Registered Respiratory Therapist

Registered Respiratory Therapist - Full Time - Night Shift

The Respiratory Therapist is responsible for performing all phases of pulmonary care under physician directions. The Therapist may perform bronchodilator and oxygen therapy, airway management and pulmonary hygiene techniques, diagnostic procedures.

Education:

Completion of training in an AMA-approved school of Respiratory Therapy

Licensure / Certification:

Licensed by the State of Georgia as a Respiratory Care Practitioner.

Registered by the National Board for Respiratory Care or is eligible and actively pursuing registry.

Provides care for patients of the following age groups:

Neonate (Newborn) Adult (19 to 59 Years) Pediatric (> Newborn to 11 Years) Senior Adult (60 to 74 Years) Adolescent (12 to 18 Years) Geriatric (75 and above)

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Verifies the physician order prior to performing all procedures.
• Verifies patient identification prior to performing all procedures.
• Documents appropriately in the patient's medical record.
• Documents appropriately in department logs.
• Maintains proper maintenance and repairs records.
• Verifies and corrects billing/charging errors.
• Possesses the technical knowledge to provide patient instruction for all respiratory procedures performed.
• Performs patient/family education as per department and hospital policies.
• Provides patient instruction/education as indicated according to patient age, mental status and psychosocial needs.
• Sets up, monitors and discontinues oxygen delivery per department policy.
• Demonstrates appropriate knowledge to perform safe and appropriate oxygen therapy.
• Demonstrates appropriate knowledge and skills to perform clinical patient assessments.
• Evaluates laboratory data, x-rays and other pertinent information in analyzing the appropriateness of therapy or determining the need for medical intervention.
• Demonstrates appropriate knowledge of dosage, duration, indications, contraindications and mode of action for all medications utilized in the scope of Respiratory care.
• Demonstrates appropriate knowledge and skills to perform IPPB, metered dose inhaler and hand-held nebulizer therapies.
• Demonstrates appropriate knowledge and skills to deliver humidification therapy as indicated or as prescribed by physician.
• Demonstrates appropriate knowledge and skills to perform CPT, postural drainage, incentive spirometry, end tracheal suctioning and other pulmonary hygiene techniques.
• Responds to all emergency calls in an appropriate and timely manner.
• Adequately assesses pulmonary/ventilator status and intervenes as appropriate.
• Demonstrates appropriate knowledge and skills in the use of adjuncts for airway/ventilator management.
• Demonstrates understanding and proper techniques of CPR.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the anatomy of the airway.
• Demonstrates proper technique for endotracheal intubation.
• Demonstrates proper technique for tracheotomy care and tracheotomy tube changes.
• Demonstrates technical knowledge of each ventilator.
• Determines optimal ventilator settings according to department policies, physician orders and clinical assessment.
• Sets and troubleshoots alarms as indicated.
• Demonstrates ability to troubleshoot and correct errors with critical care equipment.
• Demonstrates appropriate knowledge of arterial, venous and cord blood sampling techniques.
• Performs procedure according to department policy.
• Demonstrates knowledge of normal blood gas values and interpretation.
• Responds appropriately to abnormal blood gas values.
• Demonstrates appropriate knowledge and skills to properly perform pulmonary function and studies.
• Performs routine maintenance procedures and calibrations as per department policy.
• Demonstrates ability to appropriately recognize inaccurate measurements and troubleshoots as needed.
• Performs equipment sterilization as per department and infection control policies.
• Reports equipment malfunctions properly.
• Handles equipment in a manner as to optimize performance and minimize repairs.
• Assists in maintaining equipment stock and minimizing equipment cost.
• Cleans and calibrates ventilation equipment as indicated and per department policy.
• Obtains and interprets information in terms of a patient's age related development and psychosocial needs.
• Determines appropriate therapeutic and diagnostic interventions in relation to patient age.
• Assists in the orientation of new employees.
• Provides in-service education to staff and other departments.
• Assists with training of students.

Age Specific Competencies

Neonate (Newborn)

• Shows the ability to give medicated therapy via mask or blow-by.
• Shows the ability to use appropriate devices and apply aerosol therapy.
• Uses appropriate and invasive and noninvasive ventilation devices.
• Uses appropriate technique and restraint for venous, arterial, capillary and cord blood-sampling procedures; responds appropriately to abnormal blood gas values and promptly notifies nurse and/or physician.
• Uses appropriate technique and devices to deliver chest physical therapy.
• Shows ability to communicate with parents regarding therapy and expected outcome.

Pediatric (> Newborn to 11 Years)

• Uses appropriate technique for venipuncture and finger sticks.
• Shows ability to give medicated therapy via mask, mouthpiece or blow-by.
• Uses appropriate technique and restraint for venous, arterial and capillary blood sampling procedures; responds appropriately to abnormal blood gas values and promptly notifies nurse and/or physician.
• Uses appropriate technique and devices to deliver chest physical therapy.
• Uses appropriate oxygenation devices and application.
• Uses appropriate invasive and noninvasive ventilation devices.
• Shows ability to communicate with the patient and parents the therapy and the expected outcome of the therapy.

Adolescent (12 to 18 Years)

• Shows ability to give medicated therapy via mask or mouthpiece.
• Uses appropriate technique and restraint for venous and arterial blood sampling procedures; responds appropriately to abnormal blood gas values and promptly notifies nurse and/or physician.
• Uses appropriate technique and devices to deliver chest physical therapy.
• Uses appropriate oxygenation devices and application.
• Uses appropriate invasive and noninvasive ventilation devices.
• Shows ability to communicate with the patient and parents the therapy and the expected outcome of the therapy.

Adult (19 to 59 Years)

• Shows ability to give medicated therapy via mask or mouthpiece.
• Uses appropriate technique and restraint for venous and arterial blood sampling procedures; responds appropriately to abnormal blood gas values and promptly notifies nurse and/or physician.
• Uses appropriate technique and devices to deliver chest physical therapy.
• Uses appropriate oxygenation devices and application.
• Uses appropriate invasive and noninvasive ventilation devices.
• Shows ability to communicate with the patient, the therapy and the expected outcome of the therapy

Senior Adult (60 to 74 Years)

• Shows ability to give medicated therapy via mask or mouthpiece.
• Uses appropriate technique and restraint for venous and arterial blood sampling procedures; responds appropriately to abnormal blood gas values and promptly notifies nurse and/or physician.
• Uses appropriate technique and devices to deliver chest physical therapy.
• Uses appropriate oxygenation devices and application.
• Uses appropriate invasive and noninvasive ventilation devices.
• Shows ability to communicate with the patient, the therapy and the expected outcome of the therapy.

Geriatric (75 Years and Older)

• Shows the ability to give medicated therapy via mask mouthpiece or blow-by.
• Uses appropriate technique and restraint for venous and arterial blood sampling procedures; responds appropriately to abnormal blood gas values and promptly notifies nurse and/or physician
• Uses appropriate technique and devices to deliver chest physical therapy.
• Uses appropriate oxygenation devices and application.
• Uses appropriate invasive and noninvasive ventilation devices.
• Shows ability to communicate with the patient, the therapy and the expected outcome of the therapy.

Knowledge, Skills,