Respiratory Therapist

Job Summary

Is responsible for performing and documenting therapeutic and/or diagnostic procedures listed in the Department Scope of Care. Recognizes and assists with appropriate actions in emergency situations. Contributes specialty expertise in the development of policies, procedures and Respiratory Care standards. Contributes to the educational process for patients, respiratory staff and self.

Responsibilities

Patient Assessment/Care and Documentation

Verifies physician orders, assures accuracy of therapy delivered and administers prescribedprocedures in accordance with departmental policy and procedures. Consistently assesses patients for appropriate care as per professional standards. Makes recommendations for treatment. Assesses assigned patients for proper utilization, progress toward established goals, indications andchanges in expected outcomes as related to patient age and diagnosis. Demonstrates effective and thoroughpatient assessment and care plan development. Completes all assigned work during the shift. Documents all performed/non-performed procedures/treatments. Provides education and support to patients. Documents patient/family teaching and response. Maintains team approach and supports fellow staff. Assists others when own tasks are complete.

Adult Critical Respiratory Care

Provides adult critical care to include mechanical ventilation, weaning assessment, airwaymaintenance, ABG evaluation. Consistently assures availability of equipment and ventilators. Ensures all equipment is setup andfunctioning properly. Consistently demonstrates knowledge and expertise in management of mechanical ventilation. Consistently demonstrates knowledge and expertise in emergent situations. Follows approved department-specific protocols. Always uses two patient identifiers. Maintain appropriate airway management. Participates in daily rounds in both ICU and CCU. Remains in assigned area except when assistance is needed elsewhere.

Medication Administration

Demonstrates competency in all medication administration. Remains current on medication administration knowledge. Ensures patient's response to medication is accurately documented on 100% of the charts audited. Orders medications accurately to ensure adequate supply. Properly disposes and documents pharmaceutical wastes. Recognizes contraindications and adverse drug reactions and responds appropriately. Uses bedside barcoding a minimum of 90% of the time. Consistently reads back all verbal and phone orders.

Treatment/Testing Devices

Performs sleep obstructive bipap as per established procedures. Provides nebulizer treatments as per established procedures. Performs chest physiotherapy. Performs positive pressure treatments. Removes broncho pulmonary secretions/suctions. Modifies procedures based on patient tolerance. Provides breathing retraining devices. Performs sputum inductions as per established procedures. Sets up and assists with bronchoscopies. Performs bedside spirometry. Performs pulse-ox procedures and/or night pulse oxmetries.

Blood Gas Puncture and Analysis

Consistently demonstrates knowledge of blood gas machine operation. Performs puncture for blood gas analysis, and blood gas analysis, according to established protocols. Recognizes erroneous results and takes appropriate action. Provides critical result value reporting according to established procedures. Complies with mandatory blood gas skills and competencies. Carries out blood gas procedures in a safe, proper manner, as per established procedures. Labels and disposes of syringes appropriately. Always uses safety devices on sharps. Always properly disposes of pharmaceutical and biohazard waste. Performs quality control per established procedures. Draws blood from art-lines as per established procedure. Keeps work station sanitary and clean.

Equipment Maintenance and Supplies

Processes all equipment. Performs ventilator function checks according to established policies and procedures. Stocks supplies. Checks floor equipment drawers. Always tags and notifies supervisor and Bio-Med immediately of malfunctioning equipment. Maintains equipment in good working order. Maintains supplies so there are no shortages/overages.

Performs Other Duties as Required

Attends mandatory in-services, staff meetings, and actively participates in self-education. Completes all required competency assessments on time. Maintains required job knowledge (e.g. licensure and credentials, continuing education etc.). Performs other duties as required.

Job-Specific

Cross train in ED roles as needed

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Heavy Work: Frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 50 lbs with a maximum lifting of 100 lbs.

On-the-job training provided. Must possess good verbal and written communicationskills to deal effectively with varying levels of comprehension/learning abilities.

Effective interpersonal communication skills in order to effectively collaborate with physicians, and instruct patients and their families.

Education

• Associate's Degree (Required)
• Bachelor's Degree (Required)

Credentials

• Certified Respiratory Therapy Technician (Required)

• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (Required)

• Licensed Resp Therapist Regist (Required)

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support

• Basic Life Support

• Pediatric Adv Life Support

Work Schedule: Varies

Status: PRN

Location: Mon Harrison Neighborhood Hospital

Location of Job: WV:Bridgeport:Mon Harrison Neighborhood Hospital

Talent Acquisition Specialist: Beth A. Isner [email protected]