Respiratory Care Practitioner

Responsibilities

• Administer and evaluate a wide variety of therapeutic and diagnostic procedures to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of primary pulmonary disease and other medical problems that may affect a patient’s pulmonary status.
• Perform other related duties as required.
• Performs according to the Respiratory Services Policy & Procedures Manual (204-211) a variety of therapeutic procedures, including:
• Intermittent positive pressure breathing
• Chest physiotherapy
• Postural drainage
• Nebulizer aerosol therapy
• Incentive Spirometry
• Breathing exercises
• Tracheal irrigation and aspiration
• Administers all inhalant medications with a scientific understanding of actions, expected responses, and adverse reactions to include:
• Bronchodilators
• Mucolytics
• Antibiotics
• Wetting agents
• Steroids
• Chromalin drugs
• Anti-fungal agents
• Sets up and performs CPAP, Bi-Pap, and non-invasive ventilation. Provides and monitors continuous oxygen and humidification therapy.
• Monitors and provides respiratory care to all patients dependent on mechanical ventilation for life support (P&P Manual, Section 301-310):
• Adult mechanical ventilation
• Neonatal/pediatric ventilation
• Demonstrates knowledge of all ventilator modes. Nebulizes fluids, irrigates airway, and performs deep tracheal suction and cuff care as needed.
• Makes arrangements to improve oxygenation and acid-base balance. Interprets and executes all orders prescribed by a physician.
• Reviews history and physical, lab, and X-ray reports, and interdisciplinary progress notes to assess patient’s condition and ability, therapeutic needs, or contraindications to ordered therapy.
• Determines best methods for therapy such as appropriate pressure and flow rates for intermittent positive pressure breathing, positions required for chest physiotherapy/postural drainage, types of breathing exercises, sensitivity, flow rates, pressure limits/control, ventilatory waveforms, and need for suction/irrigation for patients on mechanical ventilation.
• Responds to hazards of therapies in an appropriate manner, including life-threatening situations. Instructs patient on rationale and proper procedures for all therapies.
• Maintains life-saving measures in emergency situations, assists physician with intubation, auscultates chest to evaluate endotracheal tube position.
• Uses proper equipment including:
• EKG machines
• Oxygen delivery devices
• Ohio pediatric tents
• Oxygen analyzers
• Blenders
• Spirometers
• NIF (negative inspiratory force meters)
• Incentive spirometers
• Air compressors
• Liquid oxygen systems
• Cuff pressure manometers
• Heated/cool nebulizers
• Obtains special certifications at Newport Hospital for performance of:
• Arterial Blood Gases
• Respiratory Therapy Protocols/Consults
• Assists Cardiopulmonary Services Director in the orientation and training of new staff and students assigned to Newport Hospital.
• Participates in applicable off-site activities including health fairs and school career days.
• If applicable, perform esophageal studies including PH Ambulatory, Motility, or Bravo Capsule procedures.

Qualifications

• Rhode Island Respiratory Care Practitioner license (RCP), CRT required, RRT preferred.
• Associate degree from Cardio-Respiratory Care Program.
• Current CPR certification.

Pay

$33.53-$55.31

Location

Newport Hospital - 11 Friendship Street Newport, Rhode Island 02840

Work Type

FULL TIME

Hours Per Week

36

Shift

NIGHT