Respiratory Therapist - NICU

Job Summary

Absolutely assesses patients' pulmonary status, determines appropriateness of orders and administers various modes supportive or restorative of therapy, with or without medical gases or pharmacological agents to restore normal cardio-pulmonary function. Conducts various cardio-pulmonary diagnostic tests to determine existence or extent of cardio-pulmonary disease upon physicians’ orders.

Job Duties

• Administers safe, effective respiratory treatments, and effective medical gas therapy consistent with current standards of practice, to restore normal cardio-pulmonary function.
• Maintains equipment and supplies to ensure decontamination, disinfection, sterilization of supplies.
• Maintains a clean, safe and organized work environment.
• Follows work related duties in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Completes all required safety, infection control and age specific programs as prescribed.
• Documents and communicates effects and effectiveness of therapy administered to ensure continuity of care between other members of the health care team.
• Uses background knowledge and clinical skill to mentor students from clinical affiliates.
• Uses background knowledge and clinical skills to assess patients’ cardiopulmonary status to implement a Respiratory Care Plan is appropriate for the patient’s age groups.
• Compares ordered therapy to patients' cardio-pulmonary status recommending, when necessary, more appropriate, more cost effective or less invasive therapy to achieve the therapeutic objective.
• Explains the purpose and benefits of ordered therapy, teaching the patient proper therapy techniques, to elicit patient cooperation and insure effective therapy.
• Initiates and maintains cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (BLS).
• Personal Development: Takes responsibility for self-development by acquiring skills and sharing experiences which support organizational/department objectives. Pursues excellence and service, demonstrates desire and effort to be a continuous learner as evidenced by the following: Identifies personal goals and objectives annually as a part of performance appraisal. Completes Federal, State and System annual requirements. Identifies self-development opportunities and makes the effort to take advantage of those opportunities. Serves as team leader per department policy.
• Customer Service: Meets Customer Relations Expectations. Interacts with internal and external customers using AIDET methodology. Interacts with internal and external customers.
• Professionalism Standards: Conducts himself/herself in a professional manner. Assumes the responsibility for his/her professional growth and development. Uses proper communications channels, maintains confidentiality of customer information and protected healthcare information (PHI). Attends staff meetings as required, participates in training programs, ensures completion of annual competencies. Stays up to date with Health System information by reviewing written and electronic communications from various sectors of the System.
• Specialized Knowledge: None.
• Kind And Length Of Experience: None.

Qualifications

• Registered Respiratory Therapist as described by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
• Holds current mandatory certification in the state to practice Respiratory Therapy in the state where work is being performed.
• Associate degree in applied science or equivalent.
• All Registered respiratory therapists must maintain their credential as described in the Continuing Competency of the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
• Failure to maintain the credential will result in a demotion transfer to Respiratory Technician until their credential is reinstated by the NBRC.
• ACLS certification- if not already certified, will be required post-hire.