Respiratory Therapist NN

Respiratory Therapist

The Respiratory Therapist will perform all of the duties and responsibilities of a Licensed Respiratory Therapist according to NCH policy and procedure. The Therapist will function independently with minimal supervision in all critical care and non-critical care areas of the hospital. Patient populations served will include geriatric, adult, pediatric and infant. The Respiratory Therapist, under the order of a physician, will assess and provide a plan of care for any patient with pulmonary disease or related illness. Procedures and therapy related to critical care will be administered including, but not limited to mechanical ventilator management, ventilator interventions, non-invasive ventilation, endotracheal intubation, airway management, ventilator transports, assisting with bedside bronchoscopy, apnea testing, extubation, sterile suctioning, and providing respiratory consultations. Charge duties will be assigned by the Director or Manager, which include work assignments, EMR Report maintenance, problem solving between departments and/or patients as well as responsibility for the overall provision of Respiratory Care during the duration of the shift.

Other duties may be assigned.

Correctly follows all Respiratory Care protocols as ordered and reports any pertinent changes in care plans.

Safely and correctly performs arterial puncture to include Allen's testing. Also, correctly utilizes the blood gas systems to analyze and report Arterial Blood Gas results as required by accrediting agencies.

Identifies and properly operates general Respiratory Care equipment to include, but not limited to the following: pneumatic precursors, compressors, bipap units for sleep apnea, disinfection machines/supplies, nebulizers, MDI & spacers, incentive spirometers, bedside spirometers, NIF manometers, pulse oximeters, peak flowmeters, manual resuscitators, oscillatory valves, therapy vest, pap, and oxygen devices.

Provides patient and family education regarding CABG, deep breathing and coughing techniques, pulmonary rehab, and respiratory related equipment.

Safely performs patient transports of intubated patients utilizing the department approved devices.

Accurately performs bedside testing to include peak flows, ambulatory oximetry walks, and bedside PFT's. All results will be reported appropriately and in a timely manner.

Provides basic emergency airway management including bag-valve-mask ventilation.

Setting up and managing all mechanical ventilators including modes, appropriate tidal volumes, respiratory rate, pressure support and peep levels. Also can verbalize the various techniques used in ventilation to include ATC, Pressure Control, optimal peep levels and extubation requirements.

Properly identifies respiratory specific drugs to include proper dose ranges and intervals of administration. Knows how to report adverse drug reactions associated with respiratory specific drugs.

Knowledgeable & proficient with all ventilator intervention and weaning protocols.

Attends and/or completes annual clinical competency program.

Must be a graduate of an accredited program of Respiratory Care.

Licensed by the State of Florida as a Respiratory Therapist (RT) required.

Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) preferred.

Advanced Life Support (ALS) certification and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association are recommended but not required.

Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.

Intermediate computer knowledge: Uses Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Windows.