Respiratory Therapist - 4517 (Night) (780051)

Respiratory Therapist provides quality patient care, providing intensive respiratory care and patient transport into and out of the facility as medically prescribed, within the scope of professional license and with minimal supervisionEvaluates patient and recommends a treatment planExplains purpose and procedure of treatments, tests, and equipment to the patients, and provides necessary education upon discharging to homeConducts physician prescribed treatments of a routine nature operating various ventilatory equipment, both invasive and non-invasive, various oxygen and aerosol devices, and various nebulizer devices in order to administer prescribed medications, humidification, ventilation and oxygenation to the patientPerforms chest physiotherapy by operating various equipment to promote secretion clearancePerforms suctioning of the patient by various methods (oropharyngeal, nasal and tracheal)Performs oximetry and capnography monitoring according to policyPerforms routine review of patient's chest x-rays to determine need for further evaluationPerforms 12-Lead EKG and basic arrhythmia recognitionPerforms pulmonary function studies according to policy (ieNIF, VC etc)Assists with procedures relating to respiratory care according to policy (ieBronchoscopy, Perc Trachs, Chest Tube placement, etc)Performs adequate drainage of chest via PleurX catheter or similar device where applicablePerforms tracheostomy care according to policy, including insertion and removal of tracheostomy tubes (emergent and non-emergent)Performs arterial puncture according to policy and is able to determine efficiency of ventilation, as well as monitoring, recording and reporting of test resultsFor hospitals with moderate complexity labs : Follows all policies and procedures related to laboratory testing including : specimen handling, use of equipment, documentation and reporting of results, quality controls and maintenance to include : Pre-analytic, Analytic, and Post-analytic phases of testingPerforms cardiopulmonary resuscitation according to BLS and ACLS guidelinesPerforms insertion and removal of endotracheal tubes via free hand technique and / or video laryngoscope systemPerforms set-up & self-test on all ventilatory equipment as required and operates, maintains and monitors mechanical ventilation on various types of equipmentAssists in facilitating preventative maintenance and repair of equipment as neededRecords all pertinent information of treatments, and patient response to treatments on respiratory care records and patient chart (including pre and post-assessment according to policy)Communicates with attending and pulmonary physician's concerning the efficiency of therapy administered to the patientReports all necessary information in hands-off communication during walking rounds for shift-to-shiftMaintains accurate respiratory therapy charging, including data entry, verification and correction of errorsPerforms other duties as assigned