Respiratory Therapist - PRN

Respiratory Therapist

Administers respiratory therapy care and life support to patients with deficiencies and abnormalities of cardiopulmonary system, under supervision of physician and by prescription.

Essential Job Functions

1. Organizes work schedule and schedules respiratory care for inpatients as ordered.
2. Takes verbal orders from physicians regarding respiratory therapy treatment.
3. Consults with physician in event of adverse reactions.
4. Delivers CPT and breathing exercises.
5. Performs sputum induction, NT suction, endotracheal suction, tracheostomy care, and monitors patients on continuous ventilation as prescribed by physician's orders according to established procedures.
6. Performs pre and post analytical phases of the I-STAT blood gas procedures.
7. Reads prescription, measures arterial blood gases, and reviews patient information to assess patient condition and determine requirements for treatment, such as type and duration of therapy, and medication and dosages.
8. Determines most suitable method of administering inhalants, precautions to be observed, and modifications which may be needed that will be compatible with physician's orders.
9. Sets up and operates devices, such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration per apparatus, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators.
10. Operates equipment to ensure specified parameters of treatment, such as volume, gas concentration, humidity, and temperature, and to administer medicinal gases and aerosol drugs to patients.
11. Monitors patient's physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes.
12. Observes equipment function and adjusts equipment to obtain optimum results to therapy.
13. Inspects, tests, and cleans respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently.
14. Orders repairs when needed.
15. Maintains proper working order of I-STAT machine by performing QC as required and reporting all errors or failures to supervisor.
16. Acts in conjunction with supervisors to provide technical and clinical consultation to physicians, nurses, students, and Respiratory Therapy staff.
17. Demonstrates respiratory care procedures to trainees and other health care personnel.
18. Documents in patient's medical record pertinent identification and therapy information.
19. Assists in transport of critically ill patients for diagnostic testing.

Education

Graduate of an American Medical Association approved Respiratory Therapist Program and CRT/RRT credentialed by the National Board of Respiratory Care. Must have current Alabama Respiratory Therapy license.

Experience

Minimum of two (2) years experience preferred.

Physical Requirements for Essential Job Functions

1. Must be able to transport and/or lift an object intermittently throughout the work day up to a maximum of 20 pounds.
2. Must be able to walk, stand, and work for extended periods of time without relief.
3. Must possess dexterity of arms, hands, and fingers bilaterally.
4. Must be able to work with hands for up to 12 hours a day.
5. Must be able to push/pull carts weighing up to 200 pounds.
6. Must possess sight/hearing senses or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately so the requirements of this position can be fully met.