Respiratory Therapist

Responsibilities

1. Demonstrates the ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate continuum of care

2. Maintains the dignity/confidentiality of the patient, serves as a patient advocate

3. Verifies physician order before performing therapy; reviews pertinent clinical data

4. Select, assemble, check for proper function and operation, use and troubleshoot equipment for use in the delivery of respiratory care

5. Administers prescribed therapy (oxygen therapy, medication administration, ventilator management) in accordance with department policy and procedure

6. Documents in the medical record: patient assessment, patient education, therapy provided, ventilator/Bipap/SI-PAP flow sheet and CarVue

7. Initiates, monitors , evaluates and manages care for mechanically ventilated patients according to department protocols

8. Maintains a patent airway and provides ventilation during CPR

9. Performs arterial puncture to obtain samples for blood gas analysis

10. Performs diagnostic related testing such as sputum induction, forced vital capacity, peak flow measurements and pulse oximetry

11. Performs maintenance and QC functions as required on ABG analyzers

12. Processes respiratory equipment for cleaning and disinfection/ sterilization

13. Performs EKG as needed

EDUCATION + EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Graduate of an AMA approved school for Respiratory Care

Certification by the NBRC required; Registry preferred

New Jersey Respiratory Care license required

BLS - AHA Approved required

ACLS & PALS & NRP - AHA Approved preferred