Registered Respiratory Therapist

Reports To: Cardiopulmonary Manager
FLSA Status: PRN, Non-Exempt, Hourly

A. SUMMARY

Responsible for administering safe and competent respiratory care as ordered per physician, with emphasis in specialty areas (i.e., Emergency, Pediatric, Geriatric and Critical Care), monitoring mechanical ventilation, administering medications, patient assessment, understanding ramifications of hemodynamic monitoring, understanding blood work results, monitoring, teaching, and training.

B. ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

• Competent delivery of all Respiratory Care procedures as outlined in the department policy and procedure manual.
• Maintain accurate and complete documentation of all Respiratory Care procedures per department policy and procedures.
• Verify Respiratory Care physicians’ orders. Initial, date, and time order after verification.
• Receive and give accurate and complete report. Update and complete patient profile to reflect patient's current clinical status. Be prepared and ready to receive/give report at the specified report times.
• Attend and participate in department in-services, meetings, patient care rounds, and mandatory hospital meetings.
• Keep Supervisor apprised of changes in workload and patient acuity.
• Enter into the department's computer all daily services and charges given to patients.
• Demonstrate excellent working knowledge of Respiratory Care instruments and equipment. Perform troubleshooting with appropriate problem resolution.
• Perform effective airway management to include bag/mask ventilation. Assist physician/intubation certified therapist with intubation. Demonstrate safe and appropriate suction techniques and use of artificial airways.
• Initiate and perform "CPR". Primarily responsible for airway management.
• Initiate, maintain, monitor and document continuous mechanical ventilation.
• Provide timely and accurate update information to the physicians and other hospital personnel. Make recommendations for changes or modification of patient therapy by contacting physicians.
• Assist in orientation/training of new employees, respiratory/nursing students, and precept new employees during orientation.
• Understand and institute advanced ventilator modalities such as IRV, SILV PC.
• Work in all areas of the hospital.
• Effectively discuss advanced respiratory pathophysiology with physicians, and can implement changes based on patient condition.
• Perform arterial blood gas sampling.
• Initiate, maintain and monitor ventilator patients. Interpret flow volumes and pressure volume curves to initiate appropriate clinical changes.
• Evaluate chest x-ray for endotracheal placement and other clinical conditions optimizing Respiratory Care delivery.
• Complete required continuous training and education, including department-specific requirements.
• Comply with established personal protective equipment requirements necessary for protection against exposure to blood and other potentially infectious body fluids, chemical disinfectants, radiation, asbestos, and other hazardous substances.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served within the unit.
• Adheres to the standards and policies of the corporate compliance program, including the duty to comply with applicable laws and regulations, and report to a designated manager (or employer hotline) any suspected unethical, fraudulent, or unlawful acts or practices.
• Adheres to the safety guidelines as outlined by the facility and reports unsafe equipment, areas, practices, etc., as required by policy.
• Performs other duties as assigned

C. QUALIFICATIONS

The requirements listed below are representative of the general knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Positive and supportive team member with an excellent attention to detail.
• Must be proficient in various computer applications.
• Assures that policies and procedures are maintained and followed and participates in policy and procedure development.
• Able to work independently when needed within the scope of practice as defined by the AARC and State of Colorado.
• Demonstrates a professional and caring attitude.
• Must complete initial paperwork and competencies within the prescribed time frames of two weeks, 90 days and annual
• Able to maintain a high, strict level of confidence regarding individual patient information following HIPAA guidelines.
• Must be able to lift, push and move heavy equipment and supplies throughout day.
• Must maintain a well-kept and clean appearance, even when on-call.

D. MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

Must be able to concentrate and make quick judgments with a high level of skill, knowledge, understanding and accuracy, and have the ability to work without close supervision. The incumbent may be asked to work overtime with little or no advance notice.

E. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Graduation from a two-year AMA-approved School for Respiratory Care, passing score on the NBRC entry level examination, Colorado State License to perform respiratory care. Current BLS and ACLS are also required and at least six months working experience in a hospital setting is strongly desired.

F. WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Works in all areas of the facility and subject to frequent interruptions
• Read and sign attached Description of Physical Demands
• Must observe and maintain policies and procedures for infection control, hazardous waste management, safety and risk management.