Reg Respiratory Therapist

Responsible for the implementation and coordination of respiratory care based on the policies and procedures of the Respiratory Care Department. This position will also perform support activities such as setting up and operating various types of respiratory disease and/or illness. This position is responsible for providing efficient, quality-oriented patient care activities and interdisciplinary team activities to ensure individualized, patient-centered health care for all patients.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Evaluates and assesses patient needs for respiratory therapy and performs complex respiratory therapy procedures to ensure successful outcomes of the patient care plan.

• Interacts with patients daily, actively participating in their recovery plan.

• Work in collaboration with other respiratory therapist, RN’s, physicians, and other team members to collect data for the patient care plan.

• Performs all respiratory treatment modalities, ventilator management, pulmonary mechanics, arterial blood gas procurement and analysis.

• Sets-up and operates devices, such as mechanical ventilators, gas administration, aerosol generators, inhalants and other respiratory therapy devices.

• Utilize clinical skills including bronchoscopy, mechanical ventilation, aerosol therapy, oxygen therapy, pulmonary hygiene, and artificial airway maintenance.

• Clean and disinfect non-disposable respiratory equipment, as well as stocking equipment in all units.

• Perform and analyze ABG, EKG, and Capnography according to policy and procedure, and recommends changes in treatment as appropriate.

• Performs DPS pacing sessions according to policy and procedure, and properly monitors patient before, during and after pacing sessions.

• Collaborates and supports the plan of care as established by the interdisciplinary team and prescribes interventions to attain the expected outcomes.

• Evaluates the patient’s progress toward attainment of the outcomes, working collaboratively with the interdisciplinary healthcare team.

• Actively educates patients and family members in disease process, treatment modalities, medications, etc. on an ongoing basis and as assigned.

• Prepares and maintains a record of observations and care given. Documents information clearly and completely utilizing correct forms/systems and in a timely manner according to Center policy.

• Performs consistent with Shepherd Center standards, clinical policies, and procedures.

• Practices proper safety techniques in accordance with Center and departmental policies and procedures. Responsible for the reporting of employee/patient/visitor injuries or accidents, or other safety issues to the supervisor and in the occurrence notification system.  

• Actively participates in center-wide efforts that affect respiratory practice.

• Adheres to patient/family centered principles using the communication and engagement tools (OARS/AIDECT).

• Establishes relationships with other respiratory therapists.

• Practices proper safety techniques in accordance with Center and departmental policies and procedures. Responsible for the reporting of employee/patient/visitor injuries or accidents, or other safety issues to the supervisor and in the occurrence notification system.  

• Monitors and ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements, organizational standards, and policies and procedures related to area of responsibility. Identifies potential risk areas within area of responsibility and supports problem resolution process.

• Performs other duties as required/requested/assigned.

REQUIRED MINIMUM EDUCATION:

• Successful completion of an accredited Respiratory Therapy Program.

• Certified Respiratory Technician (CRT).

• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).

REQUIRED MINIMUM CERTIFICATION:

• BLS required.

• ACLS certification required six (6) months of start date.

• Active Georgia Respiratory Care Licensure.  

REQUIRED MINIMUM EXPERIENCE:

• Two (2) years recent clinical experience preferred.

REQUIRED MINIMUM SKILLS:

• Basic computer skills.

• Working knowledge of all treatment and therapeutic patient care devices used by respiratory staff.

• Must display knowledge of growth, development and the ability to obtain, interpret and disseminate information in terms of age specific patient needs (adolescent, adult and geriatric.

• Demonstrates competency in time management, organization, prioritization and critical thinking by planning and organizing work assignments and prioritizing the specific needs of the patient.

• Ability to assess patient and family needs and coordinate appropriate nursing plan of care.

• Takes responsibility for growing professionally and seek opportunities for improving skills.

• Communicates effectively using timely verbal, non-verbal and written communication.

• Willingly adapts to changing work demands and work environment.

• Demonstrates critical thinking skills and makes sound judgments to monitor and respond to patient needs or changes in condition.

• Maintains congenial working relationships with RNs and others.

• Completes orientation and initial assessment of competency successfully by determined due date.

• Completes mandatory education and annual competency assessment requirements by determined due date.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous experience with patients with Spinal Cord Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury, and/or behavioral health preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Uses body, tools, or special devices to safely, effectively, and efficiently to move, guide, or place patients. Involves some latitude for judgement with regard to precision attained and the selection of what adaptive device(s) to utilize.

• Ability to transfer and position patients, consistent with lifting up to 50 lbs.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Normal patient care environment.

• Some potential for exposure to blood and body fluids.

• Some potential exposure to infectious viruses.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified.