Therapy - RRT

Registered Respiratory Therapist

Graduate of a CoARC approved Respiratory Therapy program. Prior experience required. Exerts 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Frequently reaches, extends hands and arms in any direction, and handles, working with hands. Occasionally stoops, bends the body downward and forward by bending the spine at the waist, and crouches, bending the body downward and forward by bending legs and spine. Systematically gathers and evaluates relevant information and data from the patient interview and/or all available patient information sources. Develops an appropriate care plan for patients based upon systematic information gathering and analysis. Identifies variations from expected findings and understands the significance of such variations. Takes appropriate actions when variations are identified. Assesses the patient's learning needs, identifies learning styles and barriers to learning, and assesses the patient's readiness to learn. Identifies situations when it is appropriate to involve family members or significant others in patient education. Plans for and provides patient teaching. Evaluates the patient's understanding of their condition, treatment, and/or prognosis. Informs the patient of their plan of care and/or discharge plan and follow-up instructions. Evaluates and validates the effectiveness of patient teaching. Prepares the patient to accept responsibility for their own care. Coordinates care with other healthcare providers and, when appropriate, delegates to other healthcare providers. Assesses and reassesses the patient's condition, status, and progress. Prioritizes, reprioritizes, and modifies the plan of care based upon patient assessment and condition. Documents the implementation of the plan of care and any adverse or unexpected events or outcomes. Measures and administers the correct medication dosage per physician's order. Administers respiratory therapy treatments and oxygen therapy. Understands the purpose and possible side effects associated with respiratory therapy treatments. Obtains ABGs per hospital policy. Performs pulse oximetry and ensures accurate results. Performs pulmonary function testing following ATS standards. Performs EKGs and ensures quality recordings. Assists with flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy. Sets up mechanical ventilators, including BIPAP and CPAP units, and selects the correct patient parameters. Assesses mechanical ventilators and BIPAP and CPAP functioning to ensure safe operation. Assesses patient status and uses information to recommend changes to the patient plan of care. Assesses patient cardio-pulmonary status and uses data to recommend changes to patient plans of care. Provides instruction on proper use of cardiopulmonary medication and equipment. Distributes age and culturally specific patient education materials based on educational needs. Responsible for implementing components of infection control protocols consistently and per guidelines. Responsible for alerting the Nurse Manager/Director/Nursing Supervisor if there is a deviation from established protocols for case review and follow-up as indicated.