Respiratory Therapy Assistant - Children's - PRN

Performs procedures for which competence has been demonstrated and documented by school. Collect and review all appropriate patient related information and data in patient’s medical record. Collect and evaluate additional clinical information by inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation and patient interview. Inspect chest x-ray or review x-ray results to determine presence of or changes in consolidation, atelectasis, pneumothorax, opacification, position of tracheal tube and other conditions. Determine appropriateness of prescribed therapy and goals for identified pathophysiological state, appropriate for patient age, size and limitations. Recommend the collection of additional pertinent data through chest x-ray, blood gas analysis, pulmonary function studies, and other laboratory tests. Explain planned therapy, medications (including typical effects, side effects and frequency of use) and goals to patient and/or family. Evaluate and monitor patients’ response to therapy. Modify treatment techniques based on patient response and assess priorities for delivery of patient care. Ensure interdisciplinary communication tools and plan of care are timely and accurately completed.

Airway

Care and

Suctioning: Performs procedures for which competence has been demonstrated and documented by school. Select, assemble and check equipment for proper function, calibration to include correction of any malfunction. Ensures all VAP Bundle elements are completed. Perform naso-tracheal and artificial airway suctioning with and without inline suction device. Preparation of patient as indicated to include provision of oxygen as required and evaluation of patient with treatment modification as indicated. Placement of airway support devices to include nasal and oral airways. Assist with endotracheal intubations as directed. Completes assigned airway care procedures and documents timely and accurately in the electronic medical record according to PH RCS standards.

Bronchial hygiene activities intended to improve distribution of ventilation, facilitate removal of secretions from airways and/or delivery of medications to the airways. Able to perform procedures for which competence has been demonstrated and documented by school. Provides patient instruction before, during and after therapy, to include the use of teaching aids. Ensures proper positioning of patient prior to start of therapy and uses proper equipment. Maximizes patient comfort and effectiveness by modifying techniques throughout therapy and coaches coughing at conclusion of treatments. Practitioner remains at bedside throughout therapy. Complete assigned therapies and document timely and accurately in electronic medical record according to PH, PH RCS and other relevant regulatory agencies standards. Communicate timely and accurately patient information to other members of the healthcare team using interdisciplinary education and plan of care tools.

Perform diagnostic testing and monitoring procedures for which competence has been demonstrated and documented by school to include: arterial blood gas sampling percutaneously; end tidal CO2; pulse oximetry including stand-alone, patient assessment, nocturnal and de-saturation prior to discharge; transcutaneous PO2/PCO2; bedside pulmonary mechanics; EKG; Indirect Calorimetry and other tests as indicated by GHS RCS policy and procedure. Checks equipment for proper function and assesses patient response, modifying technique as indicated. Performs test within PH RCS standards for requested status e.g. Daily, AM, Stat, QxH, etc. Documents results timely and accurately in electronic medical record or other designated method, contacting physicians as indicated according to PH RCS standards. Critical values reporting documented accurately and timely according to PH RCS standards.

Performs continuous aerosol and supplemental/transport oxygen therapy procedures for which competence has been demonstrated and documented by school to include setup and application; assessment of patient response; assessment of proper equipment /delivery system performance including proper oxygen concentration, flow and temperature; modification of therapy as indicated; equipment change as indicated or required by GHS UMC RCS policy. Minimize wasted supplies and/or software by utilizing available tools to ensure correct selection of patient sized software. Ensure timely and accurate documentation in electronic medical record or other approved method according to PH and PH RCS policy or procedure. Complete assigned procedures according to PH RCS standards

Support activities to improve delivery of respiratory care services. Performs appropriate cleaning/disinfection and sterilization of equipment between patient use as indicated by equipment type and patient isolation status. Returns to re-processing area or notifies appropriate personnel to pick-up used equipment. Performs appropriate breakdown of used equipment with appropriate disposal of single patient use items/software while retaining all re-usable items for re-processing. Remove from service all malfunctioning or questionable performance equipment. Accurately completes RCS Technical Services documentation on all equipment removed from service. Preforms related duties assigned by manager and as requested by Respiratory Care Staff

Maintain professional standards, by completing assigned and unassigned job responsibilities with all appropriate documentation. Effectively utilizes abilities to efficiently achieve results with direct supervision, maintaining adequate quality, speed and volume. Presents example of efficiency for peers and is available to assist other members of the healthcare team. Presents positive role model when interacting with members of the healthcare team Ensure documentation of all therapy and results complies with GHS UMC, PH RCS and regulatory agencies standards, to include multi-disciplinary documentation, plan of care and real time electronic medical record documentation. Communicate timely patient information to appropriate members of the health care team. Attend meetings and utilize available resources and communications to maintain up to date knowledge of system and department processes and improvements.