Respiratory Therapist DT FR

About the role

The Respiratory Therapist will perform all duties and responsibilities of a Licensed Respiratory Therapist according to NCH policy and procedure. The Therapist will function independently with minimal supervision in all critical care and non-critical care areas of the hospital. Patient populations served will include geriatric, adult, pediatric and infant.

Responsibilities

• Assess and provide a plan of care for any patient with pulmonary disease or related illness.
• Administer procedures and therapy related to critical care including mechanical ventilator management, ventilator interventions, non-invasive ventilation, endotracheal intubation, airway management, ventilator transports, assisting with bedside bronchoscopy, apnea testing, extubation, sterile suctioning, and providing respiratory consultations.
• Assign and maintain charge duties which include work assignments, EMR Report maintenance, problem solving between departments or patients, and responsibility for the overall provision of Respiratory Care during the shift.
• Safely and correctly perform arterial puncture including Allen’s testing and utilize blood gas systems to analyze and report Arterial Blood Gas results as required by accrediting agencies.
• Identify and operate general Respiratory Care equipment such as pneumatic precursors, compressors, bipap units for sleep apnea, disinfection machines/supplies, nebulizers, MDI & spacers, incentive spirometers, bedside spirometers, NIF manometers, pulse oximeters, peak flowmeters, manual resuscitators, oscillatory valves, therapy vest, pap, and oxygen devices.
• Provide patient and family education on CABG, deep breathing and coughing techniques, pulmonary rehab, and respiratory related equipment.
• Safely perform patient transports of intubated patients using department-approved devices.
• Accurately perform bedside testing such as peak flows, ambulatory oximetry walks, and bedside PFT’s. Report results appropriately and in a timely manner.
• Perform basic emergency airway management including bag-valve-mask ventilation.
• Set up and manage all mechanical ventilators including modes, appropriate tidal volumes, respiratory rate, pressure support, and peep levels. Verbalize various techniques used in ventilation such as ATC, Pressure Control, optimal peep levels, and extubation requirements.
• Properly identify and administer respiratory specific drugs with knowledge of proper dose ranges and intervals of administration. Report adverse drug reactions associated with respiratory specific drugs.
• Be knowledgeable and proficient with all ventilator intervention and weaning protocols.
• Attend and/or complete annual clinical competency program.

Qualifications

• Must be a graduate of an accredited program of Respiratory Care.
• Licensed by the State of Florida as a Respiratory Therapist (RT) required.
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) preferred.
• Advanced Life Support (ALS) certification and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association are recommended but not required.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
• Intermediate computer knowledge: Uses Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Windows.