REGISTERED RESPIRATORY THERAPIST

The Registered Respiratory Therapist demonstrates excellent customer service performance in that his/her attitude and actions are at all times consistent with the standards contained in the Vision, Mission and Values of Covenant and the commitment to Extraordinary Care for Every Generation.

This individual is responsible for the delivery of Respiratory Care including: Patient assessment, ventilator management, non-invasive and bi-level ventilation, metered dose inhalers, medicated nebulizer therapy, chest physical therapy, airway maintenance, patient education, arrest team, rapid response team and transport team duties. The Registered Respiratory Therapist is especially focused on the Respiratory needs of patients in critical care units including, SICU, NTICU, CCU, CVICU, PICU, and RNICU. Has clinical and social contact with patients, including all age groups, and is able to appropriately assess, care for and treat them according to the guidelines as defined by Covenant HealthCare. Must be able to interact appropriately with patients/families in the following categories: Neonatal/Newborn (birth – 30 days), Infant (30 days – 1 year), Pediatric (1 – 12 years), Adolescent (13 – 18) years), Adult (19 – 64 years), Geriatric (65 years).

Patient assessment regarding respiratory status including recommendations to the physician and implementation of protocols where applicable.

Ventilator management in all adult critical care areas including communication with the physician and nurses, education of patient/family, weaning, extubation, and all procedures as ordered by the physician.

Ventilator management in all pediatric and neonatal critical care areas as a core therapist or secondary as a non-core therapist including: communication with the physician and nurses, education of patient/family, weaning, extubation, and all procedures as ordered by the physician.

Performs all aspects of Arterial Blood Gas analysis.

Respiratory therapy: medicated nebulizer treatments, metered dose inhalers, chest physical therapy, and IPPB treatments are given and documented per physician order, according to department policy and procedure, with education regarding treatment for patient/family.
Exhibits excellent teamwork and communication with other respiratory care staff regarding patient condition, staffing needs and sharing of work assignments. Identifies and communicates changes in the patient’s condition to the oncoming therapist and the coordinator/shift leader. Demonstrates a positive personal approach and interaction with others.
Maintains clean, safe patient care area.
Handles equipment appropriately. Returns equipment to proper place after its use. Asks questions about its use when necessary.
Considers cost in using supplies for patient care.
Assists with completing patient classification correctly. Participates in QA activities of the Respiratory Care department. Attends department meetings and inservices and maintains competency in all respiratory procedures. In the absence of the manager or shift leader, takes responsibility regarding staffing, delegation and sharing of work assignments, exhibiting excellent teamwork and communication with other respiratory care staff
Demonstrates ability to give care cooperatively with other patient care team members. Maintains proficiency on the Cardiac Arrest Team including current BLS and artline placement. Neo/Peds core therapists maintain proficiency on the Neonatal and pediatric arrest teams. Maintains professional development through seminars, and current professional literature. Actively participates in quality management and continuing education. Updates and maintains knowledge, skills, and competencies related to area of practice and age(s) of patient population.
Presents a clean and neat appearance according to the dress code for Patient Services.
Demonstrates commitment to an unsurpassed level of Customer Service; serves as a role model.
Exhibits “Extraordinary Care"" daily:
Smile, make eye contact and say hello
Put a smile in your voice on the phone.
Take people where they need to go.
Be courteous to everyone.
Takes pride in covenant – keep it clean.
Offer help and ask, “What else can I do?”
Contributes to organization success targets for patient satisfaction and net operating margin.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

RRT Licensed in the State of Michigan, Associates degree from an accredited Respiratory Therapy Program, BLS.

1 year experience in Respiratory Care.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

Technical knowledge consistent with RRT registration.

Preferred: Certification in specialty area: Perinatal/Pediatrics Specialist, NRP, ACLS.

Verbal and written communication skills.

Basic computer literacy with the ability to learn applications.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Ability to maintain punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards.

Constant standing, walking, talking, hearing and near vision.

Frequent lifting up to 25 lbs.

Frequent carrying, twisting, reaching, handling, feeling, midrange vision, far vision, depth perception, visual accommodation and color vision.

Occasional lifting up to 100 lbs.

Occasional sitting, lifting, pushing, pulling, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, squatting and field of vision.