Respiratory Care Practitioner

Summary

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Respiratory Care Practitioner provides a variety of specialized and routine clinical therapies to the neonatal and pediatric population in the following areas Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), Pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), Emergency Department (ED), all general care areas and outpatient areas upon request.  This position provides clinical treatment utilizing state of the art equipment and a multidisciplinary process in critical care, inpatient, outpatient, and emergency settings. Respiratory Care Practitioners work to enhance a multidisciplinary approach through communication with the care team, patients and family members, and colleagues.  Reports to Respiratory Care Manager.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Assesses patient condition based on medical history, observation, examination, physician’s diagnosis, laboratory findings, the results of specific test or respiratory function, and other appropriate diagnostic procedures.

Develops or modifies the respiratory care plan and makes specific recommendations to physicians regarding indicated therapy.

Administers appropriate diagnostic tests and procedures to evaluate therapeutic responses including blood gas sampling and interpretation, oxygen saturation, end-tidal carbon dioxide measurement, pulmonary mechanics, and inhaled medications.  May assist with endotracheal intubation and bronchoscopy.

Responds to respiratory and other defined emergencies such as transfer of neonatal high-risk patients, cardiopulmonary arrest, and trauma activations.

Maintains artificial airways and provides mechanical ventilation, in addition provides transport of those patients with an artificial airway or mechanical ventilation to locations to facilitate tests and procedures.

Initiates patient and caregiver teaching as appropriate.

Completes necessary documentation of all pertinent observations related to patient care treatments, response to therapy, and all recommendations for modification in the treatment plan.

Performs all other duties as assigned.

LICENSES AND / OR CERTIFICATIONS

Required Licenses and / or Certifications

Current Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential from the National Board of Respiratory Care required at time of hire.

Must provide record of credential at the time of hire.

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) designation / certification required at time of hire and / or must be obtained within 45 days of hire.

If certified, must provide record of designation / certification at the time of hire.

American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) designation / certification required at time of hire and / or must be obtained within 45 days of hire.

If certified, must provide record of designation / certification at the time of hire.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training required at time of hire or must be obtained within 45 days of hire.

If certified, must provide record of certification / training at the time of hire.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Required Education and Experience

Associate degree in Respiratory Care from an accredited program, college, or university required.

Must provide record of a completed degree or academic transcript from an accredited program, college, or university at time of hire.

Continuous re-certification and / or maintenance of licensures, certifications / designations, training, educational and application requirements is required during employment.

Preferred Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Care from an accredited program, college, or university preferred.

Must provide record of a completed degree or academic transcript from an accredited program, college, or university at time of hire.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Possesses strong verbal, written, and interpersonal skills to communicate detailed clinical observations and evaluations with other members of the healthcare team.

Analytical skills necessary to assess patient / family needs, prioritize care based on assessments and develop solutions to problems concerning patient’s mental or physical well-being.

Highly motivated, enthusiastic team player who takes initiative.

Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.

Excellent time management skills, able to shift priorities and able to work independently and problem solve in a fast paced, fluid environment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Expected to work in a patient care environment with minimal exposure to environmental hazards such as, but not limited to, excessive noise, dust, or extremes in temperatures. Exposure to communicable diseases and moderately adverse working conditions due to the need to perform certain patient care activities can be expected.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Click here to view physical requirements.