Registered Respiratory Therapist

Job Title

Respiratory Therapist

Duties

The Respiratory Therapist (RT) serves in a critical care setting with responsibility for independently administering a variety of complex treatments and tests to both ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients in all areas of the Medical Center as required.

During emergency situations, the RT serves as a member of the Code Blue team in response to Cardiac and/or Respiratory arrests and is responsible independently inserting artificial airways into patient's trachea to provide controlled breathing consistent with the VA NJHCS Out-Of-The-Operating Room Airway Management policy.

Initiate manual ventilation using a manual resuscitation bag or bag-valve-mask (BVM) and maintains ventilation. The RT is involved with the Rapid Response Team and responds to all calls in order to assess for any respiratory needs.

Setup and monitors a variety of complex respiratory equipment such as volume or pressure ventilators for critical care patients.

Performs airway and endo-tracheal tube care on patients with artificial airways, including cleaning and securing the trach and endotracheal tube site, in-line suctioning, monitoring tube cuff pressure and inspecting equipment and patient to insure proper function.

Operates suction catheters attached to vacuum to remove secretions from patients' airways. Places nasal and oropharyngeal airways and performing nasal and tracheal suctioning.

Perform chest physiotherapy using mechanical equipment or manual techniques. Performs postural drainage to facilitate the removal of secretions.

Sets up and monitors oxygen delivery devices such as cannulas, masks, t-adaptors, face tents, humidifiers and aerosols containing prescribed medication to patients using standard respiratory equipment.

Demonstrates competency for obtaining arterial blood gas samples from patient using ABG kit, heparinized needle with syringe, and from Arterial Line.

Perform patient clinical assessment, equipment setup, education and troubleshooting in areas of bronchial hygiene and lung expansion, home oxygen use, airway care, CPAP and Bi-Level machine and related equipment use, and COPD case management in the outpatient setting.

Completes patient care as ordered in Respiratory Consult and closes consults.

Attends and participates in interdisciplinary team meetings where the overall needs of the patient are addressed. Communicates orally and in writing changes, adjustments, and recommendations with other healthcare team members.

Assists in orientation and training of new staff. Serve as a preceptor and monitors lower graded staff. Plan and conduct training sessions with hospital staff, patients, and family members.

Assembles, checks, and corrects malfunctions and performs quality controls on respiratory therapy equipment and technology-based equipment. Maintains supplies, equipment, and clinical areas to optimize safety and efficiency.

Performing Bedside Spirometry for inpatient and Pulmonary Function Tests for inpatients and outpatient.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 7:30a-4p or 7a-7p

Functional Statement #: 21P29-A