Respiratory Therapist - RT - Intensive Care Unit

Respiratory TherapistThe Respiratory Therapist is either registered or certified by the National Board of Respiratory Care to provide Cardiopulmonary Services.The Respiratory Therapist is responsible for following protocols approved by the medical staff and department policy and procedures in order to provide timely diagnostic and therapeutic services to both inpatients and outpatients. Responsibilities include: assisting physicians with invasive and non-invasive procedures, delivery of medicated aerosols via medical compressed gas, maintaining airways, ventilator management, insertion of arterial lines, intubations, pulmonary function studies, cardiac and pulmonary stress tests, and blood gases.Position ResponsibilitiesStandard I – Customer Service/Communication/Interpersonal Skills• Strives to exceed expectations of internal and external customers: Patients, families, physicians, colleagues, visitors and vendors.• Demonstrates appropriate communication skills in all interactions.• Interacts with others in a spirit of teamwork and cooperation.• Anticipates and provides resolution to issues based on the needs and expectations of our customers. Channels concerns appropriately through chain of command; deals with conflict appropriately, timely and privately.• Treats others with respect at all times; maintains a work environment free of harassment, hostility, threats or violence.Standard II – Job Knowledge/Productivity/Initiative• Maintains certifications, education and development appropriate for position.• Completes position responsibilities by following established guidelines and protocols within the appropriate time frame.• Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of work practices/responsibilities/establishing priorities and roles in emergency procedures.• Demonstrates self-direction, flexibility, professional development and willingness to master new skills.• Has the ability to accept and act upon suggestions for improved performance.• Completes all requires orientation and annual updates as appropriate to clinical placements.• Knowledgeable of standards of practice as outlined in professional practice organizations related to clinical setting.Standard III – Vendor/Hospital/Department Policies & Procedures• Supports, implements and ensures compliance with all Vendor/Hospital and regulatory/accrediting agency standards, regulations and policies and procedures.• Ensures accuracy, timeliness and completeness of documentation and work performed per Hospital policy.• Utilizes appropriate resources and hospital policies as the "standard of care" for positive patient outcomes.Standard IV – Organizational Ethics/Improving Organizational Performance• Supports Vendor and Hospital's mission, vision and values.• Conduct reflects Vendor values; accepts the responsibility to act with absolute integrity, work as a unified team, learn and transfer that knowledge across the continuum, have accountability to all that we serve, and treat everyone with dignity and respect.• Demonstrates compliance with the Ethics and Compliance Program, policies, directives and Code of Conduct training.• Maintains privacy and confidentiality of patient, client, employees and organizational information in verbal, written and electronic form. Limit access to information on a job-related need to know basis. Complies with Vendor/Hospitals risk management program-timely/accurate occurrence reporting. Demonstrates understanding and involvement with Performance Improvement.Standard V – Position Specific Essential Performance CriteriaPerforms position specific job functions at an acceptable level with minimal direction. Primary responsibilities for a Respiratory Therapist encompass but not intended to be all-inclusive:• Patient Rights – Demonstrating awareness and respect for the patient/family/significant others dignity and values; identifies cultural and religious needs, emotional and language barriers, physical, cognitive, psychological and educational limitations. Knowledgeable of patient's rights, advanced directives, consents, protection of patient security, privacy and confidentiality in all aspects of care.• Assessment - Completes assessment/reassessment in accordance with Hospital policy, standards and patient care needs as it relates to; Pulmonary function/status, pain management, risk to fall, skin integrity, interventions, signs and symptoms of abuse, changes in patients condition and identification of patient needs requiring intervention of other team members. Knowledgeable of documentation systems utilized to chart patient's assessment/reassessments, interventions and supply acquisition.• Care of the Patient – Develops, implements, updates, evaluates and revises as appropriate an age-specific patient plan of care; based on continuous assessment/re-assessment and interpretation of all available patient data – to meet the identified patient care goals for a Respiratory Therapy patient. Understands indications, contraindications and precautions for routine RT modalities. Demonstrates skill in the use of specialized equipment and procedures used in Respiratory Therapy. Able to recognize the need for and use of designated equipment in resuscitation efforts.• Patient/Family Education - Utilizes a collaborative and interdisciplinary process to provide initial and ongoing teaching based on assessed learning needs, abilities, preferences and readiness. Provides patients with explanations of all procedures, medications and treatments – documents teaching per hospital policy. Ensures patient/family teaching occurs across the continuum of care and discharge planning includes specific teaching which ensures the patient is prepared for discharge and prevents re-admissions due to lack of education provided.• Continuum of Care - Assess, collaborate and coordinate meeting patient's care needs during transition from shift to shift, transfer to other departments and upon discharge. Ensures that discharge planning/processes provides for continuing care based on the assessed needs of the patient; provide clear time/action specific discharge instructions in clear understandable terminology.Standard VI – Age Specific Essential Performance CriteriaDemonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care based on physical, psycho/social, educational safety and related criteria, appropriate to the age of the patients served in his/her assigned position. The skills and knowledge needed to provide such care may be gained through education, training or experience.