RESP011 FT Resp Therapist Reg

Position Summary

Responsible for providing care which includes assessment, treatment, control diagnostic evaluation of patients with deficiencies and abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary system. Consults with physicians. Provides consultation, instruction and/or technical direction of medical, nursing and other staff members.

Qualifications/Experience

• Education: Must possess a current Arkansas Respiratory Therapist License.
• Experience: Desirable characteristics include two years of experience in a hospital or medically related environment.
• Licenses/Certificates: CRT or RRT certification; Preferred: PALS/NALS /ACLS Certification

Essential Job Functions

• Observe professional ethics in maintaining confidential information acquired regarding personal, financial, medical or employment of patients, families, and employees of SARH.
• Follows and enforces accepted safety practices for patients and SARH.
• Reports hazards and initiates appropriate action.
• Participates in safety instructional programs.
• Prepares, runs and logs routine ECG’s and rhythm strips.
• Understands and complies with charting and charging systems.
• Prepares and administers oxygen therapy utilizing nasal cannulas, masks, venturi masks, non-rebreathers.
• Prepares and administers aerosol modalities using tent, bland aerosols, IPPB and small volume nebulizers.
• Performs and teaches Incentive Spirometry.
• Interprets and reports vital signs and pulse oximetry as indicated.
• Responds appropriately as member of Code Blue/Rapid Response team.
• Performs postural drainage and percussion.
• Charts and charges all patient data as it pertains to patient care and type of therapy performed.
• Disassembles, cleans cold-water disinfects and reassembles all equipment, as necessary.
• Performs ventilator monitoring checks and changes ventilator circuits.
• Performs PFT’s.
• Reads and interprets patient’s record and communicates recommendations to patient’s primary provider.
• Osculates and identifies various breath sounds.
• Initiates appropriate/indicated patient education.
• Troubleshoots and performs basic repair of cardiopulmonary equipment.
• Notifies Director if problem with equipment after taking equipment out of service.
• Extubates patients under physician’s direction.
• Performs additional tasks as assigned.
• Presents/participates in at least two community/department activities per year to include: presentation of department in-services, speaker at community support group, participation in hospital activities, i.e., RCP week, Comp. Fair, etc.
• Promotes effective cost management through efficient practices in the utilization of charge systems, equipment and supplies.
• Precepts/mentors new staff and students.
• Maintains confidentiality (i.e., patient information, computer password, etc.).