Respiratory Therapist

Job Description:

Summary

GENERAL SUMMARY

Responsible for the initiation of standard therapy, ventilator management, protocols and diagnostic procedures. Responsible for providing care to infants, pediatrics, adults and geriatric patients as defined by competency.

PRINCIPAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1.

• Commits to the mission, vision, beliefs and consistently demonstrates our core values. 2.
• Initiates assessment and reassessment based on pulmonary condition including moderate sedation. 3.
• Monitors and administers respiratory care modalities to patients; identifies contra-indications and patient response to therapy; records therapy and outcomes in the patients medical record. 4.
• Develops plans for the delivery of respiratory care as directed by physician(s) or protocols. 5.
• Contacts providers regarding changes in the patients condition and treatment needs. 6.
• Performs arterial phlebotomy; draws from arterial lines. 7. Runs samples using IStat when competency is complete. 8.
• Performs cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and airway management.

9. Responds and participates in Bryans Rapid Response Teams (BRRTs). 10. Provides tracheotomy care/inner cannula changes. Provides stoma assessment and wound prevention as needed. 11. Provides ventilator management including non-invasive. May provide advanced ventilator modalities with competency, ie Nitric, cardiac weans, heliox and High Frequency Oscillatory Ventilation )HFOV) 12. Supervises airway maintenance during intra-facility patient transport. 13. Participates in the orientation of new personnel and supervision of students. 14. Provides timely feedback to Respiratory Care Assistant Manager and Respiratory Care Manager and Clinical Respiratory Educator when assisting with orientees and students. May participate as an interns preceptor. 15. Performs electrocardiographs (ECGs); may perform Holter monitor/event extended holter patch set up. 16. Cleans, disinfects and sterilizes all respiratory equipment following current infection control guidelines; assembles equipment as required. 17. Assumes charge pager responsibilities to assign work, receive calls and delegate incoming requests from other caregivers. 18. Demonstrates an understanding of staffing workload and productivity measures. 19.

• Performs respiratory care discharge planning. 20.
• Provides disease/process-specific patient/family education.

21. May perform certain advance roles with training and competency ie, arterial line insertion and fluid/dressing change. 22. Those therapists transferring from the Critical Care Respiratory Therapist role, with current intubation competency as of 1-1-24, may continue to intubate. 23. Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations to keep abreast of latest trends in field of expertise.

Participates in meetings, committees and department projects as assigned. 24. Performs other related projects and duties as assigned. (Essential Job functions are marked with an asterisk •. Refer to the Job Description Guide for the definition of essential and non-essential job functions.) Attach Addendum for positions with slightly different roles or work-specific differences as needed.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

1. Knowledge in the treatment techniques, limitations, and applications of respiratory care procedures. 2. Knowledge of computer hardware equipment and software applications relevant to work functions. 3. Knowledge arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis. 4. Knowledge of respiratory equipment and ventilator management. 5. Knowledge of all meds delivered by the respiratory therapist. 6. Skill in the delivery of respiratory care of infant, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients. 7. Ability to exercise initiative and judgment in administering therapy and/or other techniques and skills. 8. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. 9. Ability to perform crucial conversations with desired outcomes. 10. Ability to monitor and recognize cardiac dysrhythmias. 11. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of personnel and medical staff. 12. Ability to provide airway management and assist with intubation. 13. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment related to changing patient needs including working with patients with acute, chronic and complex disease processes and those who are dying. 14. Ability to problem solve and engage independent critical thinking skills. 15. Ability to maintain confidentiality relevant to sensitive information. 16. Ability to prioritize work demands and work with minimal supervision. 17. Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Graduate of an AMA program of Respiratory Care required. Licensure to practice respiratory care in the State of Nebraska required. Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential required. Must maintain an active RRT credential through the

NBRC. OTHER CREDENTIALS / CERTIFICATIONS

Basic Life Support (CPR) certification required. Bryan Health recognizes American Heart Association (for healthcare professionals), American Red Cross (for healthcare professionals) and the Military Training Network. Certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) required within six (6) months of hire. Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) preferred for those working Pedatrics or the Emergency Department.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

(Physical Requirements are based on federal criteria and assigned by Human Resources upon review of the Principal Job Functions.) (DOT) Characterized as medium work requiring exertion of 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or a greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.