Respiratory Therapist

Summary:

Administer and evaluate a wide variety of therapeutic and diagnostic procedures to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of primary pulmonary disease and other medical problems that may affect a patient�s pulmonary status. Perform other related duties as required.

Responsibilities:

Performs according to the Respiratory Services Policy & Procedures Manual (204-211) a variety of therapeutic procedures including:

• Intermittent positive pressure breathing

• Chest physiotherapy

• Postural drainage

• Nebulizer/aerosol therapy

• Incentive Spirometry

• Breathing exercises

• Tracheal irrigation and aspiration

Administers all inhalant medications with a scientific understanding of actions expected responses and adverse reactions to include:

• Bronchodilators

• Mucolytics

• Antibiotics

• Wetting agents

• Steriods

• Chromalin drugs

• Anti-fungal agents

Sets-up and performs CPAP Bi-Pap and non-invasive ventilation.

Provides and monitors continuous oxygen and humification therapy. Instructs patient on the use of equipment and monitor equipment function proper use of equipment and compliance with written physician�s orders.

Initiates monitors and provides respiratory care to all patients dependent on mechanical ventilation for life support (P&P Manual Section 301-310).

• Adult mechanical ventilation

• Neonatal/pediatric ventilation

Performs equipment check-out procedures prior to use to ensure proper function adjusts all ventilatory parameters initiates and monitors mechanical ventilation and makes adjustment to coordinate the ventilator with the patient.

Demonstrates knowledge of all ventilator modes.

Nebulizes fluids irrigates airway and performs deep tracheal suction and cuff care as needed.

Monitors oxygen concentration ventilatory volumes muscular strength humification ventilating pressures sputum collection and characteristics breath sounds and changes in respiratory/pulmonary condition and ability.

Monitors equipment for proper function.

Demonstrates ability to properly perform arterial blood gas analysis as indicated when authorized by the physician (P&P Manual Section 401-407).

• Adult arterial blood gases

• Infants/children arterial blood gases

• Blood Gas Lab Safety

• Call physician with critical values

• Calibration

• Preventive maintenance

• Quality control procedures

Demonstrates ability to accurately transcribe ABG results and correlates results with the clinical situation. Makes arrangements to improve oxygenation and acid-base balance.

Interprets and executes all orders prescribed by a physician.

Demonstrates ability to review history and physical lab and X-ray reports and interdisciplinary progress notes to assess patient�s condition and ability therapeutic needs or contraindications to ordered therapy.

Consistently works within the physician�s order to deliver the therapy appropriate for the patient�s condition.

Demonstrates ability to determine best methods for therapy such as appropriate pressure and flow rates for intermittent positive pressure breathing positions required for chest physiotherapy/postural drainage types of breathing exercises sensitivity flow rates pressure limits/control ventilatory waveforms and need for suction/irrigation for patients on mechanical ventilation.

Responds to hazards of therapies in an appropriate manner including life threatening situations.

Instructs patient on rationale and proper procedures for all therapies.

Monitors pulmonary and cardiac response and results of all therapies.

Performs accurate and complete documentation of all findings to physician via medical record.

Demonstrates ability to evaluate changes in patient�s condition and determines if current therapy is successful in meeting therapeutic objectives.

Accepts verbal/telephone orders from physicians when appropriate and transcribes accurately in the medical record (see P & P Manual Section 106A).

Demonstrates ability to perform Respiratory Therapy Protocols/Consults upon certification (P & P Manual Section 220). Obtains respiratory history and performs patient assessment including inspection palpation percussion auscultation and review of diagnostic data such as PFTs ABGs EKGs reports X-rays and blood work.

For Respiratory Protocols/Consults provides assessment of the need for therapy/intervention and develops a Respiratory Care Plan. Demonstrates ability to properly perform patient assessments daily and alters as necessary the specific mode and frequency of therapy.

Demonstrates knowledge of proper use of manual resuscitators:

• Adult and child manual resuscitators

• Infant resuscitators

Demonstrates ability to accurately perform diagnostic procedures including:

• Bedside pulmonary function screening

• EKGs

• Oximetry

• End tidal carbon dioxide measurements and obtain sputum by inducing if necessary for laboratory studies.

Initiates and maintains life saving measures in emergency situations assists physician with intubation auscultates chest to evaluate endotracheal tube position.

Demonstrates understanding of proper use of all cardio-respiratory equipment including:

• EKG machines

• Oxygen delivery devices

• Ohio pediatric tents

• Oxygen analyzers

• Blenders

• Spirometers

• NIF (negative inspiratory force meters)

• Incentive spirometers

• Air compressors

• Liquid oxygen systems

• Cuff pressure manometers

• Heated/cool nebulizers

Obtains special certifications at Newport Hospital for performance of:

• Arterial Blood Gases

• Respiratory Therapy Protocols/Consults

As requested accompanies patient during ambulance transport from Newport Hospital to another facility performing respiratory care as needed.

Demonstrates the ability to assess patient�s status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify patient�s requirement relative to his/her age-specific or special needs and to provide care needed as described in department policies and procedures for neonates children adolescents adults and general patients.

Handles and stores medical gases in a safe manner.

Prepares and delivers report on patient�s condition progress and effects of therapy to Respiratory Care Practitioners coming on duty.

Communicates regularly with physicians regarding any abnormal effects of therapy abnormal diagnostic exams or any other respiratory/pulmonary concerns.

Acts as in-house resource for staff members physicians and patients requiring respiratory/pulmonary assistance.

Sets clinical priorities daily per policy and procedure.

Assists Cardiopulmonary Services Director in the orientation and training of new staff and students assigned to Newport Hospital.

Participates in applicable off-site activities including health fairs and school career days.

If applicable perform esophageal studies including PH Ambulatory Motility or Bravo Capsule procedures.

Other information:

Qualifications:

Rhode Island Respiratory Care Practitioner license (RCP) CRT required RRT preferred.

Associate degree from Cardio-Respiratory Care Program.

Current CPR certification.

Lifespan is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex national origin age ethnicity sexual orientation ancestry genetics gender identity or expression disability protected veteran or marital status. Lifespan is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Location: Newport Hospital USA:RI:Newport

Work Type: Full Time

Shift: Shift 3

Union: Non-Union