Registered Respiratory Therapist

POSITION SUMMARY

Under general supervision the RRT will perform all respiratory care related duties. Sets up and administers all routine and complex respiratory therapy procedures to patients of all ages in all areas of the hospital, as prescribed by a physician. Responsible for the application and operation of acute care ventilators used for continuous short and long-term mechanical ventilation of adults and pediatrics. Maintain all department and hospital records and enters accurate information into the hospital’s EHR for the therapy as given.

Position Summary Expanded:

Under the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana and Patient Protection Act, (“The Unity Bill”) this position is considered a “Safety-sensitive position. “Safety-sensitive” is defined to include “any job that includes tasks or duties that could affect the safety and health of the employee performing the task or others.” Employees working in “safety-sensitive” roles are subject to this exception and subject to disciplinary action in the event of a positive test for marijuana or its metabolites.

SUPERVISOR

Chief Clinical Officer (CCO)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each key function satisfactorily.
• Each category will be assessed on performance measurements of appropriateness, efficiency, effectiveness, and timeliness.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the key functions.

Job Functions

1) Oxygen Therapy; tank, tent, mask, cannula, walker, high flow, etc.

2) Coughing and deep breathing instruction and exercises and related maneuvers including Incentive Spirometry.

3) Aerosol Therapy; Bland and Medicated, Metered dose, Ambient, Ultrasonic, Sputum Induction

4) Comprehensive Pulmonary Function Testing, and nutritional assessment via calorimetry.

5) Chest Physical Therapy

6) CPAP, BiPAP Therapy

7) Airway maintenance, oral, nasal, and tracheal suctioning

8) Arterial puncture for the purpose of blood gas analysis, after proper certification

9) Non-invasive monitoring

10) Mechanical Ventilation of the neonate/infant

11) Continuous mechanical ventilation of acute and critically ill adults in ER, ICU-CCU & long-term setting

12) All other procedures as described in the P&P manual

13) Performs assessment of the patient, determining needs related to the frequency and duration of the treatment regime ordered by the MD. Request’s re-order when necessary and communicates with nurse and MD about discrepancies and concerns.

14) Initiates and follows through with protocols described in the policy and procedure manual and as approved by the department and medical staff.

15) Observes the response of the patients to therapy, evaluates and records in the patients’ record. Immediately reports adverse reactions following established mechanisms.

16) Maintains department master record, recording procedures performed, new starts and DCs in a timely manner, and noting reasons for any missed treatments. Maintains proper critical care records, (flow sheets, charts, and record cards.) Chart treatments and procedure accurate in the forms provided immediately upon completion. Enters appropriate information into the hospital computer system accurately and completely.

17) Participates in Multidisciplinary Care Planning by regularly attending care conferences and by keeping care plans up to date. Respond to emergent situations in the hospital and assists with providing CPR/ACLS as certified by the American Heart Association and as directed by the hospital procedure.

18) Makes oxygen rounds as necessary and appropriate, causing the safe and effective use of supplies and equipment. Provide for the titration of oxygen as described by Protocol.

19) Provides instruction to patients, family, staff, and students about theory, therapy, and equipment used in Respiratory Care procedures and techniques, and documents such as required. Provides instruction and referral for Home care patients and their families/care givers.

20) Demonstrates competence and provide for the cleaning, sterilization, assembly and maintenance of equipment and stocking of supplies in the department and the floors, as necessary and appropriate.

21) Provides complete report to on-coming personnel and takes a complete report from off-going personnel.

22) Will act as Team Lead in the absence of the regular Team Lead on a rotational basis as assigned, performing the duties and responsibilities described in that job description to the best of your ability.

23) Participates in annual clinical competency education.

24) Seek to improve performance by participating in self-development activities, in-services, and continuing education that is appropriate for the effective and efficient delivery of Respiratory Care. May be requested to prepare and provide in-service presentations to the staff.

25) Assists in the orientation of new nursing and RC personnel to the department, ICU/CCU, ER, Nursery, hospital and Skilled Nursing settings.

26) Provides developmentally appropriate care to support patients of all ages during their hospitalization. Demonstrates competence in the care of neonatal, pediatric, adult or frail elderly groups of patients (when/if assigned to these patients) relative to determining each patient’s age-related and other physical, psychosocial and cultural needs and carrying out patient care activities.

27) Become proficient in and provide quality control and regular maintenance of the Blood Gas and CoOx machines as necessary and assigned.

28) Performs other duties requested by the Manager, and/or Team Leader and as described in the departments policy and procedure manual.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Seek out external resources through conferences, workshops, etc. as necessary.
• Share professional knowledge with hospital staff, board members, and administrator.
• Comply with HIPAA regulatory requirements.
• Adhere to the hospital’s philosophy, mission, and policies and procedures.
• Support the hospital’s goals and objectives.
• Maintains a good attendance record and follows all hospital rules, policies and procedures.
• Maintains open and effective communications with patients and their nurses, physicians, peers, supervisors, and students. Establishes and maintains excellent interdepartmental and interpersonal relationships.
• Attends departmental meetings and in-services to stay current with the developments of the department and hospital.
• Observes that proper safety measures are enforced in the techniques used on patients receiving therapy. Maintains high safety standards in the hospital.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 1-year adult critical care preferred.
• ACLS, BLS and PALS required upon hire
• Demonstrates initiative, ability to work with others, and professional judgement.
• Previous clinical Respiratory Care experience in a hospital of comparable size preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, assessment/action, airway management/ intubation, arterial puncture and ventilator management skills preferred.
• Nightshift availability

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Knowledge of theory, principles, techniques, and practice of professional respiratory; of scientific principles and nursing research; of preparation, administration, and action of medications; of treatments and medical procedures; of counseling and teaching techniques; of medical equipment as it relates to patient care.
• Graduate of a recognized COARC or JRCRTE/AMA Respiratory Care Educational Program.
• Approved 2 year (AA degree) Respiratory Therapy program, preferred.
• **Required educational levels call for proof at time of hire.
• 2 years previous hospital experience preferred.
• Emergency Room experience preferred.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION

• Current Oklahoma RCP License or written permission to practice required. Must have immediate access to license while on duty.
• Actively registered with the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) required.
• Current BLS, ACLS, PALS required.
• Membership in AARC and/or CSRC preferred
• *Proof of all required License(s) and Certification(s) is due at time of hire.

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