Respiratory Care Practitioner

SUMMARY Administer and evaluate a wide variety of therapeutic and diagnostic procedures to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of primary pulmonary disease and other medical problems that may affect a patient’s pulmonary status. Perform other related duties as required. Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization’s values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another. In addition to our values, all employees are expected to demonstrate the core Success Factors which tell us how we work together and how we get things done. The core Success Factors include: Instill Trust and Value Differences, Patient and Community Focus, and Collaborate. RESPONSIBILITIES Perform according to the Respiratory Services Policy & Procedures Manual (204-211) a variety of therapeutic procedures, including: Intermittent positive pressure breathing Chest physiotherapy Postural drainage Nebulizer / aerosol therapy Incentive Spirometry Breathing exercises Tracheal irrigation and aspiration Administer all inhalant medications with a scientific understanding of actions, expected responses, and adverse reactions to include: Bronchodilators Mucolytics Antibiotics Wet-gl immune agents Steroids Chromalin drugs Anti‑fungal agents Set up and perform CPAP, Bi‑Pap and non‑invasive ventilation. Provide and monitor continuous oxygen and humidity therapy. Instruct patients on the use of equipment and monitor equipment function, proper use of equipment, and compliance with written physician’s orders. Initiate, monitor, and provide respiratory care to all patients dependent on mechanical ventilation for life support (P&P Manual, Section 301-310), including: Adult mechanical ventilation Neonatal/pediatric ventilation Perform equipment check‑out procedures prior to use to ensure proper function, adjust all ventilatory parameters, initiate and monitor mechanical ventilation, and make adjustments to coordinate the ventilator with the patient. Demonstrate knowledge of all ventilator modes. Nebulize fluids, irrigate airway, and perform deep tracheal suction and cuff care as needed. Monitor oxygen concentration, ventilatory volumes, muscular strength, humidity, ventilating pressures, sputum collection and characteristics, breath sounds, and changes in respiratory/pulmonary condition and ability. Demonstrate ability to properly perform arterial blood gas analysis, as indicated, when authorized by the physician (P&P Manual, Section 401-407), including: Adult arterial blood gases Infants/children arterial blood gases Blood gas lab safety Call physician with critical values Calibration Preventive maintenance Quality control procedures Demonstrate ability to accurately transcribe ABG results and correlate results with the clinical situation. Make arrangements to improve oxygenation and acid–base balance. Interpret and execute all orders prescribed by a physician. Demonstrate ability to review history and physical, lab, and X‑ray reports, and interdisciplinary progress notes to assess patient’s condition and ability, therapeutic needs, or contraindications to ordered therapy. Consistently work within the physician’s order to deliver the therapy appropriate for the patient’s condition. Demonstrate ability to determine best methods for therapy such as appropriate pressure and flow rates for intermittent positive pressure breathing, positions required for chest physiotherapy/postural drainage, types of breathing exercises, sensitivity, flow rates, pressure limits/control, ventilatory waveforms, and need for suction/irrigation for patients on mechanical ventilation. Respond to hazards of therapies in an appropriate manner, including life‑threatening situations. Instruct patients on rationale and proper procedures for all therapies. Monitor pulmonary and cardiac response and results of all therapies. Perform accurate and complete documentation of all findings to physician via medical record. Demonstrate ability to evaluate changes in patient’s condition and determine if current therapy is successful in meeting therapeutic objectives. Accept verbal/telephone orders from physicians when appropriate and transcribe accurately in the medical record (see P & P Manual, Section 106A). Demonstrate ability to perform Respiratory Therapy Protocols/Consults upon certification (P & P Manual, Section 220). Obtain respiratory history and perform patient assessment, including inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation, and review of diagnostic data such as PFTs, ABGs, EKGs, reports, X‑rays, and blood work. For Respiratory Protocols/Consults, provide assessment of the need for therapy intervention and develop a Respiratory Care Plan. Demonstrate ability to properly perform patient assessments daily and alter, as necessary, the specific mode and frequency of therapy. Demonstrate knowledge of proper use of manual resuscitators: Adult and child manual resuscitators Infant resuscitators Demonstrate ability to accurately perform diagnostic procedures including: Bedside pulmonary function screening EKGs Oximetry End tidal carbon dioxide measurements and obtain sputum by inducing, if necessary, for laboratory studies. Initiate and maintain life‑saving measures in emergency situations, assist physician with intubation, auscultate chest to evaluate endotracheal tube position. Demonstrate understanding of proper use of all cardio‑respiratory equipment including: EKG machines Oxygen delivery devices Ohio pediatric tents Oxygen analyzers Blenders Spirometers NIF (negative inspiratory force meters) Incentive spirometers Air compressors Liquid oxygen systems Cuff pressure manometers Heated/cool nebulizers Obtain special certifications at Newport Hospital for performance of: Arterial Blood Gases Respiratory Therapy Protocols/Consults As requested, accompany patient during ambulance transport from Newport Hospital to another facility, performing respiratory care as needed. Demonstrate the ability to assess patient’s status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify patient’s requirement relative to his/her age‑specific or special needs, and to provide care needed as described in department policies and procedures for neonates, children, adolescents, adults, and general patients. Handle and store medical gases in a safe manner. Prepare and deliver a report on patient’s condition, progress and effects of therapy to Respiratory Care Practitioners coming on duty. Communicate regularly with physicians regarding any abnormal effects of therapy, abnormal diagnostic exams, or any other respiratory/pulmonary concerns. Act as in‑house resource for staff members, physicians, and patients requiring respiratory/pulmonary assistance. Set clinical priorities daily per policy and procedure. Assist Cardiopulmonary Services Director in the orientation and training of new staff and students assigned to Newport Hospital. Participate in applicable off‑site activities including health fairs and school career days. If applicable, perform esophageal studies including PH Ambulatory, Motility, or Bravo Capsule procedures. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Rhode Island Respiratory Care Practitioner license (RCP), CRT required, RRT preferred. Associate degree from Cardio‑Respiratory Care Program. Current CPR certification. PAY RANGE $33.53-$55.31 EEO STATEMENT Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment. LOCATION Newport Hospital - 11 Friendship Street Newport, Rhode Island 02840 WORK TYPE 6:15 pm - 6:45 am every other weekend, HT WORK SHIFT Night DAILY HOURS 12 hours DRIVING REQUIRED No #J-18808-Ljbffr