Respiratory Therapist Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Licensed to practice as a Respiratory Practitioner in the state of employment.
• Must have BLS upon hire.
• Must obtain ACLS certification within 90 days of employment.
• Must maintain licenses and certifications for the duration of employment.
• Must maintain annual continuing education related to laboratory practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide respiratory care to adult and geriatric patients ages 18 and over while respecting each patient’s rights, dignity, and individuality.
• Explain the purpose and procedure of treatments, tests, and equipment to patients, and document education provided to patients and caregivers.
• Conduct physician-prescribed treatments, including handheld nebulizer therapy, oxygen and humidity administration, and chest physical therapy.
• Set up, operate, and monitor ventilators; participate in ventilator weaning according to protocols and physician direction; and adjust ventilator setup to meet patient respiratory demand.
• Maintain ventilation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation and intubate as necessary.
• Document treatments and patient responses in respiratory care records and patient charts, and place MARs in the proper order in the chart.
• Perform tracheostomy care and change tracheostomy tubes as required by hospital policy and procedure, documenting changes in respiratory progress notes.
• Change tubing and inline suction devices, including suction canisters, according to hospital policy and procedure.
• Report treatments, patient conditions, changes, and new orders to relief personnel, and keep the patient’s primary care nurse informed.
• Process respiratory therapy equipment, including ENT/bronchoscope equipment; clean, sterilize, and package equipment as required; and prepare scopes for transport to and from the cleaning area.
• Verify that Cidex OPA is functional, including a test strip check within the prior 24 hours.
• Perform preventive maintenance and equipment repairs, including ventilator EST and SST pre-use checks, and document them in the cleaning log.
• Make regular rounds; check ventilators at least every four hours and oxygen equipment at least once per shift; fill room humidifiers; change suction canisters daily; and spot-check other respiratory equipment as required.
• Perform and evaluate arterial and venous blood gas analyses, demonstrate competency with blood gas devices, and maintain annual continuing education related to laboratory practices.
• Assist respiratory care and ventilator patients with preparation for physical therapy, ambulation, transport, and similar activities.
• Store oxygen tanks according to OSHA and hospital guidelines.
• Attend monthly Respiratory Care departmental meetings, general staff meetings, and in-services.
• Follow the Hospital Compliance Plan and report violations or suspected violations to the Compliance Officer.
• Maintain professional conduct and comply with hospital and departmental policies, procedures, and attendance requirements.
• Follow bloodborne pathogen precautions and participate in the Hazardous Material Program and established safety and patient safety practices.
• Recognize potential patient abuse and follow policy for appropriate referrals or interventions.
• Participate in Performance Improvement activities.
• Limit access to protected health information to what is reasonably necessary for work and share it only on a need-to-know basis.
• Perform other incidental and related duties as required or assigned.