Registered Respiratory Therapist - RRT

Registered Respiratory Therapist - RRT

A Brief Overview

Provides respiratory care therapy and treatments to patients, with emphasis in critical care or specialty areas, with deficiencies of the cardio-pulmonary system as ordered in accordance with established standards and practices.

What you will do

• Reviews patient's medical record prior to each session to obtain and record identifying information required for the treatment and patient records. Demonstrates knowledge and skills and maintains competencies required to provide care appropriate to age of the patients served within department.
• Administers Intermittent Positive Pressure Breathing treatments, medical gas administration, humidity and aerosol therapy, chest physiotherapy, incentive spirometry, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation as ordered by physician, consistent with patient care policies and procedures, demonstrated competencies with consideration given to risk management, infection control practices, patient safety practices and departmental activities.
• Assesses patient to determine appropriateness of therapy and makes recommendations to physician regarding proper treatment mode.
• Performs therapeutic interventions and procedures.
• Observes patient and equipment during treatments.
• Reports adverse or any unusual reactions or events.
• Ensures accurate documentation in performing and processing all procedures including proper ordering, charging, and computer entry.
• Utilizes patient computer systems to enter and retrieve data maintaining confidentiality at all times.
• Demonstrates ability to work in all areas of the hospital.
• Determines the impact of respiratory care on patient’s conditions and recognizes patient’s progress towards meeting the desired outcomes.
• Initiates and monitors mechanical ventilation on patients requiring ventilator support.
• Determines patient's ventilator status by testing patients inspiratory force measurements, tidal volume and vital capacity.
• Weans patients from mechanical ventilation to spontaneous breathing per order of physician.
• Performs arterial punctures / testing and pulmonary function studies and assists with bronchoscopy procedures.
• Contacts physician and makes recommendations to medical staff regarding ventilator changes and patient therapy.
• Demonstrates ability to manage the care of patients with conditions common to the area including :
• Patients with acute and chronic pulmonary disease.
• Patients with co-morbid conditions (arthritis, diabetes, obesity, etc.).
• Performs EKGs as required according to departmental policies.
• Informs and explains EKG test purposes and procedures to the patient prior to commencement of testing
• Determines proper placement and attaches electrodes to specified areas of patient's body appropriately utilizing EKG equipment.
• Administers EKG exam, and observes patient, EKG tracings and equipment recognizing and reporting abnormal reactions, events or technically inadequate results.
• Ensures accurate documentation in performing and processing all procedures including proper ordering, charging, and computer entry.
• Documents Respiratory care based on standards of care and practice and / or clinical priorities for documentation (assessment, interventions, patient education, and patient's response to interventions and progress towards outcomes are noted).
• Prepares equipment / supplies and assists medical and nursing staff with special procedures and treatments as required. Performs specialized duties applicable to assigned clinical areas (i.e. newborn center, ICU, pulmonary, broncology).
• Responds and / or participates with medical emergencies. Initiates and / or assists with CPR / BLS / ACLS as required.
• Confers and works collaboratively with patient / family / hospital staff in a customer responsive and courteous manner, in compliance with iRESPECT standards and promoting patient / customer satisfaction to achieve positive patient outcomes.
• Provides support to respiratory and nursing staff for the on-going assessment of patients and to provide clinical assistance as needed. Assists in orientation and supervision of new staff members and students when they provide patient care, treatment and services as part of their training.
• Prepares and maintains required records, reports and files for administrative and compliance purposes. Utilizes patient computer systems to enter and retrieve data.
• Participates in quality / performance improvement. Collects quality data for monitoring performance improvement and to produce the best value service.
• Completes required continuous training and education, including department specific requirements. Responds to problems / opportunities to improve work environment and participates in unit based performance improvement activities which includes committees, monitoring and follow-up.
• Performs safety checks, equipment maintenance and aseptic techniques. Reports malfunction of equipment to supervisor. Utilizes supplies in a cost effective manner. Maintains a clean and orderly work area.
• Performs equipment maintenance and aseptic techniques. Reports malfunction of equipment to supervisor. Utilizes supplies in a cost effective manner.
• Maintains a clean, orderly, safe environment for patients and personnel. Adheres to established policies, compliance / quality improvement, safety, environment and infection control standards.
• Provides coverage for relief and absences. Demonstrates flexibility to work night, weekend and holiday shifts to provide continuous Respiratory coverage as required.

Qualifications

Physical Demands

Regional One Health is an equal opportunity employer.

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