Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory Therapist

Assessments:

Age Specific Competency: Staff members will have knowledge of human growth and development through the life span of the patient and have the ability to meet the needs of and provide the care of these patients. The age categories to be included are: Young Adult/Adult 18–64 yrs; Adult/Middle-Aged 65-79 yrs; Geriatric 80+ yrs

Critical Thinking Skills

Demonstrates the ability to assess a situation, consider alternatives and choose the appropriate course of action through a working knowledge of etiology and clinical presentation of disease status, pathophysiology, indications, contraindications and hazards of specific interventions.

Demonstrates the ability to assess pathophysiology as related to ventilatory status, pulmonary mechanics, oxygenation, and acid-base balance and implement appropriate therapeutic or support modalities taking into consideration indications, contraindications, and hazards of specific therapeutic or support interventions.

Demonstrates the ability to prioritize patient illness severity during time of high inpatient volumes and/or increased patient acuity levels.

Planning:

Develops and documents individualized respiratory care plans within 8 hours of admission, based on assessment findings and patient-specific needs such as bronchodilator therapy, chest physiotherapy, and patient education on inhaler use, breathing techniques, and home care.

Works with the interdisciplinary team and patient/family to set realistic respiratory goals, including oxygen therapy, airway clearance, and ventilator weaning strategies.

Implementation:

Administers respiratory medications and therapies as ordered by the physician and outlined in the care plan, following hospital and department protocols.

Demonstrates accurate technical skills and operational knowledge in:

• Airway management (e.g., suctioning, intubation assistance)
• Mechanical ventilation setup and monitoring
• Non-invasive ventilation setup and monitoring
• Aerosol and oxygen therapy
• Arterial blood and venous gas sampling and interpretation
• Electrocardiogram
• Use and maintenance of respiratory equipment

Responds effectively to respiratory emergencies, including code blues, rapid responses, and respiratory equipment alarms.

Clearly document and communicate assessment findings, therapy outcomes, and changes in patient condition to the healthcare team.

Assists in organizing daily RT assignments based on patient acuity and staff competencies. Takes on leadership responsibilities when delegated.

Provides education on respiratory conditions, treatment plans, and discharge instructions to patients and families.

Evaluates patient's status and interventions and modifies plan as needed with input from care team members and patient/family.

Documents legibly on the patient record throughout the shift, is thorough, accurate, and complete.

Completes all respiratory tasks as on the EMR worklist in the appropriate timeframe.

Satisfactorily completes annual competency review.

Reports critical test results to physicians within approved time frame and documents person notified, date and time of notification, and RBV as per departmental policy.

Consistently demonstrates skills necessary to provide competent care to all patients for which are is assigned.

Performs and documents required preventive maintenance, quality controls, and calibrations on departmental equipment as specified by safety and infection control policies. Maintains accurate, detailed documentation according to department and current Accreditor standards.

Completes and submits variance reports as needed during the shift.

Incident Reports

EMR Support Tickets

Biomed Support Tickets

Maintenance Tickets

Cleans and process all dirty equipment, taking particular care to make sure that it is set up and ready for use by the next therapist.