LICENSED RESP.THER./REG.

Status: PRN - As Needed

Shift: Varies depending on schedule needs.

Exempt: No

Summary:

The Respiratory Therapist is to initiate, administer, and monitor all respiratory therapeutic and diagnostic procedures according to the established policies and procedures of the department and North Oaks Health System. The responsibilities below will be performed in a manner which will promote and maintain a positive community and professional image for the department and hospital. The responsibilities will be performed with an attitude supportive to change. All employees will be expected to contribute to and participate, when requested, in the Health System's Quality Improvement Program. Therapist must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patient served on his or her assigned unit. Each of the responsibilities will be accomplished in a safe manner that will prevent injury to the employee or others.

Other information:

Education:

Must be a graduate of an AMA approved program in respiratory therapy.

Licensure/Certification/Registration:

Have either a six-month temporary license applied for and are awaiting examination with the National Board for Respiratory Care, and filed an application for licensure with the board; or a work permit to practice effective for a period of sixty days; or have a current Louisiana license as a Respiratory Therapist, LRT.

A Credential LRT-R (Registered Respiratory Therapist) must maintain an active status with the NBRC (National Board of Respiratory Care).

Completed BCLS certification and ACLS is preferred.

Experience/Skills:

Requires a high degree of communication abilities. There is extensive need to communicate with patients and families, visitors, physician and nurses. Communication also required with department personnel and other hospital personnel. The candidate must have demonstrated effective communication skills and leadership abilities.

Physical Effort Required:

Strength: Medium

Push: Occasionally

Pull: Occasionally

Carry: Occasionally

Lift: Occasionally

Sit: Occasionally

Stand: Constantly

Walk: Constantly

Responsibilities:

* Perform the following functions according to hospital and department policy and procedures:
* Provide continuous oxygen, humidity and aerosol therapy.
* Provide intermittent and continuous nebulizer therapy
* Provide Positive Pressure Breathing (PEP Therapy)
* Provide Chest Physiotherapy and Postural Drainage,
* Provide Incentive Spirometry and Breathing Exercises.·
* Provide Airway maintenance procedures (i.e. suctioning and trach care.)
* Provide Mechanical ventilation.
* Provide Non Invasive ventilation (Bipap/CPAP)
* Provide Arterial/capillary blood sampling, analysis and reporting results.
* Provide Electrolyte/POC sampling, analysis and reporting results.
* Pulse oximetry spot checks and continuous monitoring.
* Pulmonary Function Tests as assigned.
* 12 lead EKG after hours.
* Provide Patient/family education as needed.
* Respond to all Cardiopulmonary arrests and provide CPR if necessary.
* Assist in monitoring, ordering, receiving and storage of department supplies, equipmentmaintenance and repair by following established policies and procedure and manufactures recommendations and ensures needed supplies/equipment readily available for patient care.
* Follows all North Oaks Health Systems and Respiratory Care Department infection prevention policies and guidelines.
* Assists in quality assurance through reporting of occurrences and incident according to established policies and procedures.
* Provides documentation of services provided according to established policies and procedures.
* Participates in professional development through attendance of education programs and attends annual competency, scheduled department meetings and hospital in-services.
* Assist in providing in-service education to other Respiratory Care staff as well as other hospital employees.
* Directly responsible for the safety of patients and self during the administration of patient care, in the use and administration of oxygen and other medical gas; for the Department equipment assigned to him/her and indirectly responsible for all Departmental equipment assisting in tracking and monitoring.
* Be able to perform work without immediate supervision.
* If assigned to the NICU or Head Therapist will perform all duties and responsibilities as listed for those personnel.
* Complete accurate initial assessments of all patients ordered on therapeutic procedures.
* Assess patient's oxygen delivery needs.
* Assess the patient's need and tolerance of airway clearance techniques.
* Demonstrates ability to effectively organize and triage work assignments and understand the terminology:
* Demonstrates the ability to correctly assess and take appropriate corrective action during emergency situations.
* Consult physician for clarification of orders and follows orders as written.
* Work with nursing staff to coordinate direct patient care.
* Ability to tactfully and effectively communicate with others.
* Gives a thorough, concise report at change of shift; within allotted time.
* Charge accurately for all procedures performed daily.
* Completed BCLS Certification.
* Follows all North Oaks Health System's Policy and Procedures, Compliance and Quality Improvement Programs and all Federal and State Regulatory Guidelines.

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