Respiratory Therapist

Introduction

To heal, to teach, to discover and to advance the health of the communities we serve.

Overview

For positions that have only a rate listed, the displayed rate is the hiring rate but could be subject to change based on shift differential, experience, education or other relevant factors.

Under the supervision of the Director of Respiratory Therapy. Upon the request of a physician, sets up and operates various types of respiratory care equipment to be utilized in the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory disease and/or illness. Performs all pulmonary lab tests, maintains laboratory instrumentation and conducts quality controls on same.

Responsibilities

• Explains purpose and procedure of treatments, tests and equipment to the patient.
• Conducts physician prescribed treatments of a routine nature operating various oxygen concentrations to the pulmonary system of the patient.
• Performs chest physical therapy treatments involving percussion, postural drainage, and suctioning in order to loosen and mobilize secretions and mucus in the lungs to clear airway blockage in the respiratory system of the patient.
• Performs arterial puncture, operates blood gas analyzers measuring and determining the acid base balance, efficiency of ventilation, and metabolism of the respiratory system.
• Sets up, operates and monitors ventilators when patient's respiratory system is incapable of adequate spontaneous ventilation.
• Ensures the adequate maintenance of ventilation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation and assists in external compressions.
• Performs pulmonary function studies determining the volume, distribution, and movement of air in the respiratory system.
• Records all pertinent information of treatments and patient response to treatments, on respiratory care records and patient charts.
• Processes respiratory therapy equipment, cleaning, sterilizing and packaging as required.
• Performs preventative maintenance and repair of equipment as needed.
• Makes regular rounds - checking patient's oxygen equipment, as well as spot-checking other respiratory therapy equipment on a timely basis.

Requirements

• Participates in regularly scheduled patient oriented pulmonary education.
• Performs patient billing for respiratory care services rendered.
• Performs other duties as directed by the department director.
• Demonstrates the ability to translate knowledge of physical, psycho-social and cognitive-perceptual changes related to age into assessments, treatment plans and treatment modalities for pediatric, adolescent, young adult, adult and geriatric patients.
• Practices Standard Precautions. Follows regulations, policies and guidelines on the prevention of infections; does not eat or drink in patient care areas.
• Maintains confidentiality of information; abides by HIPAA regulations.
• Maintains a professional image and follows Hospital’s policy on uniforms; consistently wears hospital ID.
• Demonstrates reliable, on-time attendance, which is an essential function of all jobs at Burke.
• Completes mandatory annual learning (Learning Harbor) within deadline.
• Personally adheres to Burke C.A.R.E.S. philosophy by demonstrating compassion, accountability, respect and exceeding expectations through service excellence.