Respiratory Care Practitioner

Job description
-Set up and operate devices such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.

-Provide emergency care, including artificial respiration, external cardiac massage and assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

-Determine requirements for treatment, such as type, method and duration of therapy, precautions to be taken, and medication and dosages, compatible with physicians' orders.

-Monitor patient's physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes, and consult with physician if adverse reactions occur.

-Read prescription, measure arterial blood gases, and review patient information to assess patient condition.

-Work as part of a team of physicians, nurses and other health care professionals to manage patient care.

-Enforce safety rules and ensure careful adherence to physicians' orders.

-Maintain charts that contain patients' pertinent identification and therapy information.

-Inspect, clean, test and maintain respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently, ordering repairs when necessary.

-Educate residents and their families about their conditions and teach appropriate disease management techniques, such as breathing exercises and the use of medications and respiratory equipment.

-Explain treatment procedures to patients to gain cooperation and allay fears.

-Perform bronchopulmonary drainage and assist or instruct patients in performance of breathing exercises.

-Demonstrate respiratory care procedures to trainees and other health care personnel.

-Make emergency visits to resolve equipment problems.

-Provide supervision and guidance for residents during skills building activities
-Develop and implement individual treatment plans for residents
-Assist with daily living activities, including preparing meals and assisting with personal hygiene
-Develop a rapport with residents and cultivate a safe and supportive relationship
-Update resident case notes on a daily basis
-Ensure an appropriate staff-to-client ratio at all times

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time