Therapy - RRT

Registered Respiratory Care Practitioner

Performs basic and critical respiratory care services. Has the ability to work well without supervision as well as maintain supervision over others, as delegated. Provides respiratory care services for adult and geriatric patients. Provides respiratory care for patients with respiratory disease, as ordered by the physician and in accordance with current department policies. Completes paperwork, electronic medical records, flow sheets, and charges for each patient.

This position is represented by a union.

Graduate of an approved Respiratory Therapy Program required. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from an approved vendor. Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification from an approved vendor. Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification from an approved vendor. Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification from an approved vendor.

Assess and document the appropriateness of prescribed therapy, including recommendations for patients receiving respiratory care services. Administer aerosol and oxygen therapy while maintaining charts. Draw arterial blood gases per policy and physician order. Provide care to ventilator patients. Assist in department record keeping and operation, as well as training and supervision of new employees. Document care given; maintain records of treatment; generate necessary documents for charges or record keeping. Assist in the instruction of nursing personnel in surveillance of patient and equipment. Perform drainage procedures and provide additional patient care regarding cardiopulmonary disease. Provide suggestions regarding the patient's treatment and pulmonary progress. Provide assistance in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. Offer instruction to patients and family about cardiopulmonary disease and its ramifications. Make rounds to check all respiratory therapy equipment in use or on standby in patient areas. Ensure completion of the initial ventilator bundle orders upon initiation of mechanical ventilation. Ensure compliance of VAP bundle for all patients receiving mechanical ventilation. Identify measurable and reasonable outcomes while using appropriate therapy interventions to resolve patient needs. Update and communicate the diagnosis throughout the patient's stay based on changing condition and disease status. Assist with maintenance and processing of equipment and products used in providing respiratory therapy services. Serve as a knowledge resource to physicians and hospital staff regarding respiratory care and the effectiveness of safe therapy methods. Assist in stocking and re-ordering parts and equipment. Keep the equipment clean and ready for its next use. Assist physicians with special procedures as needed. Assist with quality control, staff schedules, and competencies. Perform other job-related duties as assigned.