Respiratory Therapist - Sleep Medicine, Per Diem

Overview

Sets up and operates various types of oxygen and other therapeutic equipment. Administers prescribed doses of medicinal gases and aerosolized drugs.

Responsibilities

• Reviews existing data in patient record. Collects and evaluates additional pertinent clinical information by inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation and patient interview.
• Inspects chest x-ray to determine presence of or changes in consolidation, atelectasis, pneumothorax, opacification, position of tracheal tube and other conditions.
• Recommends respiratory care alternatives to meet patient care objectives. Recommends the collection of additional pertinent data through chest x-ray, blood gas analysis, pulmonary function studies, and other laboratory tests.
• Performs and evaluates bedside spirometry, pulmonary mechanics and pulmonary function studies. Determines appropriateness of prescribed therapy and goals for identified pathophysiological state.
• Selects, assembles and checks the equipment for proper function, operation and cleanliness, including correction of malfunctions. Performs procedures for disinfection and sterilization.
• Conducts prescribed therapeutic procedures to achieve maintenance of a patient airway, including maintenance of adequate humidification, use of appropriate oro-nasopharyngeal airways, and changing of tracheostomy tubes. Explains planned therapy and goals to patient.
• Conducts prescribed therapeutic procedures to achieve removal of bronchopulmonary secretions, and administers prescribed pharmacologic agents.
• Conducts prescribed therapeutic procedures to achieve adequate spontaneous and artificial ventilation.
• Conducts prescribed therapeutic procedures to achieve adequate oxygenation including adjustment of oxygen concentration, adjustment of PEEP/CPAP, and prevention of "iatrogenic" hypoxemia.
• Evaluates and monitors patient's response to respiratory therapy. Modifies treatment techniques based on patient response to IPPB, incentive breathing devices, aerosol therapy, oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation.
• Initiates, conducts and modifies respiratory therapy techniques in an emergency setting, including CPR, monitoring and patient transport.
• Records therapy and results as required by hospital policy and regulating agencies; communicates information to appropriate members of health care team.
• May assist physician performing bronchoscopy, tracheostomy, and invasive monitoring.
• Develops education and training programs, and conducting of in-service training for departmental and non-departmental staff.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

Qualifications

• None

Required Licensure/Certifications

• Licensed Respiratory Practitioner within the State of NH and VT
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) upon hire.
• BLS required at time of hire.