Respiratory Therapist - Registered 3 - Full Time

University of Miami•Miami, FL

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The Respiratory Therapist - Registered 3 (U) conducts tests such as electrocardiograms, stress testing, and lung capacity tests to evaluate patients' cardiopulmonary functions. They perform bronchopulmonary drainage and assist or instruct patients in breathing exercises. This role involves setting up and operating devices like mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators according to specified treatment parameters. The therapist reads prescriptions, measures arterial blood gases, and reviews patient information to assess conditions, determining treatment requirements including type, method, duration, precautions, and medication dosages. They explain procedures to patients to ensure cooperation and alleviate fears, and educate patients and their families about their conditions and disease management techniques. The role includes monitoring patients' physiological responses to therapy, consulting with physicians on adverse reactions, and maintaining patient charts. Responsibilities also encompass inspecting, cleaning, testing, and maintaining respiratory therapy equipment, performing quality control on blood gas instruments and testing equipment, and assisting physicians with flexible bronchoscopy. Additionally, the therapist performs pulmonary function testing, communicates with patients to obtain optimal effort, and supervises/trains students and technicians. Adherence to University and unit-level policies and procedures, and safeguarding University assets are also required. This list of duties is not exhaustive and may be expanded as needed.

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent
Certification in relevant specialty or field
Minimum 5 years of relevant experience
Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
Ability to analyze, organize and prioritize work under pressure while meeting deadlines.
Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion.
Ability to work evenings, nights, and weekends as necessary.
Commitment to the University’s core values.
Ability to work independently and/or in a collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

Conducts tests, such as electrocardiograms, stress testing, and lung capacity tests to evaluate patients' cardiopulmonary functions.
Performs bronchopulmonary drainage and assists or instructs patients in the performance of breathing exercises.
Sets up and operates devices, such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.
Reads prescription, measures arterial blood gases, and reviews patient information to assess patient’s condition.
Determines requirements for treatment, such as type, method, and duration of therapy, precautions to be taken, and medication and dosages.
Explains treatment procedures to patients to gain cooperation and allay fears.
Educates patients and their families about their conditions and teaches them appropriate disease management techniques, such as breathing exercises and the use of medications and respiratory equipment.
Monitors patient's physiological responses to therapy such as vital signs and blood chemistry changes, and consults with physician if adverse reactions occur.
Maintains charts that contain patients' pertinent identification and therapy information.
Inspects, cleans, tests, and maintains respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently.
Performs quality control on all blood gas instruments within 2 hours of beginning of shift, verifying its accuracy, properly documenting results and initiating any trouble shooting measures necessary to return instruments to an acceptable operating condition in order to ensure validity of results.
Competently assists the physician in the performance of flexible bronchoscopy in order to ensure minimal risk to patients.
Performs pulmonary function testing and effectively communicates with patients in order to obtain best effort from the patient during the procedure.
Performs daily quality control on all testing equipment and initiates any measures necessary to return equipment to an acceptable operating condition so that results reported are valid.
Supervises, teaches, and trains students, respiratory therapy technicians, and assistants.
Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.