ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Organizes work schedule and assignments for Respiratory Therapy staff and schedules respiratory care for inpatients as ordered.
• Takes verbal orders from physicians regarding respiratory therapy treatment.
• Consults with physician in event of adverse reactions.
• Delivers CPT and breathing exercises.
• Inspects the Respiratory Therapy work area regularly for compliance with established standards and takes corrective action when violations occur and reports findings to the Director of Clinical Services.
• Assists in the recruitment, orientation and training of the Respiratory Therapy staff.
• Provides input in the evaluation of the Respiratory Therapy staff’s job performance.
• Demonstrates respiratory care procedures to trainees and other health care personnel.
• Performs sputum induction, NT suction, end tracheal suction, tracheotomy care, and monitors patients on continuous ventilation as prescribed by physicians orders according to established procedures.
• Performs pre and post analytical phases of the I-STAT blood gas procedures.
• Reads prescription, measures arterial blood gases, and reviews patient information to assess patient condition and determine requirements for treatment, such as type and duration of therapy, and medication and dosages.
• Determines most suitable method of administering inhalants, precautions to be observed, and modifications which may be needed that will be compatible with physician’s orders.
• Sets up and operates devices, such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration per apparatus, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators.
• Operates equipment to ensure specified parameters of treatment, such as volume, gas concentration, humidity, and temperature, and to administer medicinal gases and aerosol drugs to patients.
• Monitors patient’s physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes.
• Performs pulmonary function tests to be used by physician in diagnosis of case.
• Observes equipment function and adjusts equipment to obtain optimum results to therapy.
• Inspects, tests, and cleans respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently.
• Orders repairs when needed.
• Maintains proper working order of I-STAT machine by performing QC as required and reporting all errors or failures to supervisor.
• Assists with QA on I-STAT laboratory and ensures proper training to staff annually.
• Maintains laboratory proficiency testing.
• Maintains AW on I-STAT lab and ensures proper training of staff annually.
• Monitors and reports all discrepancies to I-STAT log to Director of Clinical Services.
• Reads prescription, measures arterial blood gases, and reviews patient information to assess patient condition and determine requirements for treatment, such as type and duration of therapy, and medication and dosages.
• Acts in conjunction with clinical supervisors to provide technical and clinical consultation to physicians, nurses, students, and Respiratory Therapy staff.
• Demonstrates respiratory care procedures to trainees and other health care personnel.
• Maintains patient’s chart that contains pertinent identification and therapy information.
• Assists in transport of critically ill patients for diagnostic testing.

EDUCATION:

Graduate of an American Medical Association approved Respiratory Therapist Program and CRT/RRT credentialed by the National Board of Respiratory Care.

EXPERIENCE:

Minimum of two (3) years experience preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds occasionally, 20 pounds frequently and 10 pounds constantly.
• Must be able to walk and stand 80% of the shift.
• Must possess dexterity of arms, hands, and fingers bilaterally.
• Must be able to work with hands for up to 12 hours a day.
• Must be able to push/pull carts weighing up to 200 pounds.
• Must possess sight/hearing senses or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately so the requirements of this position can be fully met.

Manages the operation of the Respiratory Therapy Department and Point of Care Testing Lab according to the hospital and departmental policies and procedures, CAPS, CLIA, and JCAHO standards providing care to the adult and geriatric patient. Coordinates the development and organization of the work schedule for respiratory personnel. Administers respiratory therapy care and life support to patients with deficiencies and abnormalities of cardiopulmonary system, under supervision of physician and by prescription.