Respiratory Therapist - Registered

Respiratory Therapist

The Registered or Certified Respiratory Therapist provides both skilled and non-skilled respiratory care services including: preventive services, diagnostic services, therapeutic services, and rehabilitative services under the written, verbal, or telecommunicated order of a physician to an individual with a disorder, disease, or abnormality of the cardiopulmonary system. Strives for superior performance by consistently providing a product or service to patients and families, and leadership and staff that is recognized as ultimately contributing to the patient and family experience. Recognizes and demonstrates understanding of patient and family centered care.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Participates in the development, implementation, management and evaluation of the multidisciplinary plan of care for those patients whose condition requires the skills of a respiratory therapist.
2. Performs the following procedures:
   1. Provides resuscitation procedures when necessary including CPR and airway management (assists physician with intubation as necessary including suctioning, Selleck's maneuver etc)
   2. Performs ECG's
   3. Draws ABG's
3. Set up and operate devices such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.
4. Determine requirements for treatment, such as type, method and duration of therapy, precautions to be taken, and medication and dosages, compatible with physicians' orders.
5. Monitor patient's physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes, and consult with physician if adverse reactions occur.
6. Read prescription, measure arterial blood gases, and review patient information to assess patient condition.
7. Work as part of a team of physicians, nurses and other health care professionals to manage patient care.
8. Enforce safety rules and ensure careful adherence to physicians' orders.
9. Maintain charts that contain patients' pertinent identification and therapy information.
10. Inspect, clean, test and maintain respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently, ordering repairs when necessary.
11. Educate patients and their families about their conditions and teach appropriate disease management techniques, such as breathing exercises and the use of medications and respiratory equipment.
12. Acts as a resource person for pulmonary assistants.
13. Performs administrative duties as assigned.
14. Maintains inventory and stocks supplies in the Respiratory Services Department and elsewhere as needed.
15. Takes call on occasion when needed.
16. Performs other related duties as necessary.
17. Maintains technical competence.
18. Demonstrates knowledge of and supports the hospital mission, vision and value statements, and standards of behavior.
19. Must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age and development of patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the unit's and division's policies and procedures.

Job Specifications

1. Education: Graduate of an approved, accredited respiratory therapist educational program and successful completion of the national credentialing exam by the National Board for Respiratory Care.
2. Licensure: Licensed as a Registered Respiratory Therapist in the State of Michigan.
3. Experience: BLS for Healthcare Provider required, ACLS preferred.
4. Job Knowledge: Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat cardiopulmonary diseases. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
5. Essential Physical Requirements: Ability to perform CPR; travel between all areas of the hospital, operate and transport all equipment used by Respiratory Services; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing so others understand; able to use a computer.
6. Essential Mental Abilities: Ability to assess patient condition during treatments and other therapy; able to teach patients skills necessary to perform treatments and other therapy; understand pulmonary pathophysiology as related to patient care; ability to prioritize patient care and work load assignments; ability to make decisions quickly under stress; works with minimal supervision.
7. Essential Technical/Motor Skills: Ability to operate all Respiratory Services equipment, ECG machines and computers.
8. Essential Sensory Requirements: Ability to visually assess patient condition; able to receive and interpret information and respond to verbal requests; ability to palpate pulses.
9. Interpersonal Skills: Able to provide exemplary customer service through active listening and applying the Memorial Healthcare customer service standards, effective communication at all levels within the organization, follows the chain of command for problem resolution.