Respiratory Therapist

Responsibilities

Accept and transcribe verbal and telephone orders from physician on respiratory therapy procedures Utilize knowledge to ensure the care provided meets the unique physical and psychosocial needs are met based on the resident’s age Work within the scope of practice for adult and geriatric residents Initiate, monitor, manage, troubleshoot, maintain, and wean residents from mechanical ventilators, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, resuscitator bag ventilation and chest compressions Obtain Blood Gas Samples Perform chest physiotherapy, including therapeutic percussion, vibration, and bronchopulmonary drainage Perform pulmonary function testing, oxygen (medical gas), aerosol, and humidification administration Manage artificial airway, tracheostomy care, changes, weaning and suctioning of airway and sputum induction Aerosolized medication administration, handheld nebulizer, and metered dose inhaler Incentive spirometry, breathing and coughing exercises Procurement, handling, storage and dispensing of medical gases Setups and maintains all types of oxygen and respiratory supplies and equipment Review physicians’ orders Document ventilator settings and measurements and performance of respiratory procedures, response to therapy including heart rate, respiratory rate, breath sounds Perform initial assessments, care plan and assessment of resident’s respiratory status, resident’s progress, including the recognition and recording of signs and symptoms of respiratory distress and medication effects and side effects or adverse reactions and notifying a physician and resident’s nurse Provide education and in-service training to residents, families, nursing, and other nursing home staff Review data obtained and documented by other respiratory therapists Discuss abnormal or unusual assessment findings with Supervisor as needed Document according to policy, discharge instructions and/or nursing transfer summary Check proper operation of equipment before and during use as well as emergency equipment as assigned and report malfunctioning equipment to the Supervisor and Maintenance Evaluate and document according to policy resident responses to implemented respiratory care Communication/Leadership Participates as an effective member of the resident care team contributing to the efficient operation of the unit, demonstrating effective interpersonal communication with all personnel, residents’, and families as part of the facility’s commitment to quality resident care Apply basic verbal and non-verbal communication skills to identify and reduce resident’s/family’s anxiety Act as preceptor for new employees as assigned Demonstrate procedures to new respiratory personnel, as assigned Communicate pertinent information and requests through established organizational channels Present an accurate and comprehensive shift report to oncoming respiratory therapist, including resident’s condition, unit activities, actual and potential problems, and possible solutions Initiate occurrence/incident reports as needed and follows through with standards of operating procedures Interact with others in a considerate, helpful, and courteous manner Recognize learning needs of personnel on unit and provides instruction as necessary Notifies supervisor of learning needs Professional Development Seeks opportunities for own growth and expansion of responsibilities to maintain competency and assure the use of up-to-date methods in care giving Participate in educational programs and workshops to increase professional competence Read and follow through on written communication books on unit and initials as appropriate Attend staff meetings Participate in Performance Improvement programs Present neat appearance in appropriate dress and identification as required by the position, department, and facility policy Administrative Duties: Set and implement goals and policies consistent with the philosophy and purpose of the facility Abide by the standards identified in FutureCare’s Statement of Corporate Ethics and the Corporate Compliance Plan Perform other relevant duties as assigned Comply with schedule as posted and adheres to daily assignment