Neo/Pedi Registered Respiratory Therapist

Job Description Summary

Provides respiratory care to patients as assigned by supervisors and given on the physician's order.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1 - Responsible for the safe and effective administration of medically prescribed medications, knowing their indications and contraindications.

a - Assures proper physician order before administration of medication as evidenced by Process Improvement.

b - Demonstrates proper procedures for the procurement of respiratory medications and reconciliation of medication count variances.

2 - Knows and follows the indications and contraindications, the policy and procedures in administering therapeutic modalities to include: IS, HHN, Ventilator therapy for neonates, oxygen delivery devices, surfactant administration, flutter devices and metered dose inhalers.

a - Assures proper physician order before treatment administered as evidenced by process improvement review.

b - Discontinues treatment if any adverse or contraindication noted and documented in patient chart at time of occurrence as well as notifying the appropriate staff member, i.e., nurse, physician.

3 - Safe utilization of gas cylinders and piped in gas outlets.

a - Sets up gas cylinders and assures proper usage and safety measures are in place.

b - Lifts and moves gas cylinders utilizing proper body mechanics.

c - Demonstrates knowledge of the set up, use and problems associated with oxygen, air and vacuum outlets, regulators, flowmeters and devices.

4 - Performs arterial punctures using radial, and brachial sites independently. Performs capillary gases.

a - Obtains sample upon a written physician's order as directed. As determined by direct observation, the sample is obtained according to policy and in compliance with universal precautions.

b - Follows all National Patient Safety Goals regarding patient identification, labeling of the specimen and dealing with critical value results when performing an arterial puncture and blood gas analysis as evidenced during the process improvement reviews.

5 - Be a member of the "code team" responding to arrest situations. As part of the team may be expected to perform CPR (compression). Must be certified in CPR procedures annually.

a - Maintains current BLS card as evidenced by card. Maintain current NRP certification. Maintain current PALS certification.

b - Performs external compression when needed in a code situation.

c - Proper handling and usage of ambu and assures proper function during code. Utilizes proper technique as observed/reported by code team participants. Able to choose correct Ambu bag.

d - Demonstrates the ability to verify endotracheal tube placement by use of an end tidal CO2 detector, breath sounds and a chest x-ray.

e - If certified to do so, successfully insert an endotracheal tube or LMA and document the procedure in the medical record and on a process improvement form.

6 - Performs all aspects of artificial airway care. Able to perform naso-tracheal and endo-tracheal suctioning on patients.

7 - Documents all maintenance, calibration, problems, and quality controls performed on the blood gas analyzers.

a - Performs maintenance on ABG analyzer as documented in the lab policy.

b - Changes IQM cartridges when directed by the instrument.

c - Reports critical values according to the hospital policy and procedure.

8 - Set up and maintains heliox system

9 - Setting up and maintenance of oxygen devices.

a - Collaborate with nursing to ensure that patients are on the proper device, at the proper flowrates and that the oxygen saturation is of a sufficient level for the patient.

b - Makes daily rounds of oxygen administration systems as documented in patient's medical record and department records.

12 - Responsible for the set-up, safety check, monitoring and troubleshooting of mechanical ventilators.

a - Demonstrates the ability to set properly set up and check the functionality of all ventilators at South Shore Hospital.

b - Demonstrates the ability to proficiently set-up and apply all modes of ventilation through each ventilator and can articulate the function and application of each of the modes.

c - Performs ventilator assessments at the prescribed frequency during assigned shift as determined by the ventilator documentation.

d - Expedites weaning when appropriate.

e - Places patient on CPAP/Ventilator as ordered by physician.

f - Upon the order of a physician, the therapist demonstrates the ability to safely perform an endotracheal extubation.

g - Safely initiates, weans and troubleshoots nitric oxide according to protocol.

h - Safely initiates, manages and troubleshoots hi-fi ventilation

13 - Demonstrates the ability to interpret a chest x-ray for endotracheal tube placement, lung expansion and gross respiratory abnormalities.

14 - Maintains accurate records, documenting clinical notes in patient's medical record.

a - Accurate notes are to be kept in the electronic medical record as evidenced in process improvement reviews.

b - All medications administered in compliance with bedside medication administration and missed are documented in the MAR as evidenced in process improvement reviews.

c - Demonstrates knowledge and ability to utilize all available patient information/documentation systems.

15 - Maintains skills and knowledge for intubation of neonate.

a - Perform a successful endotracheal intubation upon the order of a physician.

b - Articulates the physiology of a neonatal or pediatric airway.

c - Ability to select proper size tube and intubation blade.

d - Ability to select the proper size of an in-line suction catheter and determine the appropriate depth indicator.

16 - Proper documentation in department records. Participates in staff meetings, attends lectures, conferences and seminars.

a - Attends staff meetings as scheduled as evidenced by minutes of meeting or schedules time with supervisor/manager to review the discussed material.

b - Attends lectures, seminars as scheduled as evidenced by rosters or awarded certificates.

c - Participates in hand-off communication by reporting patient progress and condition to peers and associates.

d - Participates in daily rounds.

17 - Performs new respiratory procedures as they are introduced and in-service into the Respiratory Care Department.

a - Adheres to patient identification policies/procedures as evidenced through the PI system.

b - Makes appropriate use of personal protective equipment at all times.

c - Adheres to respiratory etiquette guidelines and universal precautions.

d - Appropriately disposes of hazardous materials.

e - Adheres to electrical safety guidelines.

18 - Adheres to policies and procedures required for the implementation of the National Patient Safety Goals as determined by process improvement reviews.

a - Safety Awareness – Fosters a “Culture of Safety” through personal ownership and commitment to a safe environment.

20 - Member of the Neonatal transport team. As a member of the transport team is expected to perform all duties within job description in addition to:

a - Safely transports patients within the hospital as well as to and from other facilities.

b - Demonstrates competence with BMD-10 transport ventilator, including safety checks, function and troubleshooting.

c - Demonstrates competence with manipulating transport ventilatory system to add iNO as an adjunct therapy when indicated. Including safety checks, ensuring proper function and troubleshooting.

d - Demonstrates competence and proper handling/function of i-STAT analyzer as evidenced by competencies as well as hands-on application.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Education - Preferred

Must be a graduate of an approved school of Respiratory Care. 

Minimum Work Experience

2 years experience in NICU/SCN/Pediatric setting preferred.

Required Licenses / Registrations

RRT - Registered Respiratory Therapist
RCL - Respiratory Care License

Required Classes/Skills -

BLS - Basic Life Support
NRP - Neonatal Resuscitation Program
PALS or ENPC - Pediatric Advanced Life Support or Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course

Preferred ACLS - Advance Cardiac Life Support

Required additional Knowledge, and Abilities

Neonatal/Pediatric Specialty exam preferred.