Respiratory Therapist-Per Diem

Meadville Medical Center•Meadville, PA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Coordinate Respiratory Care for patients using the American Association of Respiratory Care (AARC) Guidelines, participates in patient and family teaching, and provides leadership while working in cooperation with other health care providers to ensure continued quality care to patients of all ages.

Requirements

Professional knowledge of respiratory therapy and practice at a level normally acquired through completion of an accredited school of Respiratory Care.
Nationally certified, registered or registry eligible.
Current state Respiratory License or having made application for license.
Communication skills necessary to effectively: Provide instruction to the patient and or family. Provide explanations to the patient and or family. Explain respiratory intervention. Communicate with physicians regarding patients receiving respiratory care. Communicate with other members of the health care team.
Ability to concentrate, prioritize, plan, and perform professional respiratory care; resolve patient care problems; interact with patients, families, and other team members often during stressful times.
BLS required.

Responsibilities

Reports pertinent observations, changes, and reactions regarding patients to the appropriate health care worker.
Records all patient care procedures performed with overview into possible suggestions and observations in regard to respiratory care of the patient.
Plans, implements, and explains health teaching including medications, and procedures to patients and/or family.
Communicates with and serves as a liaison between patients, their families, and physicians.
Maintains standards of care within the guidelines of the Respiratory Therapy Department.
Demonstrates the knowledge of and implements policies and procedures of MMC and the Respiratory Therapy Department.
Transcribes physician orders legibly and accurately.
Maintains skills in the assessment, treatment, and care appropriate for the age groups and disease process of the patient based on the condition and needs.
Develops and implements individual plan of care with revisions as the patient’s condition and needs change.
Demonstrates knowledge and proper dosage of Respiratory drugs.
Performs arterial punctures according to department policy.
Maintains blood gas controls, performs routine preventive maintenance and completes documentation.
Demonstrates correct procedure for set up of mechanical ventilators, both invasive and non-invasive.
Performs suctioning according to department policy.
Perform and evaluate chest percussion, incentive spirometry, acapella department protocol.
Maintains knowledge of the various methods of oxygen delivery, including necessary equipment.
Maintains knowledge of pulse oximetry, including nocturnal studies as well as apnea monitors and end tidal CO2 monitors.
Maintains knowledge of hemodynamics including Swan Ganz catheters, A-line, and pacemakers.
Demonstrates procedure of performing bedside spirometry either on floors or in Occupational Medicine.
Demonstrates proper knowledge for set up and assisting with bronchoscopy.
Provides EKG coverage when necessary.
Demonstrates cost-conscious use of supplies; maintains equipment in a clean & safe manner.
Knowledgeable on the operation and maintenance of medical equipment.
Removes from service, labels with defective sticker, and reports malfunctioning equipment in accordance with MMC and department policy and procedures.
Responds to critical lab values by reporting to the appropriate healthcare worker.
Participates in the orientation of new staff/students.
Assumes personal responsibility for professional development and continuing education.
Demonstrates the ability to make age appropriate assessments.
Demonstrates effective communication methods when managing the patient.
Demonstrates safety measures when caring for the patient.