Respiratory Therapy Student Per Diem

Under the general supervision and according to established policies and procedures, delivers Respiratory Therapy modalities to provide respiratory support to patients. Assists professional Respiratory Care personnel with routine tests and procedures.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Under the general supervision of Registered Respiratory Therapists, provides direct Respiratory Care to patients by administering Respiratory Therapy modalities including the set-up and administration of oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy, and medication nebulization therapy; the application of Chest Physiotherapy (CPT) techniques, ambulating patients with portable suction, performing tracheostomy care, and assisting with bronchoscopies.

• Make regular rounds and administers modalities according to plan established by a respiratory therapist; performs patient assessments, observes and reports patients' progress and reactions to treatment. Makes suggestions for modification of treatment plan to respiratory therapist as indicated.

• Confers with patients, explaining treatments and breathing procedures in order to allay fears and anxiety and to elicit cooperation.

• Completes necessary documentation of treatments given and patients' responses, and reports to the respiratory therapist, nurse, and physician as needed. Maintains appropriate departmental records.

• Assists in instruction of patients and/or family members in respiratory techniques and the use of respiratory equipment in the home necessary to continue patient care and rehabilitation.

• Maintains continuing education relating to cultural competency. The individual in this position must demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of our patient population to include but not limited to age, race, religion, ethnicity, ability, income, position, sexual orientation, gender or background.

• Attends and participates in internal and external educational meetings to maintain and enhance clinical competencies including daily patient care reports, as well as staff meetings and conferences as scheduled.

Maintains continuing education relating to age-specific care. The individual in this position must demonstrate appropriate knowledge of the principals of growth and development of the adolescent through the geriatric patient. In addition, she/he must possess the ability to assess patient data relative to age-specific needs and provide care as described in the department's policies and procedures.

• High School Diploma or the equivalent

• Enrollment in formal training in a Respiratory Care Program

• Student license/limited permit issued by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

• The student license/limited permit is continually updated as the student demonstrates competence with specific tasks/procedures. The list of approved tasks/procedures is signed by program faculty, and the updated list is sent to the license board. A copy of this list is maintained in the BWH Respiratory Care Department.

Work requires 3-4 weeks of orientation to acquire necessary familiarity with departmental policies and procedures