Respiratory Therapist

As a health care professional, the incumbent is responsible for, but not limited to, managing the processes involved in performing respiratory therapy, ventilator management, ECG, oxygen administration and airway management

• PERFORMS PATIENT CARE ACTIVITIES TO INCLUDE ALL FORMS OF RESPIRATORY THERAPY, NON-INVASIVE CARDIOLOGY, AND OTHER ASSIGNED DUTIES UTILIZING APPLICABLE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES.* Interprets and executes physician orders* Demonstrates the ability to individualize therapy to meet the patient's need* Demonstrates the ability to anticipate the patient needs* Demonstrates the ability to calculate medication dosages* Performs patient education* Performs all duties in an efficient and timely manner* Notify leader of respiratory care, nursing supervisor, or unit leader of any inappropriate patient care issues* Documents all medication and patient care errors* Uses protective equipment appropriately* Performs intubations and change tracheostomy tubes as assigned* Practices good body mechanics, getting assistance as needed to protect patient and own safety* Remains alert and responsive to all alarms/call lights* Follows proper hand washing and infection control between patients and procedures* Performs testing in a manner that ensures accurate results.* Maintains a clean work area, checks and stocks supplies in their specific area.* Performs oxygen rounds* Performs accurate DAU and BAT testing as assigned. ( Methodist only)* Responds to all pages and requests in a timely manner* Performs home care instructions and arrange for home oxygen, nebulizer, and/or suction equipment* Responds to emergency situations, RRT calls and codes immediately* Remains calm and effective in emergency and/or stressful situations* Ensures patient safety in the hospital environment by following policy/procedures and adhering to National Patient Safety Goals* Possesses knowledge and skills necessary to obtain adequate lab specimens for testing.* Performs patient bedside lab testing (ABGs) and associated quality control in compliance with medical provider's orders and hospital lab procedures/policies
• PERFORMS VENTILATOR MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE* Maintains knowledgeable of all modes of ventilation and a weaning modalities* Responds promptly to urgent needs* Uses protective equipment appropriately* Participates in patient rounds with physicians if assigned* Performs ventilator checks every 2 hours and PRN* Sets appropriate ventilator alarms within recommended parameters* Educates students and other health professionals about ventilator functions* Documents ventilator settings and patient information accurately* Acts as patient advocate* Practices appropriate patient assessment skills to evaluate patient needs* Contacts physicians to improve patient care* Contacts physicians concerning ventilator settings* Collaborates with appropriate healthcare worker concerning patient care issues* Sets-up, verifies proper function, operates, and monitors ventilators, BIPAP and CPAP
• MAINTAINS ACCURATE DOCUMENTATION AND ACCURATE COMPUTER ENTRY* Completes documentation of all therapy, ventilator, and oxygen* Completes documentation on all internal forms* Documents complete and accurate charge entry daily* Completes accurate information on all ECGs* Performs editing of ECGs accurately when assigned* Documents on all diagnostic tests
• ASSUMES RESPONSIBILITY FOR HIS/HER ONGOING PROFESSIONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT* Learns the functions of all new equipment* Learns new procedures* Knowledgeable of departmental policies and procedures* Completes all mandatory education within the stated timeframe* Attends educational offerings to validate skills* Maintain current knowledge of all equipment* Maintain current license* Maintain current credentials * Acts as a resource person for others* Participates in clinical instruction of students and other healthcare workers