Job Title: Registered Respiratory Therapist 1 Job Summary:

According to specific instructions and established Departmental Policies and Procedures is responsible for assigning clinical work loads to staff to assure quality patient care is given. This position relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals under minimal supervision and may lead/direct the work of others.

• Experience, Education, Training, Special Skills, and Licensure:
• Graduate of an accredited school in Respiratory Therapy. An RRT with at least 2 years of Clinical experience in the field of Respiratory Therapy.
• An extensive knowledge and skill within a specialty within Respiratory Therapy. Competencies related to this specialty and coordination of programs such as asthma education, transport teams, ECMO or special diagnostics within the scope of a respiratory therapist. Maintains and demonstrates leadership capabilities
• Registration as a Registered Therapist by the Louisiana Board of Medical Examiners & the National Board of Respiratory Care. Required to maintain current BLS and ACLS

Job Function:

1. TECHNICAL TASKS
   1. Is responsible to assess workload requirements, assign and delegate tasks to staff to ensure quality patient care is administered within the area of oversight.
   2. Maintains complete, accurate, and concise records in full accord with Hospital and Department Policy and Procedures.
   3. Delivers standardized therapeutic respiratory therapy procedures in accordance with criteria in agreement with clinical practice guidelines for respiratory therapy procedures. Such procedures include, but not limited to oxygen delivery, delivery of ventilation, medication delivery, administration of special gas therapy, monitoring of cardiopulmonary status, performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation and rapid response. Also, competent in performing diagnostic procedures such as arterial punctures, analysis of blood gases, peumogram or apnea studies, desaturation studies, bronchoscopies, tests performed in the Pulmonary Function Laboratory, EEG studies and long-term monitoring.
   4. Performs advanced tasks within specialty, ensuring the necessary equipment is calibrated, properly reprocessed and ready for patient use. Some advanced tasks may include but is not limited to the insertion of arterial lines, intubation, special procedures within the transport team duties, asthma educator program, and EEG program.
   5. Identifies risks, hazards, and complications of performing all procedures within the respiratory department. Demonstrates the ability to develop and revise policies and processes related to such procedures.
   6. Assists physicians, nurses and other members of the multidisciplinary team while working as a unified team within the respiratory department. Works well and communicates effectively amongst the team.
   7. Demonstrates proficiency with age groups- adults, geriatrics, pediatrics, and infants as outlined in relation to level of service. Meets expectations of required competencies for Respiratory Therapy.
   8. Responsible for completing tasks delegated by the respiratory and blood gas lab medical director.
2. CRITICAL THINKING and LEADERSHIP
   1. Demonstrates the Clinical Goals of Oxygen Therapy administration; has the knowledge to assess adequacy of patient's response to therapy or need for therapy. Is skilled in recognition of signs suggesting the possibility or presence of cardiopulmonary arrest and initiation of resuscitation and life-support measures in adult, children, and infants, certified in CPR. Responsible for assessment of the patients for distress that requires immediate therapeutic intervention, emergent problems immediately recognized and managed in all critical situations. Demonstrates the ability to assess a situation, considers the alternatives and properly choose an appropriate course of action
   2. Understands the technical components of the ventilators, the pathophysiology of the respiratory system, and patient ventilator interaction in managing ventilator patient's outcomes. Is a resource person for new team members in complex ventilatory management.
   3. Acts as a patient advocate by making clinical recommendations to the physician and multidisciplinary team. Prioritizes, coordinates, and/or provides interventions as identified in the patient's multi-disciplinary plan of care.
   4. Leads the team's performance improvement initiatives and utilizes, analyzes and evaluates measured outcomes within the department and special programs. Reviews and revises plans, policies and procedures to improve outcomes and re-evaluate.
   5. Develops and assists in orientation of new team members. Evaluates the skill and assesses the competence of new team members and acts as a mentor during the onboarding process and beyond.
   6. Participates and leads patient and family education as it relates to respiratory therapy or components within a special program. Promotes wellness and treats all patients and family members with respect and compassion.
   7. Assist Director with recommendations for annual evaluations of employee's performance determination.
   8. Participates in staff development by being a resource person for ongoing education within the department, especially for specialized skills. Continues to search for new technologies and best practices within the specialties of interest and demonstrates continuous growth as a therapist and leader.
   9. Reports safety concerns and works hard to develop new plans to reduce safety events. Works with other team members to improve the quality of care delivered to each patient with safe practice being a priority. Assists the manager and director with implementing new processes to improve quality and safety.
   10. Continually assesses staffing needs and works hard to meet the requirements to maintain adequate staffing, knowledge and skill levels for the overall department. Provides expertise within specialty as needed within the team. Makes decisions and takes action necessary to carry out effectively the operations of the shift and programs.
   11. Advocates and participates in professional events and organizations as it relates to the respiratory care profession. Participates in committee work within or outside of the department or hospital to improve the care of patients suffering with respiratory disease.
3. Other Duties
   1. Consistently performs 12 organizational Service Standards focused on Values, Service and Quality.