Respiratory Therapist

Overview

Provides bedside respiratory care to patients as assigned by supervisors and given on the physician's written order for both in house and out patient care.

Responsibilities

• Completes patient assessments, formulates plan of care, oversees implementation of plan of care, evaluate and adjust plan of care utilizing critical thinking skills
• The performance of other nursing acts which are authorized or limited by the board, and which are consistent either with American Nursing’s Association Standards of Practice or with Standards of Practice established by nationally accepted organizations of registered nurses.
• Care, counsel health teaching and promotion, utilizes Teach Back methodology as affirmation of comprehension
• The administration of medication, intravenous therapy and treatment as prescribed by a LIP
• Supervision, delegation and follow-through to other personnel in the performance of activities relating to nursing care.
• Mentors and precepts students and orient new staff as assigned
• Reports up chain of command Clinical Nurse Manager/Nurse Manager/House Nurse Coordinator pertinent information
• Participates on various teams, committees or performance improvement initiatives
• Ensures a safe and secure environment for patients, coworkers and self
• Participates in Discharge Planning and Transition of Care (able to define pt needs)
• Serves as a patient advocate and escalates patient related concerns timely
• Timely documents pertinent findings in medical record
• Assist patients in performing activities of daily living and functions as an active team member
• Assumes responsibility for personnel professional development
• Utilizes effective communication skills and active listening, exhibits compassionate and empathetic attitude
• Practices Hands Off communication utilizing SBAR; Performs Bedside Shift reporting utilizing SBAR (unless contradicted)
• Functions as a positive influence, role model and adheres to professional code of conduct
• Respects dignity and confidentiality of all matters relating to patients
• Refer to Special Addendum and Staff Nurse Position Description
• Performs other job duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Must be a graduate of an approved school of respiratory care.

Licenses & Certifications

• Must be registered, or registry eligible, certified or certified eligible.

• Must possess current state license.

• CPR certification.

• ACLS certification.

• PALS certification (optional).

• NALS certification (optional).

Required Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• ACLS provider.

• CPR provider.

• PALS/NALS provider (optional).

Required Regulations

• Required to comply with OSHA regulations for the N95 respirator training and fit testing.

• Adhere to infection control policies and guidelines appropriate for their work area.

• Hand hygiene and PPE (job applicable) followed when appropriate.