Summary

The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) is responsible for the standard and advanced respiratory care procedures for patients suffering from various cardiopulmonary disorders and for performing other examinations and procedures as directed. Models appropriate behavior as exemplified in MLH Mission, Vision and Values.

Education/Experience/Licensure

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Ability to understand and prepare moderately complex written materials, such as patient records.
• Ability to communicate verbally with Associates, physicians, and other outside professionals.
• Ability to work without close supervision and to exercise independent judgment.
• Ability to organize multiple tasks and projects and maintain control of work flow.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Performs routine respiratory therapy procedures including IPPB, O2 therapy, and humidity/aerosol therapy in an assigned area on patients.
• Establishes and maintains ventilation and airway care for assigned patients and provides ventilatory support to patients receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Performs advanced respiratory care techniques, including but not limited to: invasive pressure monitoring, including ICP, pulmonary artery catheters, cardiac output determinations, administration of Nitric Oxide, and other gases. Assists physician in insertion of catheters as needed. Performs arterial blood gas collection through line draws or punctures.
• Performs patient assessment and reassessment through observation of the patient, clinical data gathering, response to therapy and reports findings accurately making referrals to appropriate disciplines as needed.
• Provides educational development through guidance and teaching and serves as a technical resource person to the patient, patient's family, physician, students and other hospital staff regarding respiratory care procedures.
• Recognizes and reacts appropriately to environmental safety factors and performs preventative and routine maintenance on respiratory care equipment and instruments.
• Participates in departmental/hospital continuous improvement opportunities.

Physical Requirements

• Invasive and non-invasive patient contact throughout shift.
• Possible exposure to patient body fluids.
• Ability to react quickly in emergency situations.
• The physical activities of this position may include climbing, pushing, standing, hearing, walking, reaching, grasping, kneeling, stooping, and repetitive motion.
• Must have good balance and coordination.
• The physical requirements of this position are: medium work - exerting up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally and/or up to 25 lbs. of force frequently.
• The Associate is required to have close visual acuity including color, depth perception, and field of vision to perform an activity, such as assessing patients, preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; or extensive reading.