Registered Respiratory Therapist - RRT

Regional Medical Center of Memphis - Memphis, TN

Memphis, TN

Hospitals

About the position

Provides respiratory care therapy and treatments to patients, with emphasis in critical care or specialty areas, with deficiencies of the cardio-pulmonary system as ordered in accordance with established standards and practices.

Responsibilities

• Reviews patient's medical record prior to each session to obtain and record identifying information required for the treatment and patient records.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skills and maintains competencies required to provide care appropriate to age of the patients served within department.
• Administers Intermittent Positive Pressure Breathing treatments, medical gas administration, humidity and aerosol therapy, chest physiotherapy, incentive spirometry, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation as ordered by physician.
• Assesses patient to determine appropriateness of therapy and makes recommendations to physician regarding proper treatment mode.
• Performs therapeutic interventions and procedures.
• Observes patient and equipment during treatments.
• Reports adverse or any unusual reactions or events.
• Ensures accurate documentation in performing and processing all procedures including proper ordering, charging, and computer entry.
• Utilizes patient computer systems to enter and retrieve data maintaining confidentiality at all times.
• Demonstrates ability to work in all areas of the hospital.
• Determines the impact of respiratory care on patient's conditions and recognizes patient's progress towards meeting the desired outcomes.
• Initiates and monitors mechanical ventilation on patients requiring ventilator support.
• Determines patient's ventilator status by testing patients inspiratory force measurements, tidal volume and vital capacity.
• Weans patients from mechanical ventilation to spontaneous breathing per order of physician.
• Performs arterial punctures/testing and pulmonary function studies and assists with bronchoscopy procedures.
• Contacts physician and makes recommendations to medical staff regarding ventilator changes and patient therapy.
• Demonstrates ability to manage the care of patients with conditions common to the area including patients with acute and chronic pulmonary disease and patients with co-morbid conditions.
• Performs EKGs as required according to departmental policies.
• Informs and explains EKG test purposes and procedures to the patient prior to commencement of testing.
• Determines proper placement and attaches electrodes to specified areas of patient's body appropriately utilizing EKG equipment.
• Administers EKG exam, and observes patient, EKG tracings and equipment recognizing and reporting abnormal reactions, events or technically inadequate results.
• Documents Respiratory care based on standards of care and practice and/or clinical priorities for documentation.
• Prepares equipment/supplies and assists medical and nursing staff with special procedures and treatments as required.
• Performs specialized duties applicable to assigned clinical areas (i.e. newborn center, ICU, pulmonary, broncology).
• Responds and/or participates with medical emergencies.
• Initiates and/or assists with CPR/BLS/ACLS as required.
• Confers and works collaboratively with patient/family/hospital staff in a customer responsive and courteous manner.
• Provides support to respiratory and nursing staff for the on-going assessment of patients and to provide clinical assistance as needed.
• Assists in orientation and supervision of new staff members and students when they provide patient care, treatment and services as part of their training.
• Prepares and maintains required records, reports and files for administrative and compliance purposes.
• Participates in quality/performance improvement.
• Collects quality data for monitoring performance improvement and to produce the best value service.
• Completes required continuous training and education, including department specific requirements.
• Responds to problems/opportunities to improve work environment and participates in unit based performance improvement activities.
• Performs safety checks, equipment maintenance and aseptic techniques.
• Reports malfunction of equipment to supervisor.
• Utilizes supplies in a cost effective manner.
• Maintains a clean and orderly work area.
• Provides coverage for relief and absences.
• Demonstrates flexibility to work night, weekend and holiday shifts to provide continuous Respiratory coverage as required.

Requirements

• Graduate of an approved AMA Respiratory Therapy program.
• Qualified by education, training or experience to work with the neonate, adolescent, adult and/or geriatric patient population as specialty assignment dictates.
• RRT - Registered Respiratory Therapist TN state licensure Upon Hire.
• CPR - Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation Upon Hire.