Summary
The Respiratory Therapist provides therapeutic care to patients requiring respiratory services as ordered by a staff physician.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
These duties and responsibilities described below represent the general tasks performed on a daily basis; other tasks may be assigned.
- Perform respiratory assessments and procedures, including bronchial drainage, positive pressure breathing modalities, bedside spirometry, and nasotracheal suction procedures
- Monitor tracheostomy changes and metered dose inhaler instruction and perform an evaluation
- Perform aerosol treatments and aerosol therapy
- Perform arterial capillary punctures and blood gas analysis, pulse oximetry, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and chest physiotherapy
- Completely and accurately record data and therapy rendered in the patients permanent medical record
- Initiate and monitor the effectiveness of mechanical ventilator support
- Perform weaning parameters and extubations as indicated and ordered
- Know the indications and contraindications for the administration of respiratory drugs, particularly those administered via the inhalation route; communicate observations and any adverse reactions to the appropriate personnel
- Review the quality and appropriateness of therapy on a routine basis
- Audit charts and participate in Performance Improvement activities
- Participate in teaching programs involving respiratory staff, patients, nursing students, and new hires
- Participate in in-service education for nursing
- Assist the department head and medical director in initiating new therapy procedures
- Repair and maintain all respiratory care equipment in compliance with all infection control policies
- Attend required hospital-wide orientations, meetings, and in-services
- Demonstrate a commitment to flexible work scheduling when necessary to ensure patient care
Supervisory Responsibilities
Reports to: Operations Manager, Respiratory Therapy
Supervises: None
Education and Experience
Minimum Required Education: Successful completion of an accredited Respiratory Therapy program
Preferred Education: Not applicable
Experience: Previous experience as a Respiratory Therapy Technician, and the ability to operate BIPAP and CPAP machines, mechanical ventilators, oxygen and aerosol delivery devices, oxygen analyzers, pressure monitors, portable and stationary pulmonary function equipment, pulse oximetry devices, EtCO2 devices, blood gas machines, continuous and intermittent positive pressure devices, and a stethoscope.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
Applicants must be credentialed by the National Board of Respiratory Care and must be licensed to practice as a Respiratory Care Practitioner in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
BLS within 90 days of hire,
ACLS within 120 days of hire
PALS within 120 days
and NRP within 120 days.