Scope of Position

The registered respiratory therapist will assess the need for and provide all types of diagnostic and therapeutic Respiratory Therapy procedures throughout the medical complex for patients of all ages in accordance with Hospital and Department policies. These procedures will be provided as a result of a physician order, or in accordance with a department or hospital policy. The Respiratory Therapy Department works under the medical direction of the Medical Director of Respiratory Therapy, or his designee.

Position Summary

Assesses the need for, and provides all types of diagnostic and therapeutic respiratory care procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities

30% - Equipment

-assesses the need for ventilators, oxygen and aerosol equipment in accordance with department policies and protocols.

-communicates equipment needs to co-workers other members of the health care team as appropriate.

-sets up, operates, ventilators, oxygen and aerosol equipment in accordance with current clinical standards and department policies in an efficient manner.

-maintain all types of ventilators, oxygen and aerosol equipment in compliance with manufacturer guidelines and department guidelines.

-keeps up to date with the state of the art in respiratory therapy equipment.

-demonstrates cost-effective use of equipment and supplies.

-identifies opportunities for improvement in the use of equipment and supplies.

25% - Procedures

-assesses the need for all types of respiratory therapy procedures including hand-held nebulizer treatments, metered-dose inhaler treatments, incentive spirometry, postural drainage and percussion, and continuous positive airway pressure treatments in accordance with department policies and protocols.

-administers all types of respiratory therapy procedures in accordance with current clinical standards and department policies.

-communicates the need for changes in therapy to co-workers other members of the health care team as appropriate.

-keeps up to date with the state of the art respiratory therapy procedures.

-demonstrates compassion and sensitivity to patients, families, visitors and other staff while providing therapy.

-systematically organizes and prioritizes work to maximize productivity.

-identifies opportunities for improvement in patient care and departmental processes.

10% - Diagnostics

-performs bedside diagnostic procedures including pulmonary function testing, pulse oximetry, and capnometry in accordance with hospital and departmental policies.

-communicates the results to appropriate members of the health care team.

- recommends appropriate therapy or changes in therapy indicated by these tests, in accordance with hospital departmental policies and current clinical standards.

-demonstrates compassion and sensitivity to patients, families, visitors and other staff while performing tests.

10% - Whole blood analysis

-obtains arterial blood and performs whole blood analysis, including blood gas analysis in compliance with departmental and credentialing agency standards.

-recommend appropriate therapy or changes in therapy indicated by these tests.

-communicates results and therapy recommendations to other health care team members as appropriate.

-performs quality monitoring in accordance with departmental guidelines.

10% - Education

-assesses the need for and provides patient and family education with special attention to the unique needs and special situations of individual patients and family members

-documents the results in compliance with departmental and hospital policies.

-provides instruction and mentoring to staff and students as needed.

5% - Charge

-assumes responsibility for the over-all operations of the department as the charge therapist.

-assures compliance with all hospital and departmental policies.

-organizes workload of individual staff, and readjusts them as needed to insure quality patient care maximum productivity.

5% - Perform cardio-pulmonary resuscitation.

5% - Assess the need for, and assist in the arrangement of home oxygen and/or respiratory therapy equipment.

Organizational Expectations Practices within the Medical Center's policies and procedures. Adheres to the Intensive Caring Value statements as demonstrated through positive patient/guest relations, positive and effective interactions with staff, and formulating and meeting developmental goals.

Minimum Qualifications

For Hire: Graduate of a 2 or 4 year school of Respiratory Therapy approved by the Ohio Respiratory Care Board.

Successful completion of RRT examination offered by the National Board for Respiratory Care.