Respiratory Therapy Extern

About the Role

Under the direct supervision of a Licensed Respiratory Therapist (RT), the student extern will administer safe and competent respiratory care as ordered per physician. This includes administering respiratory medications, conducting patient assessments, monitoring pulse oximetry, providing respiratory treatments (e.g., incentive spirometry, inspiratory muscle training, positive expiratory pressure therapy), performing oral care and tracheostomy care, and ensuring proper documentation.

Responsibilities

• Competently deliver all respiratory care procedures as outlined in the department policy and procedure manual (assigned only to Med-Surgical Unit patients).
• Maintain accurate and complete documentation of all respiratory care procedures per department policy.
• Enter daily services and charges into the electronic medical record.
• Provide and receive accurate, complete reports to/from the charge RT on duty.
• Update and complete patient profile cards to reflect current clinical status.
• Be prepared to give/receive reports at specified times or as directed by the RT Supervisor.
• Attend and participate in department in-services, meetings, patient care rounds, and mandatory hospital meetings.
• Work under the direct supervision of the RT Supervisor on shift and communicate changes in workload or patient acuity.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of respiratory care instruments and equipment, including troubleshooting with appropriate problem resolution.
• Perform effective airway management, including bag/mask ventilation and CPR.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Enrolled in an accredited respiratory therapy program and in the third semester of the program.
• Obtain a temporary respiratory student extern permit through the appropriate state licensing board.
• BLS and ACLS certifications (must maintain for the duration of employment or as required by the state).
• Ability to work under stress and respond quickly in emergency situations under the direction of the RT Supervisor.
• Strong interpersonal skills for interacting with patients, families, and staff.
• Effective verbal and written communication in English.
• Understanding of growth and development principles across the lifespan to provide age-appropriate care for adult and geriatric patients.
• Ability to work cooperatively as part of a team.
• Reading and comprehension skills necessary to perform job duties.
• Good and regular attendance.