Respiratory Therapist - PRN

PRN (7am-7pm)

PRN (7pm-7am)

Summary of Duties

Administers respiratory therapy care and life support to patients with deficiencies and abnormalities of cardiopulmonary system, under supervision of physician and by prescription.

Essential Job Functions

• Organizes work schedule and schedules respiratory care for inpatients as ordered.

• Takes verbal orders from physicians regarding respiratory therapy treatment.

• Consults with physician in event of adverse reactions.

• Delivers CPT and breathing exercises.

• Performs sputum induction, NT suction, endotracheal suction, tracheostomy care, and monitors patients on continuous ventilation as prescribed by physician's orders according to established procedures.

• Performs pre and post analytical phases of the I-STAT blood gas procedures.

• Reads prescription, measures arterial blood gases, and reviews patient information to assess patient condition and determine requirements for treatment, such as type and duration of therapy, and medication and dosages.

• Determines most suitable method of administering inhalants, precautions to be observed, and modifications which may be needed that will be compatible with physician's orders.

• Sets up and operates devices, such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration per apparatus, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators.

• Operates equipment to ensure specified parameters of treatment, such as volume, gas concentration, humidity, and temperature, and to administer medicinal gases and aerosol drugs to patients.

• Monitors patient's physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes.

• Observes equipment function and adjusts equipment to obtain optimum results to therapy.

• Inspects, tests, and cleans respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently.

• Orders repairs when needed.

• Maintains proper working order of I-STAT machine by performing QC as required and reporting all errors or failures to supervisor.

• Acts in conjunction with supervisors to provide technical and clinical consultation to physicians, nurses, students, and Respiratory Therapy staff.

• Demonstrates respiratory care procedures to trainees and other health care personnel.

• Documents in patient's medical record pertinent identification and therapy information.

• Assists in transport of critically ill patients for diagnostic testing.

Education

Graduate of an American Medical Association approved Respiratory Therapist Program and CRT/RRT credentialed by the National Board of Respiratory Care. Must have current Alabama Respiratory Therapy license.

Experience

Minimum of two (2) years experience preferred.

Physical Requirements for Essential Job Functions

• Must be able to transport and/or lift an object intermittently throughout the work day up to a maximum of 20 pounds.

• Must be able to walk, stand, and work for extended periods of time without relief.

• Must possess dexterity of arms, hands, and fingers bilaterally.

• Must be able to work with hands for up to 12 hours a day.

• Must be able to push/pull carts weighing up to 200 pounds.

• Must possess sight/hearing senses or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately so the requirements of this position can be fully met.