Respiratory Therapist

Monitors and ensures proper operation and functioning of respiratory therapy equipment. Monitors patients physiological parameters during therapy. Administers medical gases and aerosolized drugs.

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• Initiates therapy under a Physicians order and makes appropriate recommendations for modalities of Therapy.
  
• Implements therapy for, and monitors patients while on continuous mechanical ventilators and all modes of positive pressure breathing devices.
  
• Utilizes clinical and other data to assess cardiopulmonary status of patients.
  
• Assists in intubation.
  
• Provides bedside spirometry.
  
• Evaluates ventilator dependent patients' readiness to wean.
  
• Administers humidified medical gases as ordered by practitioners with authority to prescribe.
  
• Interprets blood gas results.
  
• Consults attending physician/practitioner regarding appropriate therapy.
  
• Performs arterial punctures.
  
• Withdraws blood samples from indwelling lines.
  
• Provides ventilatory support during special procedures.
  
• Coordinates transport of ventilatory equipment.
  
• Implements and monitors care of patients on heated aerosols and CPAP as per practitioner order.
  
• Develops good working relationships with laboratory, x-ray, infection control, nursing, physicians and other healthcare workers to maintain optimum total patient care.
  
• Cleans and maintains all respiratory therapy equipment.
  
• Assists in maintaining adequate inventory of respiratory supplies.
  
• Conducts quality control tests on all respiratory equipment.
  
• Maintains equipment in safe, workable order; Requests repair when necessary.
  
• Participates in continuous quality improvement teams as required.
  
• Monitors esophageal pressures, swan ganz catheter data, CVP, arterial blood pressures, electrolytes, fluid balance and intravascular volumes as they pertain to respiratory patients.
  
• Performs chest physiotherapy, manual ventilation and suctioning.
  
• Positions patients to facilitate respiration.
  
• Performs tracheostomy care and mouth care on intubated/trached patients.
  
• Changes tracheostomy tube as ordered.
  
• Performs electroencephalogram as ordered.
  
• This includes taking measurements of the head, placement of electrodes, acquisition of data, monitoring of vital signs.
  
• Performs polysomnography as ordered for sleep studies.
  
• Documents pertinent information in medical record.
  
• Documents care provided in medical record.
  
• Monitors disease processes, arterial and venous catheter placement and endotracheal tube placement via chest x-ray.
  
• Communicates pertinent patient information to physicians, practitioners and nurses as appropriate.
  
• Participates in patient rounds with Pulmonologist/Intensivist/Neonatologist.
  
• Responds to and participates in Code Blue as part of Code team/RRT Team.
  
• Able to instruct patient and family on disease processes and treatments provided by Respiratory Therapy in accordance with the hospital patient/family education policies and procedures.
  
• Assumes on-call status as needed.
  
• Other duties as assigned.
  

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• Completion of a clinical rotation in critical care/intensive care environment, to include care of respiratory needs of acutely ill patients.
  

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• Associates degree with major in Respiratory Therapy OR a certificate of completion from a Respiratory Care Program.
  

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• Respiratory Therapist License (Hawaii) required at hire.
  

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• Neonatal Resuscitation Program required at hire from American Academy of Pediatrics
  

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• Basic Life Support required at hire.
  

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• Registered Respiratory Therapist Certificate within 3 months of hire from National Board of Respiratory Care
  

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• Demonstrated knowledge of and skill in written communication, oral communication, interpersonal relations, customer service, decision making, problem solving, and teamwork.
  

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• Experience with NICU (neonatal intensive care) and cardiac surgery patient.