Respiratory Therapist (RRT) - PRN Tier 2

PRN Registered Respiratory Therapist

The PRN Registered Respiratory Therapist under the guidance of the Department Director/Manager, and Medical Director utilizes knowledge and skill at the advanced level to provide direct age specific and culturally appropriate patient care through provision of adequate ventilation and oxygenation by use of medical gases and breathing equipment. Administers respiratory medications and performs invasive procedures, such as arterial blood sampling punctures, endotracheal intubation/extubation, tracheostomy care and other procedures as outlined on the competency grid form. Assists as a clinical resource and participates in patient and staff education.

Minimum Requirements

Education

Associate Degree graduate of specialized training in an approved Respiratory Therapy 2 year program or meets minimum requirements to qualify to take and pass the NBRC RRT examinations

Experience

Successful completion of new hire orientation within probationary period.

Must successfully complete annual Respiratory Care Hospital required competency assessment within the probationary period.

License/Registration/Certifications

Must be Registered by the National Board for Respiratory Care with RRT credential

Must have current South Carolina Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) License

Must have and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification as a minimum

Adult critical care requires ACLS and PALS if applicable

NICU/Pediatrics area requires NRP and PALS certifications; STABLE certification is preferred if applicable

Preferred Requirements

Preferred Education

Associate of Science degree in Respiratory Therapy or a Bachelors in Respiratory Therapy

Preferred Experience

Prefer 1-2 years of experience in the specialty area (Ex. Adult critical care, Neonatal/Pediatrics area)

Specialized training and 1-year experience in Pulmonary Functions and cardiac testing if applicable

Preferred License/Registration/Certifications

Current certification in BLS and ACLS; PALS for EC assigned staff in adult care

Current certification in BLS, PALS and NRP for Neonatal/Pediatric specialty areas

All areas require SC Respiratory Care Practitioner License; NBRC Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential

Core Job Responsibilities

Performs and documents detailed age specific respiratory assessment including heart rate, breath sounds, respiratory rate and sputum characteristics, and notifies the physician as appropriate any identified abnormalities.

Checks EMR to verify physician orders for new/current and/or changes in orders on all assigned patients by reviewing medication list throughout the shift.

Recommends therapy modifications to ensure appropriateness of care using medical director approved oxygen and aerosol protocols.

Initiates mechanical invasive and non-invasive ventilation per physician order; performs ventilator bundles on all ventilated patients.

Employee performs arterial sampling draws and moderate complexity lab testing to include blood gases, Hemoglobin, and basic electrolytes per policy and procedure. Also responsible for verifying panic values by policy.

Responds to all assigned code 3's/code traumas, establishes and maintains the airway.

Assists the physician with bronchoscopy procedure as requested.

Ensures that appropriate critical path/standard of care/plan of care is identified and collaboratively implemented.

Other Duties as Assigned