Summary:
Performs all modalities of respiratory therapy, including manipulative diagnostic, therapeutic procedures, and maintains records for patients with abnormal respiratory conditions, all in accordance with established procedures.
Qualifications: Administers, in accordance with standardized methods and safety practices, various therapy treatments such as therapeutic gases; humidification and aerosol therapy; breathing systems for monitoring environmental controls; breathing exercises, broncho-pulmonary drainage techniques to patients of all ages (neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, adult, geriatric).
Performs required diagnostic and therapeutic procedures using manual techniques or mechanical ventilators to adult, pediatric, and neonatal patients.
Administers medications, as prescribed by attending physician, appropriate for respiratory therapy treatment.
Charts all medications and treatments given; notates patient's reactions; maintains departmental patient's records of diagnostic or therapy treatments, medications and schedules.
Attends and participates in emergency (code) situations and participates in on-going in-service programs.
Monitors patients on mechanical ventilation daily (ICU, NICU) changes, ventilation tubing per departmental protocol, consults with attending physicians regarding change in procedures, equipment, medications or therapeutic cases.
Makes frequent rounds to monitor patients on oxygen therapy, documenting at least once per shift.
Assists physicians/nurses with intubation, blood drawing, and other procedures, as needed.
Transcribes physician orders to therapy forms; consults and advises physicians concerning available therapy modes.
Checks records, supplies and stock daily; maintains clean/sterile equipment; checks working conditions or equipment to insure safe usage.
May participate in the clinical instruction of new respiratory practitioners and respiratory students, as assigned.
Participates in the Risk Management and Infection Control programs of the department and Hospital.
Qualifications: Associates degree.
Bachelor's degree preferred IL Respiratory Therapist license is required CRT or RRT Certification Required CPR and ACLS required.
NRP preferred CRT or RRT certifications required