Respiratory Therapist

About This Role

This role is responsible for administering and managing all forms of respiratory care in accordance with physician orders and current clinical standards. The Respiratory Therapist functions as a workgroup leader and unit coordinator, administering and recommending care per protocol for the assigned unit.

Responsibilities

• Act as Care Coordinator for the assigned unit
• Develop, administer, evaluate and modify Respiratory Patient Care Plans in the acute care setting, using evidence-based medicine, protocols and clinical practice guidelines by communicating, collaborating and coordinating with physicians, nurses and other clinicians
• Demonstrate competency in invasive and non-invasive critical procedures and equipment
• Serve as a respiratory consultant to all hospital service lines
• Attend daily patient rounds
• Demonstrate knowledge of respiratory medications and pharmacologic interactions
• Cite AARC guidelines and remain current in the field of Respiratory Care
• Demonstrate knowledge of clinical chemistries to include ABGs and electrolytes and assist others in the application of results
• Be a member of the Rapid Response and Resuscitation Teams and skillfully establish and maintain artificial airways in emergencies
• Be competent in use and quality control for all point of care analyzers
• Participate and facilitate quality improvement projects
• Facilitate patient discharge to home and provide patient and family education
• Provide clinical assistance in the orientation of new employees and students on clinical rotation
• Provide education to all clinical team members to include physicians and nurses at the bedside and informal classroom setting
• Maintain Basic and Advanced certifications as appropriate to assigned areas such as BLS, ACLS, FCCS, PALS, and NRP
• Participate in clinical trials and research activities
• Demonstrate the ability to resolve difficult situations with finesse and skill
• Prioritize and triage delivery of care during times of high acuity
• Demonstrate good oral and written communication skills and assure all documentation is accurate, legible and in accordance with hospital policy
• Be skilled in Patient Family-Centered Care
• Use hospital information systems skillfully and comply with security policies
• Follow proper handoff procedure for all transferred patients to assure coordination of care
• Process all associated clinical equipment and devices to industry standards and perform routine and basic maintenance with associated documentation
• Participate in patient transports both in and outside the hospital
• Conform and champion infection prevention measures