle orders upon initiation of mechanical ventilation. Ensures compliance of VAP bundle for all patients receiving mechanical ventilation. Identifies measurable and reasonable outcomes while using appropriate therapy interventions to resolve patient needs. Updates and communicates the diagnosis throughout the patient's stay based on patient's changing condition and disease status. Assists with maintenance and processing of equipment and products used in providing respiratory therapy services. Keeps equipment clean and ready for its next use. Assists physicians with bronchoscopies and special procedures.
- Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
