Description

A licensed Respiratory Therapist who is responsible for providing respiratory care services to in and out patients of all ages and performing accurate 12 Lead EKG’s according to policies and procedures of EORH. Promotes healing of acutely ill patients whose cardiac or pulmonary systems have been compromised through illness or injury through the provision of respiratory care, diagnostic testing, providing for the psycho-social needs of the patient, and patient education. Encourages and enhances the progression and efficient operation of the Respiratory department. Treats patients from adolescents to the elderly patients. When requested, assists day to day operations of the Respiratory department, referring any problems to the manager, as appropriate. Provides diagnostic testing and pulmonary rehab to the patient to help optimize the total care given. Performs arterial punctures for blood gas analysis, knowledge in the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting and quality control of ABG analyzers. Ability to use mechanical ventilators, bi-level ventilation equipment, peak flow meters, spontaneous aerosol administration, ability to perform respiratory assessment, and perform CPT.

Responsibilities:

• Complies with all policies, procedures, and related protocols as established by the department and organization.
• Demonstrates excellent customer service to both internal and external customers through positive communications, cooperation, professional behavior, displaying of actions that customer satisfaction is the primary goal of this institution.
• Reliably performs assigned work and makes sound decisions regarding patient care.
• Adapts to constantly changing healthcare environment by recognizing opportunities for improvement and embracing change to bring about improvements.
• Exercises independent thinking, judgement, and decision making and accepts accountability and responsibility for decisions and consequences.
• Consistently uses two patient identifiers when performing any patient procedures.
• Carries out legal orders of the physician.
• Performs respiratory therapy procedures according to the protocols set forth in the policies and procedures of the respiratory therapy department. Including but not limited to oxygen therapy, medication administration, arterial/venous blood gas testing, NIPPV, mechanical ventilation, bronchopulmonary hygiene, and endotracheal intubation.
• Makes observations and monitors change in patient condition. Reports observations/changes to the registered nurse and physician. Seeks help and advice from appropriate level of supervision.
• Documents respiratory care provided in the patient’s medical record.
• Responds promptly and skillfully to emergent situations.
• Scans all medications prior to administration.
• Scans all medications prior to administration.
• Maintains gas cylinders as necessary, utilizing appropriate safety measures.
• Performs arterial blood gases according to policies and procedures.
• Immediately reports any critical ABG results to the RN and/or physician and documents this in patient’s medical record according to policy and procedure.
• Knowledgeable about all equipment in the respiratory therapy department and reports any malfunction immediately.
• Utilizes the chain of command to ensure appropriate care or resolution of any issues pertaining to patient’s well-being or safety.
• Foster positive interpersonal relation with staff and members of the other departments. Maintain high code of conduct and professionalism at all times.
• Demonstrates empathy and respect for patients by explaining all procedures, providing privacy and allowing patients to express emotional needs.
• Demonstrates ability for conflict resolution when resolving issues with co-workers, patients and/or visitors.
• Responds to all calls and family education information
• Responds to all calls from nursing and/or physician immediately.
• Adheres to all infection control guidelines as they relate to the respiratory therapy department.
• Maintains ABG machine
• Reports any critical EKG result to nurse and/or physician immediately.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required in the patient care area.
• Remains competent in procedures related to respiratory therapy.
• Independently recognizes and performs duties which need to be done without being directly assigned. Establishes priorities, organizes work and time to meet them.
• Adheres to attendance and punctuality requirements per hospital policy. Provides proper notification for absences and tardiness. Takes corrective action to prevent recurring absences or tardiness.
• Understands and abides by all departmental policies and procedures as well as the codes of ethics, HIPAA requirements and patient rights.
• Participates actively in ensuring that all state and federal rules and regulations are followed as they apply to this position.
• Maintains the department in a neat, clean, and orderly manner, especially in own work area.
• Understands the continuous quality improvement process and applies it in performing everyday tasks/duties. Active participant in continuous quality improvement program by assisting in finding new and better ways of performing duties and responsibilities.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

• Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Therapy Program or equivalent education.
• Current license to practice Respiratory Therapy in the state of OH
• Ability and willingness to cross train to the Pulmonary Laboratory/ Pulmonary Rehab
• BLS certification.
• ACLS certification
• Ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships. Able to verbally communicate with patients, families, and physicians.
• Knowledge for use of computer equipment.
• Ability to operate all respiratory and electro diagnostic equipment.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent analytical and writing skills.
• Strong computer skills to include Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and database products.
• Must be highly motivated and willing to assume additional jobs and duties as needed.
• Must be able to handle stress of working efficiently with frequent interruptions and distractions.
• Hours must be flexible to accommodate for needs of patients other unscheduled events.
• Must be able to prioritize tasks and adhere to strict deadlines.

Physical Requirements:

• Sitting 3-6 hours a day
• Wrist deviation (side to side and up and down) 3-6 hours a day
• Occasionally lift/carry up to 35 pounds
• Occasionally be exposed to hazardous chemicals or infections