Respiratory Care Practitioner (ADULT)

About the role

Under general supervision, performs respiratory care related procedures. Adheres to standards set forth in Respiratory Therapy driven protocols. Assesses patient condition, administers prescribed therapy and aerosolized medications, provides airway and ventilator management, performs respiratory related diagnostic tests, and records patient response to therapy modalities.

Responsibilities

• Assesses oxygenation and recommends/initiates, administers, evaluates, and documents response to oxygen therapy, medical gas therapies including Heliox, Vapotherm, Nitric Oxide (NICU)
• Assesses need for, recommends/initiates, administers and evaluates/documents response to inhaled medications by assessing response to inhaled medications, follows appropriate procedures and protocols for medication reconciliation and patient identification as guided by clinical practice, and records and communicated missed medications.
• Adheres to the Bronchodilator/Common Cannister protocol and progresses patients to MDI therapy. Scans all medications. Calls physician to obtain appropriate changes to medication orders.
• Performs safe and effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation, including airway management techniques.
• Maintains all airway management competencies including Endotracheal intubation. Attends as assigned mock codes.
• Assesses need for, recommends/initiates, sets-up/maintains and evaluates/documents response to mechanical ventilation, ventilator and weaning protocols, routine airway care, appropriate clinical alarm limits and documentation. Performs wake up and wean screens daily.
• Maintains Blood Gas Lab/C.A.P. standards for clinical laboratories
• Recommends, performs, and interprets diagnostic tests including FVC/NIF, portable spirometry, continuous pulse oximetry, overnight pulse oximetry, end-tidal CO2 monitoring per protocol and/or when ordered, transcutaneous monitoring in NICU, and laboratory tests
• Instructs patient, family, and significant others in the rationale and methodology or respiratory care procedures to facilitate patient/family cooperation, understanding and efficacy of care, including reassessment of care. Documents daily patient education, re-evaluations.
• Performs the following support activities: decontaminates and sets and up equipment, provides equipment and cylinders when requested, secures rental equipment appropriately, daily oxygen rounds, troubleshooting and appropriate labeling of malfunctioning equipment, communicates opportunity for rental equipment return
• May perform neonatal resuscitation; sets up, manages, and troubleshoots high frequency oscillatory ventilation, neonatal mechanical ventilation and CPAP devices; Administers nebulized medications, oxygen therapy, chest physiotherapy, endotracheal suctioning, arterial, capillary, and cord blood gases; Sets up and monitors ventilator humidification systems; recommends/sets up Transcutaneous monitor where appropriate.
• Documents on Pediatric Asthma Pathway and all Information Systems and paper documents accurately and completely. Communicates and documents functional concerns to the Help Desk and to relief therapist. Documents according to regulatory blood gas lab requirements. Relays accurate information to oncoming shift.
• Maintains patient orders, transitions therapies, and maintains work assignments accurately, responsibly and fairly among staff
• Maintains and completes competencies in a timely fashion. Applies Bronchodilator Protocol, Wake up and Wean and Common Cannister protocols consistently. Interprets patient care in accordance with these protocols
• Selects, reviews, obtains and interprets data: Reads and evaluates physician's orders, clarifying as needed. Accurately transcribes physician orders to electronic charting system or departmental patient master. Reviews patient information including history, lab data, radiologic studies, progress notes, respiratory and cardiovascular monitoring data and performs assessment/data collection in systematic manner
• Determines modifications to physician orders, which optimize patient, care and makes recommendations to physician. Recommends procedures to obtain additional data including radiographs, bronchoscopy, Gram stain and C&S, spirometry, blood gas analysis, lung mechanics, work of breathing, EKG, noninvasive monitoring.
• Conducts patient education and disease management. Performs cardiopulmonary resuscitation according to resuscitation guidelines. May assist with or perform intubation. May assist the physician when performing bronchoscopy, thoracentesis, tracheostomy, cardioversion, and intubation. May participate in land/air critical care transport. May assist with high risk deliveries. May assist with surfactant replacement in neonates. May participate in pulmonary rehabilitation, home care. May assist with discharge planning. May assist with community outreach. May initiate and implement therapist driven protocols.
• Serves as a resource to other healthcare professionals and participates in training and education programs.

Qualifications

• Completion of an approved and accredited respiratory program
• Graduate from a respiratory care education program supported by CoARC or accredited by NBRC (National Board for Respiratory Care), with a minimum of 62 semester hours of college credit, including a background in the basic sciences, or baccalaureate degree in an area other than respiratory care or Associates of Arts or Science degree
• Licensures/Certifications: Current Maryland license as a respiratory care practitioner Healthcare Provider (CPR Certification) Neonatal Resuscitation for NICU respiratory care practitioners

Skills

• Knowledge of respiratory therapy theory, practice and techniques
• Skill in using computers and a variety of personal productivity applications
• Skill in oral and written communication
• Knowledge of laboratory and regulatory requirements relating to patient care

Benefits

GBMC HealthCare and its affiliates are Equal Opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.

Pay

Pay Range $30.06 - $49.29 Final salary offer will be based on the candidate's qualifications, education, experience and alignment with our organizational needs.

Schedule

Final schedule will be determined based on business needs and candidate qualifications.