Overview

Provides respiratory therapeutic and diagnostic care to patients according to established standards and practices in critical care, general care, and emergency care areas. Performs electrocardiogram and other related examinations for patients as directed. Reports to the Director of Cardiopulmonary Services

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities / Essential Functions:

Consistently completes respiratory assessment in timely manner to include current status, presentingproblem, medical history, vital signs, lung volumes, and oxygenation at least 90% of the time.Correctly classes and updates patients.

Formulates respiratory plan of care based on assessment utilizing all indicated protocols andestablishes priorities. Involves physician, other health care providers, family, and patient in plan.

Considers age, development, and cultural factors when formulating plan of care.

Implements the respiratory plan of care in a timely and organized fashion.

Demonstrates competencein the performance of clinical skills in accordance with accepted professional and organizationalstandards. Communicates and educates patient and family regarding the plan of care.

Communicates the plan of care and current status at shift change to ensure continuity of care.Evaluates the patient’s response to the plan of care and expected outcome. Works with physician tomodify the plan of care to progress the patient toward expected outcomes.

Documents the assessment and therapeutic findings with 90%, or greater, complete, accurate, andtimeliness. Maintains 90% or greater compliance with BMV and EMAR. Updates as patient needschange. Documents patient and family education and response. Copies, files, processes, andretrieves records, logs, and reports as needed.

Courteously and professionally communicates appropriately with physicians, other health careworkers, patients, families, and visitors. Maintains confidentiality of patient information. Correctlyidentifies patient 100% of the time.

Is proficient in blood gas collection, analysis, and reporting, EKG’s, airway management, CPR,ventilator care, screenings, PFT’s, etc. Is able to locate oxygen, air, and vacuum zone valves incrisis situation

Assists in orientation and trains new employees. Maintains department supplies as indicated bydirector. Assists in care and maintenance of department equipment and facility. Coordinates work toachieve maximum efficiency in calm manner. Works independently with little or no supervision.Serves as shift charge person, student proctor, and new employee mentor as needed.

Uses free time wisely to assist coworkers, clean and set up equipment, maintain clean and neatdepartment, stock supplies, and assist with department education and competencies. Is flexible toschedule; demonstrates willingness to work as a team, performs all other related duties as assignedor requested.

Performs work according to rules, regulations, policies, and guidelines; complies with standards inthe Code of Conduct.

Display a complete knowledge, understanding, and initiation of policies and the respiratory therapist’srole for emergency situations including: Code One, Code Red, Code Yellow and Yellow Alert, CodeSilver, Code Amber, Code ABC, Code One Pink, Trauma Alert, and Code Black.

Functions as shift charge person as scheduled.

Qualifications

Education: Current NBRC and Alabama State Board of Respiratory Therapy Licensure Required. Must Produce diploma from highest level of education.

Certification: BLS and ACLS required before the conclusion of the orientation period. PALS and NRP preferred.

Experience: One to two years clinical experience which may include while attending Respiratory Program. Ability to function in critical care including mechanical ventilation and patient assessment.

Additional Skills/Abilities: Must be a certified Respiratory Therapist by the National Board for Respiratory Care within 90 days of hire. Current Alabama Respiratory Therapist license. Must have excellent communication skills with the ability to work in a fast paced environment, requiring prioritizing and changing tasks frequently and quickly. Must have the ability to assess patients, perform therapy, and recommend procedures in all areas of EKG, Bronchial Hygiene, Bronchodilator Therapy, Pulmonary Volume Expansion, Oxygen Therapy, and Invasive and Noninvasive Ventilation.