Respiratory Therapist

JOB SUMMARY:

Shift M-F 11a-7pm

Under the supervision of the Chief Nursing Officer, the Respiratory Therapist is responsible for providing cardiopulmonary care services in accordance with specific physician’s orders, department policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Maintains knowledge of the various methods of oxygen delivery, including the necessary equipment.  Remains alert to assess possible side effects to oxygen delivery.
• Administers respiratory therapy treatments, understands the purpose of each and the possible side effects associated with each.
• Sets-up and monitors mechanical ventilators and the associated critical care duties required for such treatment, such as airway management and tracheal suctioning.
• Able to assess patient pain interfering with optimal level of function or participation in rehabilitation.  Makes appropriate physician contact for intervention.
• Performs arterial punctures to obtain arterial blood samples for blood gas analysis, and understands the possible complications and contraindications associated with the procedure.
• Follows departmental equipment sterilization procedures.
• Documents all pertinent data on the patient’s medical record following completion of any service.
• Maintains a thorough knowledge of all departmental forms, flow charts, logbooks and their proper usage.
• Performs EKGs, types report interpretations, sends reports to physicians who requested them and files reports in department, according to department procedures.
• Formulates a teaching plan based on identified learning needs of a patient and evaluates effectiveness of learning.  Patient’s family is included in teaching as appropriate.
• Demonstrates ability to assess patient, his/her need, and ability to tolerate treatment and reassessment for response to treatment.
• Attends education in-service programs to maintain professional competency.  Obtains appropriate hospital-specific education and training.
• Performs all additional duties as assigned by the department manager.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly.  Inspects and tests respiratory therapy equipment to ensure that it is functioning safely and efficiently.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Current State Respiratory Therapist Licensure.
• Graduate of an AMA-approved School of Respiratory Therapy.
• Current CPR certification. (Specify if BLS or ACLS)
• Three (3) or more years of previous experience in all aspects of cardiopulmonary services highly preferred.