Respiratory Therapist

About This Role

Administer safe and competent respiratory care as ordered by physicians, including monitoring mechanical ventilation, administering medications, and assessing patients. This role is responsible for comprehensive respiratory care procedures and education within a hospital setting.

Responsibilities

• Competently deliver Respiratory Care procedures in all hospital areas as outlined in policies.
• Maintain accurate and complete documentation and charge capture for all Respiratory Care procedures.
• Develop, document, and maintain respiratory care elements of the patient plan of care.
• Verify and initiate all physician orders for Respiratory Care.
• Demonstrate competency and working knowledge of all Respiratory Care instruments and equipment, performing troubleshooting and proper disinfection/sterilization.
• Initiate, monitor, and maintain oxygen/aerosol delivery devices and non-invasive/invasive mechanical ventilation devices.
• Perform effective airway management including oral/nasal airway placement, bag/mask ventilation, intubation assistance, and tracheostomy tube changes.
• Perform tracheostomy, endotracheal tube, and oral care.
• Implement one-way speaking valve trials per physician order.
• Assist physicians with diagnostic and therapeutic bronchoscopy procedures.
• Complete initial and ongoing decannulation risk assessments with appropriate interventions and documentation.
• Perform and document timely Spontaneous Breathing Trial assessments for weaning readiness, initiating and advancing mechanical ventilator weaning per protocol.
• Perform pulse oximetry and carbon dioxide gas monitoring.
• Perform arterial blood gas (ABG) sampling, analysis, quality control, and maintenance.
• Perform and document patient and family teaching/education.
• Provide and receive accurate and complete patient handoff reports.
• Notify immediate supervisor of changes in workload and patient acuity.
• Provide timely updates to healthcare team members and make recommendations for therapy modification.
• Assist in orientation and training of new employees/students.

Requirements

• Ability to work under stress and respond quickly in emergency situations
• Utilize appropriate interpersonal communication skills

Qualifications

• Respiratory Therapy education as required for attainment of credentialing by the National Board for Respiratory Care
• 1 year experience preferred

Certifications