RRT/CRT Respiratory Care Practitioner

Description

JOB SUMMARY AND SCOPE

Full time with Call responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Cardiopulmonary Services Director and Medical Director, the respiratory therapist provides quality respiratory care services to patients of all age groups, inpatient and outpatient. Therapy services and testing are performed within the scope of practice of the Cardiopulmonary Services department and within the licensure guidelines as defined by the State of Maine. The respiratory therapist attends in-service training and continuing education activities as it applies to their job description and to enhance their skills and abilities. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Consistently able to complete all required therapy without sacrificing quality of care provided.
• Responds to changes in work schedules, is able to adapt to changing situations and accept work that needs completing.
• Reports any incomplete work assignments so as to provide continuity of care.
• Checks and verifies physician order prior to initiation of therapy.
• Properly identifies the patient as per hospital policy.
• Performs ordered modality and monitors the patient throughout for signs of adverse reactions.
• Makes reassessment of the patient post therapy.
• Documents all therapy as per department policy.
• Follows standard precautions and adheres to posted cautions in all clinical situations. 

BRONCHODILATOR THERAPY/MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION

• Introduces equipment to the patient that delivers aerosolized medications and is able to address patient concerns specific to the use of that equipment and/or medication.
• Is familiar with all medications designed to be delivered via the respiratory tract including, mode of action, age specific dosages, adverse reactions, side effects and outcomes.
• Monitors vital signs during and after medication administration.

VOLUME EXPANSION THERAPY

• Introduces patient to equipment and is able to address patient concerns specific to that equipment.
• Familiar with modalities of volume expansion therapy including: IPPB. PEP, Incentive Spirometry and deep breathing exercises.
• Monitors patient compliance/tolerance of therapy.

BRONCHIAL HYGIENE THERAPY

• Introduces equipment and procedures used in bronchial hygiene therapy to patient is able to address patient concerns as to bronchial hygiene therapy equipment and procedures. 
• Familiar with the modalities of bronchial hygiene therapy including, CPT (percussion, vibration and postural drainage), PEP, directed cough and NT suctioning.
• Monitors patient compliance/tolerance of therapy. 

MEDICAL GAS ADMINISTRATION

• Introduces patient to the use of medical gases and is able to address any patient concerns regarding the use of medical gases.
• Familiar with the equipment and procedures used in the administration of medical gases: indications, adverse reactions, and the monitoring of medical gas use.
• Monitors patient while on oxygen therapy

MECHANICAL VENTILATION

• Familiar with the principles and practices of mechanical ventilation: modes, settings, adjustments for the adult, pediatric and neonate patient.
• Monitors the patient while on mechanical ventilation and performs parameters to assess the ability to wean the patient from mechanical ventilation.
• Is able to make suggestions, based on clinical findings, as to adjustments to the mechanical ventilator.

BiPAP/CPAP

• Familiar with the principles and practices of BiPAP/CPAP usage: settings and adjustments for adults and pediatrics.
• Introduces patient to equipment and is able to address any patient concerns regarding BiPAP/CPAP.
• Is able to make suggestions, based on clinical findings, as to adjustments to BiPAP/CPAP.

PULMONARY FUNCTION TESTING

• Is able to explain the procedure of performing a PFT to the patient and address any patient concerns regarding Pulmonary Function testing.
• Performs basic Pulmonary Function testing including: Spirometry, Lung Volume studies and DLCO studies.
• Calibrates and maintains instruments.
• Calls for technical assistance when problems are encountered that are beyond their ability to repair.

ARTERIAL BLOOD GAS PUNCTURE AND ANALYSIS

• After passing laboratory competency, is able to perform arterial blood gas puncture.
• Is able to explain the purpose and procedure of an arterial blood gas to a patient and to address any concerns expressed by the patient regarding an arterial puncture.
• Is able to interpret ABG results and make recommendations to the physician on those results.

ELECTROCARDIOGRAMS

• Explains purpose and procedure of test to patient and is any to address any patient concerns regarding EKG testing.
• Performs electrocardiograms observing proper technique and electrode placement.
• Performs corrective actions to obtain the best possible tracing.
• Able to interpret basic arrhythmias and takes appropriate actions when noted.

CARDIAC STRESS TESTING

• Is able to explain Cardiac Stress testing to the patient and to address any patient concerns regarding cardiac stress testing.
• Performs Cardiac Stress tests including: TMET, TMET-Nuclear, Adenosine, Lexiscan and Persantine. 
• Observes proper electrode placement.
• Demonstrates corrective actions to obtain the best possible tracing.
• Monitors the patient throughout the testing process. 

HOLTER MONITOR/EVENT MONITOR

• Is able to explain the purpose and use of an Event monitor or Holter monitor to a patient and address any concerns the patient may have regarding the device.  
• Properly sets up the device.

HOME SLEEP STUDIES

• Is able to explain the purpose and use of the home sleep study testing device to a patient and address any concerns the patient may have regarding the device.  
• Properly sets up the device.
• Able to score the home sleep study in preparation of interpretation by the sleep physician.

CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION

• Responds to all Code Blue events and takes responsibility for the airway.

PATIENT EDUCATION AND TEACHING

• Performs patient teaching as appropriate to disease state and patient cognitive ability.
• Participates in the discharge planning process.

OTHER DUTIES

• Seeks out needed information by staying informed and involved by attending meetings, reading memos, policies, meeting minutes, newsletters, email and other appropriate information in a timely manner.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality, including observing appropriate break times and extending a scheduled shift when necessary to meet patient demands
• Performs duties in a safe manner, in compliance with all safety policies and procedures
• Complies with the Code of Conduct and all appropriate policies and procedures
• Other duties, as assigned, that are relevant to the position and department

*DECH is an equal opportunity employer.

Requirements

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Current Respiratory Care Practitioners License, State of Maine.
• National Board for Respiratory Care Certified Respiratory Therapist, CRT, or
• Registered Respiratory Therapist, RRT.
• Graduate of a Commission on Respiratory Care Education accredited school for Respiratory Care (CoARC) with a CRT or RRT credential as recognized by the National Board of Respiratory Care.
• At least 2 years clinical experience preferred. Consideration will be given to new graduates.
• Current Basic Life Support and optional Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support certification.
• Extensive knowledge of cardiopulmonary physiology.
• Able to perform all therapeutic respiratory care procedures, use of adult, pediatric and Neonate mechanical ventilation, use of BiPAP/CPAP, and the performance of EKG’s, PFT’s, Cardiac Stress testing, and interpretation of basic cardiac arrhythmias.

PHYSICAL EFFORT AND ENVIRONMENT

Clinical: Frequently lifts up to 35 pounds independently. Frequently pushes/pulls 100 pounds using mechanical and other assistive devices. Walks, stands, kneels, bends most of the time. Exhibits fine motor skills and manual dexterity necessary to perform the essential job functions of the position. Visual acuity correctable to 20/20. Color vision is necessary. Normal hearing acuity.

EXPOSURE RISK

Exposure Category I: Employee at risk for exposure to blood borne pathogens.

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT

• Maintains current knowledge of the hospital-wide Quality Improvement Program.
• Collaborates with management to improve the effectiveness of the department through the Quality Improvement plans and processes.
• Participates in the departmental and hospital-wide Quality Improvement activities as directed by the manager.

COMPLIANCE

• Adheres to the federal, state, and local statutes and regulations.
• Adheres to the Compliance Program policies and procedures of Down East Community.
• Adheres to all Privacy and Security policies and procedures of Down East Community.
• Communicates any concern related to compliance issues to manager of department or Compliance Officer.
• Communicates any concern related to confidentiality issues to the Privacy Officer.