What are the responsibilities and job description for the Respiratory Therapist position at Islands Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation?
Under the direction of the Director of Respiratory Services:
- A current, active license to practice as a Respiratory Therapist (RT) in the State of Hawaii.
Initiates respiratory protocols and makes appropriate recommendations for treatment of care.
· Implements therapy for, and monitors residents while on continuous mechanical ventilators, Spontaneous Breathing Trial, BiPAP/CPAP, and high flow tracheostomy heaters.
· Utilizes the Masimo SafetyNet System and clinical data to assess cardiopulmonary status of residents.
· Assists in bedside bronchoscopy
· Assists in bedside Thoracentesis
· Evaluates ventilator dependent residents' readiness to wean.
· Evaluates tracheostomy residents’ readiness to be decannulated.
· Performs arterial punctures and analyzes iSTAT blood gas results as ordered and recommends appropriate treatment of care
· Monitor EtCO2 via masimo machine as necessary
· Coordinates and accompanies the transport of tracheostomy and ventilator residents to outpatient care appointments and HD treatment as needed.
· Performs airway management to include chest physiotherapy, vest therapy, cough assist therapy and tracheal suctioning.
· Performs tracheostomy care and changes tracheostomy tube as ordered.
· Documents pertinent information and clinical care in the electronic medical record using a tablet.
· Communicates pertinent patient information to physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses and rehabilitation therapists as appropriate.
· Participates in resident rounds with Pulmonologist.
· Responds to and participates as the Team leader in the Rapid Response Team.
· Able to instruct and educate the resident and family on disease processes and treatments provided by Respiratory Therapy