JOB SUMMARY:

Performs advanced clinical procedures to improve and/or measure patients' cardio/respiratory functions. Initiates, discontinues, or modifies procedures and determines validity of results based upon assessment of patient condition, within established parameters. The Respiratory Therapist is responsible for performing patient age-specific assessments designed to gather data relevant to patient’s individual respiratory care needs, developing a plan of care, implementing the plan, providing treatment and diagnostic services, organizing care, and evaluating the effectiveness of treatments/care provided.

JOB DUTIES:

• Performs various therapeutic and diagnostic procedures to improve and/or measure patients' cardio/respiratory functions.*
• Reviews patient's chart; prescribes Respiratory Therapy protocol within criteria approved by the Medical Staff; assures therapeutic and diagnostic procedures are performed in accordance with physician orders.*
• Instructs patients in various aspects of respiratory functions and purposes of procedures.*
• Charts diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.*
• Initiates, discontinues, or modifies procedures; determines validity of test results based on assessment of patient condition; follows parameters set by the Medical Consultant.*
• Evaluates therapeutic progress; records results of diagnostic measures; communicates evaluations and results to other members of the health care team.*
• Attends high-risk infant deliveries and performs according to Neonatal Advanced Life Support (N.A.L.S.) Guidelines.*
• Assumes life support role during cardio/respiratory arrests.*
• Ensures accuracy in the medication process, including transport, storage, security, and/or administration of medications.*
• Functions as critical care team member in responding to emergencies.*
• Inspects, adjusts, cleans, and sterilizes equipment.
•  Provides lectures to other health professionals and respiratory therapy students; serves as respiratory technology resource to other health professionals when advanced technological application of respiratory care or cardio/respiratory monitoring is required.
• Assists in maintaining department in a clean and orderly condition.
• Assumes supervisory responsibilities, as required, in absence of Respiratory Care Clinical Specialist. Assists with mentoring new employees as required.
• Assists with conscious sedation procedures as required.

At Shore Regional Health, you can learn, grow and make a lasting impact on patients and families. You’ll experience the support of a collaborative work environment and a sense of collegiality unlike any other. Our comprehensive system has many locations and practice options to choose from throughout the beautiful Eastern Shore of Maryland.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS ABILITIES AND ATTRIBUTES:

• Strives to achieve excellence of service in all interactions.
•  Each staff member is expected to do their part in contributing to improved Patient Satisfaction scores by demonstrating positive patient/customer interactions as described in the Service Standards and House Rules.
• Responds to Shore Regional Health codes, as applicable.
•  Responsible for honest behavior in all matters. To the best of the employee’s knowledge and understanding, complies with all Federal and State laws and regulations.
• Maintains the privacy and security of all confidential and protected health information. Uses and discloses only that information which is necessary to perform the function of the job.
• Works towards goals outlined in Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Services Strategic Plan.
• Attends monthly department meetings.
• Performs related duties, as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND LICENSE/CERTIFICATION REQUIRED:

• A.A. or B.S. degree in Respiratory Therapy or equivalent.
• Licensed as a Maryland Respiratory Care Practitioner and registration as a Respiratory Therapist (R.R.T.)required. Current certification to perform intubation, Basic Life Support, Advanced Life Suppport and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP). Pediatric Advanced Life Support(PALS)is not required but encouraged

.