Respiratory Therapist (RRT) - Methodist

Respiratory Therapist

As a health care professional, the incumbent is responsible for managing the processes involved in performing respiratory therapy, ventilator management, ECG, oxygen administration, and airway management.

Qualifications

Certifications: Basic Life Support (BLS) within 30 days - American Heart Association (AHA); Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) - National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC); Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) within 1 year - American Heart Association (AHA); Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) within 6 months - Peoria Only - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR); Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) within 1 year - American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Education: Associate's Degree: Respiratory Therapy; Certificate of Completion: Respiratory Therapy, Work Experience: Respiratory therapy

Responsibilities

Performs patient care activities to include all forms of respiratory therapy, non-invasive cardiology, and other assigned duties utilizing applicable policies and procedures.

• Interprets and executes physician orders
• Demonstrates the ability to individualize therapy to meet the patient's need
• Demonstrates the ability to anticipate the patient needs
• Demonstrates the ability to calculate medication dosages
• Performs patient education
• Performs all duties in an efficient and timely manner
• Notify leader of respiratory care, nursing supervisor, or unit leader of any inappropriate patient care issues
• Documents all medication and patient care errors
• Uses protective equipment appropriately
• Performs intubations and change tracheostomy tubes as assigned
• Practices good body mechanics, getting assistance as needed to protect patient and own safety
• Remains alert and responsive to all alarms/call lights
• Follows proper hand washing and infection control between patients and procedures
• Performs testing in a manner that ensures accurate results.
• Maintains a clean work area, checks and stocks supplies in their specific area.
• Performs oxygen rounds
• Responds to all pages and requests in a timely manner
• Performs home care instructions and arrange for home oxygen, nebulizer, and/or suction equipment
• Responds to emergency situations, RRT calls and codes immediately
• Remains calm and effective in emergency and/or stressful situations
• Ensures patient safety in the hospital environment by following policy/procedures and adhering to National Patient Safety Goals
• Possesses knowledge and skills necessary to obtain adequate lab specimens for testing.
• Performs patient bedside lab testing (ABGs) and associated quality control in compliance with medical provider's orders and hospital lab procedures/policies.

Performs ventilator management and maintenance.

• Maintains knowledgeable of all modes of ventilation and a weaning modalities
• Responds promptly to urgent needs
• Uses protective equipment appropriately
• Participates in patient rounds with physicians if assigned
• Performs ventilator checks every 2 hours and PRN
• Sets appropriate ventilator alarms within recommended parameters
• Educates students and other health professionals about ventilator functions
• Documents ventilator settings and patient information accurately
• Acts as patient advocate
• Practices appropriate patient assessment skills to evaluate patient needs
• Contacts physicians to improve patient care
• Contacts physicians concerning ventilator settings
• Collaborates with appropriate healthcare worker concerning patient care issues
• Sets-up, verifies proper function, operates, and monitors ventilators, BIPAP and CPAP

Maintains accurate documentation and accurate computer entry.

• Completes documentation of all therapy, ventilator, and oxygen
• Completes documentation on all internal forms
• Documents complete and accurate charge entry daily
• Completes accurate information on all ECGs
• Performs editing of ECGs accurately when assigned
• Documents on all diagnostic tests

Assumes responsibility for his/her ongoing professional growth and development.

• Learns the functions of all new equipment
• Learns new procedures
• Knowledgeable of departmental policies and procedures
• Completes all mandatory education within the stated timeframe
• Attends educational offerings to validate skills
• Maintain current knowledge of all equipment
• Maintain current license
• Maintain current credentials
• Acts as a resource person for others
• Participates in clinical instruction of students and other healthcare workers