Respiratory Therapist

Overview Administer and evaluate a wide variety of therapeutic and diagnostic procedures to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of primary pulmonary disease and other medical problems that may affect a patient's pulmonary status. Perform other related duties as required. Brown University Health employees are expected to role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as guidance for patient, customer, and coworker interactions. Employees are also expected to demonstrate core Success Factors including trust, valuing differences, patient and community focus, and collaboration. Responsibilities Perform a variety of therapeutic procedures per the Respiratory Services Policy & Procedures Manual (204-211), including intermittent positive pressure breathing, chest physiotherapy, postural drainage, nebulizer/airway therapy, incentive spirometry, breathing exercises, tracheal irrigation, and aspiration. Administer inhalant medications with understanding of actions, expected responses, and adverse reactions (bronchodilators, mucolytics, antibiotics, wetting agents, steroids, chromalin drugs, antifungal agents). Set up and perform CPAP, Bi-Pap, and non-invasive ventilation; provide and monitor continuous oxygen and humidification therapy. Instruct patients on equipment use, monitor function and compliance with physician orders. Initiate, monitor, and provide respiratory care for patients dependent on mechanical ventilation (adult, neonatal, pediatric) and coordinate ventilator settings with patient needs. Perform equipment check-outs, adjust ventilatory parameters, and demonstrate knowledge of all ventilator modes. Nebulize fluids, irrigate airways, perform deep tracheal suction and cuff care as needed. Monitor oxygen concentration, ventilatory volumes, muscular strength, humidification, pressures, sputum characteristics, breath sounds, and changes in respiratory/pulmonary status. Perform arterial blood gas analysis as authorized, including ABG collection, calibration, maintenance, and quality control; transcribe ABG results accurately. Interpret and execute physician orders; review patient history, lab, and imaging to assess condition, needs, or contraindications; ensure therapy aligns with physician orders. Determine optimal methods for therapy, including pressures/flows, chest therapy positions, breathing exercises, suction timing, and ventilatory waveforms. Respond to hazards and life-threatening situations; provide patient education on therapy rationale and procedures. Monitor and document patient response and therapy outcomes; communicate with physicians regarding abnormal findings. Ensure accurate documentation of findings and therapy progress in the medical record; evaluate changes to therapy and adjust as needed. Accept verbal/telephone orders when appropriate and transcribe accurately in the medical record; perform respiratory protocols/consults when certified. Obtain respiratory history and perform assessments, including inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation, and review of diagnostic data such as PFTs, ABGs, EKGs, X-rays, and labs. Provide respiratory care plans and daily assessments, adjusting mode and frequency of therapy as needed. Demonstrate proper use of manual resuscitators and appropriate diagnostic procedures (bedside pulmonary function screening, EKGs, oximetry, end-tidal CO2). Initiate and maintain life-saving measures in emergencies and assist with intubation and tube positioning assessment. Understand the proper use of cardio-respiratory equipment including EKG machines, oxygen delivery devices, pediatric equipment, humidification systems, and related devices. Obtain required certifications for respiratory therapy procedures and accompany patients during ambulance transport as needed. Assess patient status across age groups (neonates to adults) and provide care per department policies and procedures; safely handle medical gases. Prepare and deliver reports on patient condition, therapy progress, and effects to on-duty staff; communicate abnormal effects or concerns with physicians. Serve as an in-house resource for staff, physicians, and patients requiring respiratory care assistance; set clinical priorities daily per policy. Assist in orientation and training of new staff and students; participate in off-site health fairs and career events as applicable. If applicable, perform esophageal studies (PH Ambulatory, Motility, Bravo Capsule procedures). Minimum Qualifications Rhode Island Respiratory Care Practitioner license (RCP); CRT required, RRT preferred. Associate degree from a Cardio-Respiratory Care program. Current CPR certification. Pay Range $34.20-$56.42 EEO Statement Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment. Location Newport Hospital - 11 Friendship Street, Newport, Rhode Island 02840 Work Type PT nights 6:15pm - 6:45am every other weekend, HT Work Shift Night Daily Hours 12 hours Driving Required No #J-18808-Ljbffr Lifespan