Respiratory Therapist

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Provides various respiratory therapy treatments and procedures for adolescent, adult and geriatric patients, and adult or neonatal intensive care area. The approximate amount of overall participation in direct patient care activities is 80%, and administrative activities is 20%. The range of roles between patient care and administrative may vary dependent upon patient acuity, volume, and individual assignments.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

All Respiratory Therapist I's will perform some or all of the patient care and/or administrative duties listed in the following areas:

General Care

1. Assesses patient's respiratory condition to determine status and treatment needs in accordance with Respiratory Care Protocols. Recommends and/or implements appropriate therapies as required.

2. Performs arterial punctures and interprets blood gas analysis and pulse oximeters to evaluate respiratory status.

3. Delivers various types of treatments, including oxygen, aerosol, positive pressure breathing, and chest physiotherapy.

4. Delivers tracheotomy care, including suctioning and tube changes.

5. Initiates and maintains CardioPulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) as needed.

6. Documents procedures in patient's medical records.

Intensive Care - Adult

7. Assesses patient's respiratory status by incorporating relevant clinical information, including vital signs, chest xrays and laboratory values.

8. Setsup, operates, and maintains ventilators. Transports patients connected to ventilators.

9. Performs noninvasive oxygen and carbon dioxide monitoring, and analyzes data to assess patient status.

10. Obtains arterial blood samples from indwelling arterial lines.

11. Performs endotracheal intubation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation as required.

Intensive Care - Neonatal

12. Assesses patient's respiratory status by incorporating relevant clinical information, including vital signs, chest X-rays, and laboratory values.

13. Setsup, operates, and maintains ventilators. Transports patients connected to ventilators.

14. Performs noninvasive oxygen and carbon dioxide monitoring, and analyzes data to assess patient status.

15. Obtains arterial blood samples from indwelling arterial lines.

16. Attends high-risk deliveries as a member of Neonatal Resuscitation team. Performs intubation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation as required.

17. Performs surfactant replacement therapy.

Administrative

18. Gathers information from patient records for departmental use.

19. Interviews patients and family members for information related to patient care.

20. Reviews departmental records for appropriateness of care.

21. Maintains appropriate levels of functional equipment for departmental use.

22. Practices proper safety techniques in accordance with hospital and departmental policies and procedures. Immediately reports any mechanical or electrical equipment malfunctions, unsafe conditions, or employee/patient/visitor injuryaccident to manager.

REQUIRED:
1. Graduation from an accredited respiratory care program

2. Resspiratory Care

3. Valid State License