Respiratory Therapist

Job Description

Job Description

JOB TITLE: Respiratory Therapist DEPARTMENT: Respiratory Therapy

FLSA: Hourly

JOB RELATIONSHIPS:

Responsible to: Respiratory Therapy Department

Responsible for: Does not supervise other employees

Interrelationships: Works cooperatively with all hospital departments,

Medical Staff and the public.

JOB SUMMARY:

Respiratory Therapist is responsible for the assessment, treatment and care of patients with breathing disorders. Patients range from infants to the elderly. He/She will assume primary responsibilities for all respiratory care modalities in accordance with hospital policies and procedures. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures according to the physician’s orders. Maintain patient records, and select, assemble, check, troubleshoot, and operate respiratory equipment. The respiratory therapist will have effective communication with physicians, patients, caregivers and other staff members and will report directly to the director of respiratory. The respiratory therapist will provide services in accordance with the State Practice Act.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience: Previous supervisory experience preferred

Education: Must be a graduate of an accredited R.T. program

Req. Cert./ Current license in the state of Kansas as a Registered Respiratory

Registration: Therapist or Certified Respiratory Therapist.

American Heart CPR certified

ACLS certified

NRP certified

Knowledge and skills required:

• ABG puncture and Analysis
• Medical Aerosol Therapies, Bronchial Hygiene Therapies, Lung Expansion Therapies
• Basic Spirometers
• Sleep Studies
• Routine Oxygen Delivery, Devices and Oximetry
• Hemodynamic Monitoring
• Airway Management, Suctioning
• Ventilator Management

JOB DUTIES (This list may not include all of the duties assigned.)

1. Assure delivery of quality R.T. services for inpatients and outpatients.

1. Set up equipment and medications and administer treatments as ordered.

1. Performs Sleep Studies

1. Performs basic Spirometry

1. Performs arterial blood gas punctures and analysis

1. Responds to all Code Blue emergencies

1. Performs airway maintenance including: proper use of manual resuscitators, oral and nasal pharyngeal airway insertion, and airway suctioning.

1. Maintains mechanical ventilation in emergency situations

1. Recognize medical problems with patients and notify physician

1. Maintains equipment in proper work order and adapts the equipment to meet the needs of the patient.

1. Instructs assistants in treatment procedures, and provides them with supervision while they are working with their patients.

1. Communicates with Physicians, other department staff, patients and family members regarding patient progress, problems and plan.

1. Documents the treatment in concise format in accordance with Standards of Practice.

1. Instructs the patient, family members or other caregivers in therapeutic procedures and/or exercises to be continued upon discharge.

1. Assists in the referral process when additional services are required.

1. Possess interpersonal skilled needed to function in a “team setting”

1. Creates a positive, supportive working atmosphere.

1. Works in harmony with assigned co-workers and other department staff.

1. Demonstrates the ability to accept and implement change.

1. Displays self-respect and pride in the institution.

1. Maintains and promotes a positive attitude.

1. Demonstrates kindness, courteousness, and sensitivity to patients, families, physicians, co-workers and visitors at all times.

1. Maintains confidentiality as defined by hospital policy.

1. Adheres to hospital Policy and Procedures.

1. Performs quality work in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

1. Produces a high volume of assigned work.

1. Demonstrates flexibility, initiative, and ingenuity in performing job tasks.

1. Will assume duties of the Respiratory Director if the Director is unable to work or is absent for a prolonged amount of time. Will assume duties until the Director is able to return to work.