Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

SUMMARY

• Under the general supervision of the Director/Manager, renders professional Respiratory Therapy in accordance with physician's therapeutic plan, hospital and departmental guidelines, policies and protocols for standards of care. In doing so, assesses patient's respiratory condition, plans for therapy, sets up and cares for appropriate respiratory equipment, administers prescribed inhalant medications, provides appropriate patient/family education and documents patient assessments and response to therapies.
• SHIFT
• DETAILS: 12hr.
• Days, 6:30a-7p

Duties and Responsibilities

Service: Consistently supports and communicates the Mission, Vision, and Values of St. Joseph Medical Center. Upholds the Standards of Conduct and Corporate Compliance. Performs arterial blood gas, electrocardiogram, pulmonary function test, electroencephalogram procedures as indicated. Operates and monitors equipment, such as ventilator, BIPAP, CPAP and inhalant medication delivery systems. Administers inhalant medication according to physician orders, prescribed departmental and hospital guidelines. Performs other duties as assigned, i.e. performing echocardiograms, pulmonary function tests and electroencephalograms.

People

Consistently follows patient care, and facility guidelines and procedures in performance. Collaborates with inter and intra-professional colleagues to ensure quality outcomes. Assesses patient's respiratory condition, plans for therapy, sets up and cares for appropriate respiratory devices, performs and administers prescribed actions/medications, provides patient/family educations, evaluates patient's therapy, documents and communicates patient assessments and responses to therapies to nurse, physician and on patient medical record. Makes regular rounds on assigned patients to ensure physician's orders are being followed, equipment is in good operational condition and assesses patient's response to therapy. Communicates patient assessments to nurse and/or physician and documents observations/assessments on patient medical records. Functions as a resource person sharing and providing clinical knowledge with other medical staff as appropriate.

Quality

Completes annual education requirements. Maintains competency, as evidenced by completion of competency validation requirements. Promotes of a culture of patient safety which results in the identification and reduction of unsafe practices. Uses professional judgment and critical thinking to prepare, prioritize, and execute the patient's plan of care consistent with patient assessment data, physicians' treatment plans, and professional standards of care. Implements measures to prevent exposure to infectious pathogens and communicable conditions. Identifies risks and hazards to patients through various risk assessments, with actions taken to mitigate patient harm. Problem-solves respiratory therapy equipment for malfunction, proactively reports equipment in need of repair as indicated and follows up on status of repair. Other duties as assigned.