Respiratory Therapist

Description Respiratory Therapist. PRN. Hours & Days vary.

The Respiratory Therapist is responsible for administering respiratory medications and providing other respiratory services and/or therapeutic treatments to hospital patients. Services and treatments could include BIPAP/CPAP; oxygen therapy; sputum collection; suctioning; airway management; inhalation therapy treatments; humidifier and mist test setup and monitoring; pulmonary function tests; pulse oximetry and others.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge & Experience Skills- Demonstrates ability to give and follow instructions accurately Demonstrates effective interpersonal skills necessary to interact with various levels of health care personnel and patients Demonstrates proficiency in basic computer skills Knowledge- Anatomy and physiology of pulmonary system Basic respiratory therapy therapeutic treatments and services Advanced Cardiac Life Support concepts and measures Pediatric Advanced Life Support concepts and measures Education- Associate or Bachelor of Science degree in respiratory therapy preferred Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credentials required Current registration as a Respiratory Care Practitioner with the state of Indiana Health Professions Bureau Experience- Two-five years of experience preferred A minimum of one year of previous clinical experience required Authority and Accountability Extensive exposure to confidential information or matters Frequent contact with various persons or groups within and outside of the hospital including employees, department managers, physicians, patients, visitors and outside agency personnel Must be able to work with and communicate with different types of people Aptitudes Must be able to prioritize, utilize critical thinking, and adjust to change Must be able to reason and use logical problem-solving skills Performs duties that require some latitude for independent judgment and initiative in handling situations out of the ordinary PHYSICAL AND MENTAL EFFORT The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Regular requirement to walk, stand, and sit; use hands to handle, or feel; reach with hands or arms; talk; and hear Frequent requirement to stoop, crouch, and kneel Regular requirement to lift 10-25 pounds Occasional requirement to lift > 25 pounds Specific vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus Speaking and listening skills are essential Must be able to work under a moderate amount of stress Must be able to read, write and do simple calculations; follow written and oral instructions ENVIRONMENTAL AND WORKING CONDITIONS The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The noise level in this work environment is usually moderate Work is performed in a clean, well-lighted and ventilated building Could be subject to infectious diseases, cuts, abrasions, burns, and punctures Work schedule may vary ACCOUNTABILITY Reports to the VP of Nursing QUALITY ASSURANCE-KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Administers oxygen per physician order Nasal cannula Mask Regular Non-rebreather Venturi Pediatric T-Tube Sets up, maintains, and takes down mist/croup tents Cleans, sterilizes and stores Respiratory Services equipment appropriately and in a timely fashion Performs pulse oximetry readings bedside exercise oximetry Performs patient suctioning appropriately Oral Nasal Endotracheal Tracheostomy Performs sputum induction and specimen collection appropriately Assists with airway management during emergency situations; responsible for utilizing bag-valve-mask equipment Performs tracheostomy care appropriately Provides chest physiotherapy appropriately Provides respiratory therapy-related patient education as directed and as necessary Provides medication inhalation therapy treatments appropriately and in a timely fashion; monitors patients before, during and after treatments Sets up and monitors bedside humidifiers Performs Pulmonary Function Testing Assists with Holter Monitor testing as necessary Sets up and monitors BIPAP / CPAP machine as necessary Demonstrates appropriate and correct documentation in the patient medical record and in respiratory services department-related record-keeping systems Performs patient tobacco use assessment on Medical/ Surgical patients; provides tobacco cessation education and assistance to patients upon request; documents efforts appropriately Demonstrates knowledge of oxygen safety measures Restocks respiratory services supplies and equipment on patient care units as necessary and as directed Monitors oxygen “full” status on oxygen tanks on units Completes charge tickets accurately Demonstrates team attitude; offers assistance to co-workers to provide optimal patient care; solicits assistance from co-workers when necessary Assists in orientation process for staff members to the department as patient care allows; assists in volunteer program as patient care allows Serves as a change agent, assisting all staff in understanding the importance, necessity, impact, and process of change Performs other duties as assigned PUBLIC RELATIONS Maintains effective channels of communication with other employees, physicians, patients and patient visitors/family Takes appropriate action in problem situations to offset adverse effects Projects a professional and positive attitude regarding the hospital LEADERSHIP OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES Attends 70% of departmental meetings held during the year Attends mandatory inservice and educational offerings Observes hospital dress guidelines and wears ID badge Provides proper notification for absence and tardiness and is punctual for start of scheduled work time Maintains equipment assigned to department and reports malfunctions appropriately Participates in emergency procedures, fire drills, evacuation procedures and internal/external disaster plans and procedures in accordance with departmental responsibilities CONTINUOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT Participates in the Continuous Quality Improvement Program (CQI) under the direction of Nursing Leadership to meet stated goals and objectives of the CQI Program by: Bringing potential problems to nursing leader’s attention Assisting in data collection Suggesting solutions to problems Emphasizing, supporting and committing to CQI practices and processes Taking action to assure CQI within areas of responsibility