Therapy - RRT

Registered Respiratory Therapist

Systematically gathers and evaluates relevant information and data from patient interviews and other patient information sources. Develops an appropriate care plan for patients based on systematic information gathering and analysis. Identifies variations from expected findings and understands the significance of such variations. Takes appropriate actions when variations are identified. Assesses the patient's learning needs and identifies learning style and barriers to learning. Assesses the patient's readiness to learn. Identifies when it is appropriate to involve family and/or significant others in patient education. Plans for and provides patient teaching. Evaluates the patient's understanding of his or her condition, treatment, and/or prognosis. Informs the patient of the plan of care and/or discharge plan and follow-up instructions. Evaluates and validates the effectiveness of patient teaching. Prepares the patient to accept a level of responsibility for his or her own care. Coordinates care with other healthcare providers. When appropriate, delegates tasks to other healthcare providers. Assesses and reassesses the patient's condition, status, and progress. Prioritizes, reprioritizes, and modifies the plan of care based on patient assessment and condition. Documents the implementation of the plan of care and any adverse or unexpected events or outcomes. Measures and administers the correct medication dosage per physician's order. Administers respiratory therapy treatments and oxygen therapy. Understands the purpose and possible side effects associated with respiratory therapy treatments. Obtains arterial blood gases per hospital policy. Performs pulse oximetry and ensures accurate results. Performs pulmonary function tests following accepted standards. Performs EKGs and ensures quality recordings. Assists with flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy. Sets up mechanical ventilators, including BIPAP and CPAP units, and selects the correct patient parameters. Assesses mechanical ventilators and BIPAP and CPAP functioning to ensure safe operation. Assesses patient status and uses information to recommend changes in the patient plan of care. Assesses patient cardiopulmonary status and uses data to recommend changes to the patient's plan of care. Provides instruction on the proper use of cardiopulmonary medication and equipment. Distributes age and culturally specific patient education materials based on educational needs. Responsible for implementing components of the VAP bundle consistently and per protocol. Responsible for notifying management if there is a deviation from the VAP bundle by attending medical staff for case review and follow-up as indicated.