Respiratory Therapist

Under general guidance and supervision, monitors and ensures proper operation and functioning of respiratory therapy equipment. Monitors patients' physiological parameters during therapy as well as administers medical gases and aerosolized drugs.

Essential Functions:
Administers humidified medical gases as ordered by Practitioners with authority to prescribe
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
Performs arterial punctures; withdraws blood samples from indwelling lines
Interprets blood gas results; consults attending Physician/Practitioner regarding appropriate therapy
Evaluates ventilator dependent patients' readiness to wean
Changes tracheostomy tube as ordered
Provides ventilatory support during special procedures; coordinates transport of ventilatory equipment
Provides bedside spirometry
Implements and monitors care of patients on heated aerosols and CPAP per Practitioner order
Responds to and participates in Code Blue as part of code team
Documents care provided in medical record
Assumes on-call status as needed
Develops good working relationships with laboratory, x-ray, infection control, nursing, physicians and other health care workers to maintain optimum total patient care
Conducts quality control tests on all respiratory equipment; maintains equipment in safe, workable order; requests repair when necessary
Cleans and maintains all respiratory therapy equipment; assists in maintaining adequate inventory of respiratory supplies
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
Performs tracheostomy care and mouth care on intubated/trached patients
Positions patients to facilitate respiration
Maintains respiratory flow-sheets and other documentation; charts pertinent information 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

Basic Qualifications:
Recent experience in critical care/intensive care environment and care of respiratory needs of acutely ill patients
Associate's degree with major in Respiratory Therapy
Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) with the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) (must obtain within one year of hire)
Current BLS for Healthcare Provider CPR or CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer certification
Demonstrated knowledge of and skill in written communication, oral communication, interpersonal relations, customer service, decision making, problem solving, and teamwork
Talking to co-workers, customers, outside vendors, and on the telephone
Reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English
Training/giving and receiving instructions
Mathematical ability, attention to detail (e.g. organization, prioritization, proofing), concentration, and alertness)

Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with NICU (neonatal intensive care) and cardiac surgery patient.