Respiratory Therapist – 36 hrs/wk – Respiratory

Job Summary:

Performs all procedures germane to the practice of Respiratory Care as well as those procedures related to Cardiac Diagnostics.

 

Essential Duties:

1. Perform respiratory care evaluations in a timely manner and make appropriate recommendations for therapy; and recommendations to the physician regarding alternate modalities when the patient is unable to tolerate or comprehend the prescribed therapy.
2. Administer therapy with supplies and equipment that are appropriate to the age, development and comfort of the patient.
3. Communicate effectively with patents of all ages and degrees of illness .
4. Respiratory therapy modalities are administered according to standard department procedure.
5. Evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic modalities; make recommendations to physicians regarding alternative methods of therapy, when appropriate.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of the medications utilized in respiratory care, and POC system is utilized in documentation of all prescribed therapy.
7. Demonstrate a competent level of technical skill in the operation of all mechanical ventilator systems.
8. Evaluate patient for changes in ventilatory status; monitor respiratory parameters/advises MD.
9. Demonstrate an understanding of arterial blood gases in relation to the patient’s respiratory status.
10. Perform arterial blood gas punctures according to standard procedure. Demonstrate competency in procuring arterial blood gases.
11. Demonstrate the ability to ET suction, position the endotube and extubate. Abide by universal precautions when handling blood, secretions and ventilator circuits.
12. Show compassion and sensitivity when in contact with ventilator supported patients/families.
13. Maintain and calibrates pulmonary function unit with specifications.
14. Possess a good working knowledge of the PFT unit and be capable of performing basic trouble-shooting.
15. Provide clear and concise instructions to patient.
16. Demonstrate the ability to interpret test results.
17. Complete test results to include calibration of patient effort, medication administered and documentation of tolerance.
18. Perform electrocardiograms according to standard department procedure, assuring proper lead placement minimal artifact.
19. Perform Holter monitoring according to standard department procedure, assuring proper lead placement, and explicit patient instruction.
20. Competently perform cardiac stress testing with or without sestimibi component, as well as persantine studies.
21. Accurately maintain department files in an orderly manner, generate required reports, reviews, and correct discrepancies as necessary.
22. Perform routine equipment maintenance per specifications.
23. Adhere to decontamination and sterilization procedures established for equipment.
24. Provide ventilatory support to patients during transfer to other facilities or diagnostic laboratories.
25. Assist with the development of criteria, collect data, and participate in data evaluation. Ensure QA assignments are done in a timely manner.
26. Integrate various disciplines involved in the examination of patients into an effective team
27. Provide a safe environment for all patients, and report incidents as policy dictates.
28. Coordinate departmental services with other departments involved in patient care and provides other departments with timely information of changes affecting work flow or patient care.
29. Perform routine maintenance and cleaning procedures on mechanical ventilators.
30. Ensure appropriate use of equipment to minimize repair costs and premature placement needs.
31. Participate in organizational Quality Management program as necessary.
32. Report patient and staff incidents as outlined in hospital-wide policy.
33. Ensure departmental compliance with applicable federal, state and local regulatory agencies and with professional licensure.
34. Interact with medical staff in a manner conducive to improving cardiopulmonary services.
35. Demonstrate knowledge of cultural factors and age-specific competencies in regards to patient population served.

License Requirements: 

1. CRT, Certified Respiratory Therapist (National Board for Respiratory Care)
2. Licensed or eligible to be licensed in the State of Maine as a Certified Respiratory Therapist