Respiratory Technician

Department:
Respiratory


Schedule/Status:
Varires; Per Diem

Standard Hours/Week:
12

General Description:
This position is responsible for performing multiple duties that require expertise in the assembly, transport, disinfection, calibration and troubleshooting of respiratory related equipment. The Respiratory Therapy (RT) Technician (Tech) works under the direction of a Respiratory Therapist (RT). The RT Tech is responsible for maintaining an appropriate level of equipment in various respiratory work areas and assisting the RTs and MDs with various procedures and tasks, as directed. RT Techs that have demonstrated proficiency in respiratory equipment handling may be trained to assemble, troubleshoot, and assist with bedside bronchoscopy services. RT Techs may assist in training new RT Techs and/or students on routine RT Tech functions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Accountable for the proper set-up, maintenance and cleaning of various types of respiratory care equipment to support the provision of safe and healing patient care:
• Maintain supply of transport oxygen; and supply of oxygen cylinders on all inpatient units, emergency department and clinical areas.
• Performs routine assembly, inspection, maintenance, cleaning/disinfecting of various types of respiratory care equipment assuring all parts are in proper working order.
• Performs preventative maintenance according to established protocols.
• Reports equipment malfunctions according to established protocols.
• Transports equipment as directed including dirty equipment to reprocessing area(s).
• Consistently uses appropriate infection control techniques.
• Assures daily appropriate equipment levels within all respiratory care areas.
• Assist with patient comfort care measures and reports any concerns to RT immediately.
• Timely and accurately document patient care activities and patient care status in electronic medical record.
• Provide patient care education on how to use respiratory equipment.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings.
• Accountable for continuous learning and development needs and professional growth. Completes required annual in-services and training programs including safety, infection control and CPR.
• Performs similar or related duties as assigned.
• Knows fire, disaster and safety procedures and regulations as it pertains to the work area.

Requirements:


Formal Education:

• Vocational or other technical school, certification, training or apprenticeship required beyond high school. Completion of a minimum of one (1) semester of accredited Respiratory Therapist program.

Work Experience:

• No experience required.

Required Licenses, Certifications, Registrations:

• Completion of a minimum at least one (1) semester of accredited Respiratory Therapy program.
• BLS from American Heart Association required