Respiratory Therapist - WMCHealth

Job Summary:

The Respiratory Therapist administers all Respiratory Care therapeutic and diagnostic modalities in all patient care areas, demonstrates knowledge and skill necessary to provide all Respiratory Care modalities. - Initiates and maintains all patients on continuous mechanical ventilation, performs equipment and calibration maintenance, and serves as a clinical resource to all members of the health care team. -

-Responsibilities: -

CLINICAL PERFORMANCE

• Implements therapeutic and diagnostic modalities offered by the department.
  
• Assesses patient response to modalities including the appropriateness of therapy and/or recommends additions, deletions and changes to said therapy, demonstrating effective decision making in clinical situation.
  
• Provides continuous mechanical ventilation including an in-depth knowledge, ability and clinical application of weaning, PEEP/CPAP, bedside weaning, spirometry and alternative methods of ventilation.
  
• Possess a working knowledge of respiratory care drug administration including an in-depth knowledge of indications, contra-indications, adverse reactions and possible side effects.
  
• Obtains arterial blood gases from all applicable sites including radial & brachial arteries. -
  
• Obtains blood samples from arterial lines. -
  
• Conducts ABG analyzer maintenance as required. -
  
• Reports Critical Values Adheres to all Infection Control Policies and Procedures.
  
• Possess a working knowledge of all types of artificial airways and their appropriate use. -
  
• Possess a working knowledge and authorization for the performance of tracheal extubation. -
  
• Effectively suctions via all routes.
  
• Maintains documentation for all therapeutic and diagnostic procedures performed in accordance with departmental policies and procedures. -
  
• Maintains accurate information and enters charges for all work completed into the hospital information system.
  
• Participates in all quality driven initiatives, as assigned.
  
• Demonstrates awareness of teaching plan for assigned patients. -
  
• Assists in the implementation of the teaching plan at a level appropriate to own knowledge base/scope of practice. -
  
• -Reinforces teaching plan to patient/family.
  
• Performs bedside screening. -
  
• Performs specialized diagnostic testing and procedures
  
  
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  SELF-DEVELOPMENT/PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY
  
  
  
  
  • Maintains current certification/authorization in any department procedure requiring certification/authorization commensurate with job description. -
    
  • Serves as a resource to other health care team members in relation to all aspects of the respiratory care.
    
  • Supports and participates in changes affecting the -respiratory department.
    
  • Special projects, policy revision, etc.
    
  • Actively participates in department specific educational events.
    
  • Actively pursues Registry status: (RRT (ES))
    
    
    EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
    
    
    
    
    • Discusses the patient's overall respiratory status in a consulting and associative role with the attending physician and nursing staff.
      
    • Organizes workload to accommodate and coordinate availability to meet patient's needs and physician schedule in order to actively participate in Medical and Trauma rounds.
      
      
      EQUIPTMENT/OTHER
      
      
      
      
      • Performs routine equipment maintenance, including calibration, testing, preparation, repair when necessary and cleaning. -
        
      • Participates in equipment evaluation. -
        
      • Informs coordinator/supervisor of any defects or malfunctions. -
        
      • Performs all related responsibilities/duties as assigned.
        
        
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        Qualifications/Requirements:
        
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        -Experience:
        
        
        
        
        • One year experience, preferred.
          
        • New Graduates must be Registered by NBRC and NYS licensed as a Respiratory Therapist
          
          
          Education: -
          
          
          
          
          • Graduate of an CoARC approved program for Respiratory Care (Commision of Accreditation for Respiratory Care).
            
          • Associate Degree of Applied Science (or higher in Respiratory Care required or completion of -N.B.R.C. entrance certification exam.
            
            
            Licenses / Certifications:
            
            
            
            
            • Certified or Registered by the National Board of Respiratory Care (N.B.R.C.)
              
            • Certified in BLS
              
            • ACLS and PALS, preferred
              
            • Appropriate federal, state and local licensing requirements
              
            • NYS licensed Respiratory Therapist or Respirtory Therapy Technican
              
              
              Other: -
              
              
              
              
              • If applicable, the individual performing this job may reasonably anticipate coming into contact with human blood and other potentially infectious materials.
                
              • Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.
                
              • Demonstrated ability to effectively function as a health care team member.
                
              • Demonstrated skills necessary to perform teaching and leadership duties.
                
              • Demonstrated effective communication skills.