Respiratory Therapist

TITLE: LICENSED RESPIRATORY THERAPIST

DEPARTMENT: CARDIOPULMONARY SERVICES

REPORTS TO: DIRECTOR, CARDIOPULMONARY

Basic Purpose

The therapist functions under the supervision of the cardiopulmonary director and is responsible for basic cardiopulmonary care in the general patient care areas. Advanced patient care responsibilities and duties may also be assigned as deemed appropriate by the director.

Qualifications

• High school graduation or equivalent.
• Successful completion of CRT and must complete an AMA school of Respiratory Care.
• CPR certification.
• Current licensed Respiratory Care Technician in the state of WV.
  
  

Essential Functions

 Draws and analyzes arterial blood.

 Delivers aerosolized bronchodilator medications.

 Assesses pulmonary patient's condition.

 Performs various forms of physiologic testing.

 Sets up, operates and cleans mechanical ventilators.

 Delivers, sets up, operates and monitors oxygen delivery systems.

 Serves on hospital Code Blue team.

 Provides airway management.

 Provides EKG, and holter monitors..

Physical Requirements

 Must have ability to grasp, stoop, stand and walk throughout shift.

 Must be able to briskly climb multiple (1-5) flights of stairs in emergent situations.

 Visual acuity must be unimpaired.

 Hearing within normal range is required.

 Must be able to assist in patient movement/lifting; exerting up to 50 pounds or more.

Mental Requirements

 Must possess good reading and comprehension skills.

 Must respond to emergent situations in a calm, professional manner.

 Must possess effective verbal and/or written communication skills.

 Must possess basic math, algebra skills.

 Must understand and comprehend basic physics.

 must respond to changes in work volume/nature on a daily basis.

 Ability to prioritize tasks.

 Ability to work weekends/holidays and alternate shifts.

Environmental Conditions

(POTENTIAL FOR)

 Exposure to infectious pulmonary patients.

 Exposure to body fluids (blood, oral secretions).

 Exposure to aerosolized bronchodilator medications.

 Exposure to high stress situations (trauma, patients, codes).

 Infrequent exposure to radiation.

EQUIPMENT USED: This must be considered only a representative, partial list, since equipment changes may occur at any time.

Medication Nebulizers, Pressured Cycled/Volume Cycled Ventilators, EKG Machines, Holter Monitor Recorder and Analyzer, Computer Terminal, Oxygen Delivery Devices, Suction Equipment, Pulmonary/Cardiology Diagnostic Equipment, Blood Gas Sampling and Analysis Devices.

I. DOCUMENTATION

• Obtains patient consents per Department P/P manual.
• Completes the required patient electronic forms.
• Logs, copies and files all test results.
• Assures documentation of treatments administered on patient's flow chart.
• Documents necessary billing information, including procedures performed and
  
  

equipment utilized.

II. EDUCATION

• Instructs patient and/or family member regarding respiratory procedures per patient teaching standard.
• Pursues continuing education opportunities in compliance with national certification
  
  

requirements.

• Prepares and teaches in services within department, and serves as ongoing
  
  

resource for Cardiopulmonary practitioners.

III. SAFETY

• Complies with the following safety P/P:
• Side rails
• TB Precautions
• Fall Risk
• Cleans contaminated equipment and prepares for patient use per stands.
  
  

IV. COMMUNICATION

• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care
• Recognize level of pain/comfort and reports to RN.
• Coordinates all clinical activities, evaluates treatment priorities.
• Recognizes and meets the psychosocial and emotional needs of patient by
  
  

thoroughly explaining the planned procedure to facilitate cooperation and alleviate anxiety.

• Demonstrates respect for patients modesty by assuring that the patient remains properly clothed during procedure.
• Recognizes the patient=s level of comfort and any limitations which may be due to patient condition and makes appropriate accommodations in performance of procedures.
• Regularly performs basic nursing functions in regards to care of patient; monitors patient for changes in condition and initiates life support measures, if necessary.
• EQUIPMENT
• Pressure cycled/volume cycled ventilator
• Blood gas sampling and analyzing devices
• Oxygen delivery devices
• Suction equipment
• Medication nebulizers (SVN, MDI, etc.)
• Pulse Ox
• Pulmonary/Cardiology diagnostic equipment (EKG, PFT, Peak Flow, etc.)
• EKG machine
• Holter Monitor Recorder
• Telemetry
• Humidifier for Ventilator
• Computer terminal
• Bi-Pap/CPAP machines
  
  

VI. PROCEDURES

• Delivers bronchodilator medication according to Department P/P manual.
• Performs medical gas therapy according to Department P/P manual.
• Provides for immediate assessment of patient's physiological parameters by performing physical examination of the chest, and evaluating findings relative to patient's medical history and reporting to info to RN and/or Provider.
• Performs ventilator management, airway maintenance and arterial blood gas sampling and analysis according to Department P/P manual.
• Performs EKG's including evaluation of tracing quality per standard.
• Performs holter monitoring hook-up and does required paper work to send to Lab Corp
• Provides airway management.
• Ensures supplies are obtained for patient use and credited to appropriate central supply cart.
• Performs arterial puncture according to policy.