Respiratory Therapist Reg II

Under the direction of the Director - Respiratory Care Services and Supervisor - Respiratory Care Services, the Registered Respiratory Therapist administers respiratory therapy care and life support to patients with deficiencies and abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary system, under the supervision of a physician and by prescription.

Responsibilities:

• Interviews patient and family members to obtain information about home environment, family relationships, health and psychosocial history.
• Reads prescriptions, reviews patient information, and assesses patient condition, to administer respiratory therapy without posing a threat to self and others.
• Observes, inspects and tests respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently.
• Adjusts equipment to obtain optimum results to therapy. 
• Orders repairs when needed. 
• Cleans, disinfects, and sterilizes equipment used in administration of respiratory therapy.
• Sets up and operates devices such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators.
• Operates equipment to ensure specified parameters of treatment, such as volume, gas concentration, humidity, and temperature, and to administer medicinal gases and aerosol drugs to patients.
• Monitors patient’s physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes.
• Performs bronchopulmonary drainage and assists patient in performing breathing exercises.
• Assists in C-sections and Bronchoscopies.
• Responds to Rapid Response, Code Blue, and Trauma’s in the ER.
• Assists in Percutaneous Tracheotomies and Bedside Bronchoscopies.
• Consults with physician in the event of adverse reactions.
• Maintains patient’s charts that contain pertinent identifications and therapy information.
• Demonstrates respiratory care procedure to trainees and other health care personnel.
• Demonstrates ability in the care and handling of patients in all age groups including, but not limited to, consideration of the special needs and behavior of each respective group.
• Resolves any conflict or situation that needs immediate attention and records the details for the Director and supervisor.
• Communicates with the Director and Supervisor any personnel issues that need immediate attention, as it pertains to quality of work or standards of care.
• Assumes responsibility as Lead when necessary. 
• Delegates the workload ensuring no compromise to patient care.
• Assesses productivity during the shift with the authority to flex up or down as workload determines need.
• Performs electrocardiography studies 
• Performs overnight pulse oximetry studies
• Collects, analyzes and reports arterial blood gases and other relevant chemistry panels Monitoring, ordering and procuring necessary respiratory therapy equipment/ supplies