Respiratory Therapist

Job Summary

Demonstrate all knowledge of a clinical respiratory therapist. Responsibilities include establishing plans of respiratory Care based on identified patient problems/needs which includes specific patient goals and specific respiratory care interventions to meet these goals 

Job Responsibilities

• Responsible to provide services that meet the standards for the Respiratory Care practice established by the Respiratory Policies and the NBRC Guidelines. Work collaboratively with other disciplines to ensure that planning and implementation of care is coordinated.
• Administers oxygen, aerosolized medications and treatments. Provides airway management for inpatients and outpatients. Initiate and monitor invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation.
• Analyze assessment data and identifies specific patient respiratory problems.
• Advises physicians, other disciplines, family/significant others of changes in patient's condition or abnormal findings. Communicates clearly and concisely. Provides clear, specific educational and discharge information to each patient and/or patient family member.
• Respond to all codes and assist the heath care team by maintaining the airway or by performing cardiac massage. Requires thorough knowledge, operation and application of all respiratory related equipment.
• Recognize adverse drug reactions and report the drug reaction appropriately.
• Document accurate inpatient information to the medical record to include all treatments, medications and therapy administered. Maintain accurate and timely chart documentation with patient progress updates in compliance with policies and regulatory requirements.
• Initiate and monitor mechanical ventilation to ensure proper function of equipment. Able to trouble shoot, clean, disassemble, disinfect, and reassemble any dirty equipment as needed.
• Attend department meetings and complete required continuing education.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education Requirements

• Minimum: Completion of an accredited Respiratory program. Certified or registered by The National Board of Respiratory Care and licensed by the state of Indiana.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum:  None
• Preferred:  One (1) year of Critical Care experience.  Competent in providing respiratory care to new born, pediatric and the geriatric population.

License/Certification Requirements

• Respiratory Therapist License in the state of Indiana in good standing.
• Basic Life Support (American Heart Association)
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support within 6 months of start date of employment (American Heart Association)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support within 6 months of start date of employment (American Heart Association)
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program certification within 6 months of start date of employment for those assigned to the nursery (American Heart Association)