RT Respiratory Therapist PRN

Vibra Travels•Big Spring, TX

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Respiratory Therapy Manager and/or the Lead Respiratory Therapist and upon request of the physician, sets up and operates various types of respiratory care equipment to be utilized in the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory disease and/or illness. Provides care for the Adult or Geriatric patient, ages 18 years and over. Demonstrates and understands the importance of and respect for the rights, dignity and individuality of each patient in all interactions. Explains the purpose and procedure of treatments, tests and equipment to the patient and properly documents all education given to patient(s) and their caregivers on the patient education form in the patient’s chart. Conducts physician prescribed treatments: including but not limited to, Hand Held Nebulizer Therapy and various nasal oxygen devices in order to administer prescribed medicinal vapors and gasses, humidity, various oxygen concentrations to the respiratory system of the patient, and chest physical therapy treatments. Sets up, operates and monitors ventilators when the patient's respiratory system is incapable of adequate spontaneous ventilation. Participates in ventilator weaning process, utilizing protocols and physician direction. Sets up ventilator using the ventilator graphics to ensure the patient is comfortable and getting enough flow to meet his/her respiratory demand. Ensures the adequate maintenance of ventilation during cardio-pulmonary resuscitation; intubates as necessary. Records all pertinent information of treatments, and patient response to treatments, on respiratory care records and patient chart; places MAR’s on patient’s chart in proper order. Performs trach care per hospital policy and procedure. Changes out trach tubes as necessary and per hospital policy and procedure; and properly documents changes on the respiratory progress notes. Changes out tubing and inline suction devices, including suction canisters per hospital policy and procedure. Reports treatments to be conducted and condition of patients to relief personnel. Gives a complete report of any changes made and new orders written and keeps the patient's primary care nurse informed of such changes. Processes respiratory therapy equipment including ENT/Bronchoscope; cleaning, sterilizing and packaging as required. Uses the clean and dirty scope boxes and properly prepares the scope for transport to and from the cleaning area. Ensures that Cidex OPA is functional including a test strip within the last 24 hours. Performs preventative maintenance and repair of equipment including EST and SST pre-use checks on ventilator before each use or as needed and properly documents in the cleaning log. Makes regular rounds, checks the patient's ventilator at least every 4 hours, and oxygen equipment at least once per shift, fills room humidifiers, changes suction canisters daily, as well as spot-checking other respiratory therapy equipment per hospital policy and procedure. Utilizes specialized knowledge of respiratory therapy procedures in performing diagnostic studies. Performs and evaluates blood gas analysis, including arterial and venous. Demonstrates competency in the use of the blood gas device(s). Maintains continuing education annually related to laboratory practices. Assists in preparing respiratory care/ventilator patients for physical therapy, ambulation, transport, etc. Properly stores oxygen tanks per OSHA and hospital guidelines. Attends monthly Respiratory Care departmental meetings on general staff meetings and in-services. Adheres to all components of the Hospital Compliance Plan in performing job duties and reports any violations or suspected violations of the Plan to the Compliance Officer. Demonstrates professional conduct and complies with hospital and departmental policies and procedures. Adheres to hospital attendance policy as outlined in the Employee Handbook. Complies with measures for preventing exposure to blood borne pathogens. Participates in the Hazardous Material Program; hazards include exposure to blood and body fluids, possible communicable diseases, sharp objects and instruments, assorted chemicals and gasses as listed in the Hazardous Materials Program Manual. Complies with established Safety and Patient Safety Program practices. Performs other incidental and related duties, as required and/or assigned. Develops an understanding of responsibilities for recognizing patient abuse and follows policy for making appropriate referrals/interventions. Develops an understanding of responsibilities for participation in Performance Improvement activities and participates in such activities. Limits access to protected health information (PHI) to the information reasonably necessary to do the job, and shares such information only on a need-to-know basis for work purposes.

Requirements

Licensed to practice by the state of employment as a Respiratory Practitioner.
BLS certification upon hire.
ACLS certification within 90 days of employment.
Maintain licenses and certifications for the duration of employment.

Nice To Haves

Obtain ACLS certification within 90 days of employment.

Responsibilities

Sets up and operates various types of respiratory care equipment for diagnosis and treatment of respiratory disease/illness.
Provides care for Adult or Geriatric patients (18+ years).
Explains treatments, tests, and equipment to patients and documents education.
Conducts physician-prescribed treatments including nebulizer therapy and oxygen administration.
Administers medicinal vapors, gasses, humidity, and oxygen to the respiratory system.
Performs chest physical therapy treatments.
Sets up, operates, and monitors ventilators for patients with inadequate spontaneous ventilation.
Participates in ventilator weaning processes.
Ensures adequate ventilation during cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and intubates as necessary.
Records treatment information and patient response in patient charts.
Performs tracheostomy care, including changing tubes.
Changes out tubing and suction devices.
Reports patient condition and treatments to relief personnel and keeps primary care nurse informed.
Processes respiratory therapy equipment, including cleaning and sterilizing.
Performs preventative maintenance and repair of equipment.
Conducts regular rounds to check ventilators, oxygen equipment, and humidifiers.
Performs and evaluates blood gas analysis (arterial and venous).
Assists in preparing patients for physical therapy, ambulation, and transport.
Stores oxygen tanks properly.
Attends departmental meetings and in-services.
Adheres to Hospital Compliance Plan and reports violations.
Demonstrates professional conduct and complies with policies and procedures.
Adheres to hospital attendance policy.
Complies with measures for preventing exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
Participates in the Hazardous Material Program.
Complies with Safety and Patient Safety Program practices.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Recognizes patient abuse and follows policy for referrals/interventions.
Participates in Performance Improvement activities.
Limits access to protected health information (PHI) on a need-to-know basis.