Respiratory Therapist Neonatal NN

Respiratory Therapist Neonatal

The Respiratory Therapist Neonatal will utilize and be competent in all of the clinical skills performed by a Respiratory Therapist to include geriatric, adult, pediatric and newborn patient care. The Respiratory Therapist Neonatal will have the additional training and competency necessary to work under minimal supervision in a neonatal nursery unit. The Respiratory Therapist Neonatal will maintain competency and/or certification to perform all patient care activities according to NICU and Respiratory Care policy and procedure. Airway management and ventilator management are considered core competencies, which are established during the orientation process and annually thereafter. The Respiratory Therapist Neonatal will also assist in the training of new NICU therapists. The Respiratory Therapist Neonatal will aid the NICU nursing staff as necessary and assume charge duties as assigned by the Administrative Director, or department manager.

Other duties may be assigned.

Essential duties and responsibilities include:

• Performs accurate and appropriate respiratory care assessment of the newborn.
• Draws arterial blood gases according to policy from UAC lines, arterial lines, arterial sticks, and capillary heel sticks. Analysis of the ABG's and morning lab draws on the blood gas systems according to nursery and departmental standards.
• Follows all hospital guidelines in adhering to the operating room procedures and attire.
• Competent with all respiratory therapy equipment to include infant ventilators, oscillator ventilator, bubble CPAP, T-piece resuscitator, heated high flow cannulas, heated oxygen hoods, nasal cannulas, nebulizers, blenders, O2 analyzers, resuscitation unit, transporter, and warmer tables.
• Cleans and properly reassembles all intubation boxes/bags and documents each shift that they are properly stocked.
• Competent in the proper cleaning and reassembles the infant transporter, isolettes, and warmer tables.
• Cleans and properly reassembles all respiratory therapy equipment and performs device checks on ventilators.
• Attends all high-risk deliveries defined by policy, and other deliveries at the request of the Neonatologist or NICU Delivery Team.
• Assists the RN with assigning Apgar scores following birth, coordinates transfer of newborn from the delivery area to the NICU or well-baby nursery.
• Proficiency and understanding of Surfactant Administration including dosing and troubleshooting.
• Attends/completes annual clinical competency program.
• Certification in neonatal intubation may be obtained following departmental policies and with direct observation and demonstration of competency by a neonatology physician or other certified individual.

Education, experience and qualifications include:

• Must be a graduate of an accredited program for Respiratory Care.
• Florida licensure as a Respiratory Therapist is required.
• Registered Respiratory Therapist preferred.
• NRP is required prior to completion of 90-day evaluation period.
• Experience in a level II nursery or greater is preferred.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
• Advanced Life Support (ACLS) certification & Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association are highly recommended but not required.
• Intermediate computer knowledge: Uses Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Windows.