Respiratory Care Practitioner - (FT), Respiratory Care, Rotating Shifts
Sets up and operates various types of oxygen and other therapeutic equipment. Administers prescribed doses of medicinal gases and aerosolized drugs.
Responsibilities: A listing of the key responsibilities
Responsibilities: A listing of the key responsibilities
- Reviews existing data in patient record. Collects and evaluates additional pertinent clinical information by inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation and patient interview.
- Inspects chest x-ray to determine presence of or changes in consolidation, atelectasis, pneumothorax, opacification, position of tracheal tube and other conditions.
- Recommends respiratory care alternatives to meet patient care objectives. Recommends the collection of additional pertinent data through chest x-ray, blood gas analysis, pulmonary function studies, and other laboratory tests.
- Performs and evaluates bedside spirometry, pulmonary mechanics and pulmonary function studies. Determines appropriateness of prescribed therapy and goals for identified pathophysiological state.
- Selects, assembles and checks the equipment for proper function, operation and cleanliness, including correction of malfunctions. Performs procedures for disinfection and sterilization.
- Conducts prescribed therapeutic procedures to achieve maintenance of a patient airway, including maintenance of adequate humidification, use of appropriate oro- nasopharyngeal airways, and changing of tracheostomy tubes. Explains planned therapy and goals to patient.
- Conducts prescribed therapeutic procedures to achieve removal of bronchopulmonary secretions, and administers prescribed pharmacologic agents.
- Conducts prescribed therapeutic procedures to achieve adequate spontaneous and artificial ventilation.
- Conducts prescribed therapeutic procedures to achieve adequate oxygenation including adjustment of oxygen concentration, adjustment of PEEP/CPAP, and prevention of "iatrogenic" hypoxemia.
- Evaluates and monitors patient's response to respiratory therapy. Modifies treatment techniques based on patient response to IPPB, incentive breathing devices, aerosol therapy, oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation.
- Initiates, conducts and modifies respiratory therapy techniques in an emergency setting, including CPR, monitoring and patient transport.
- Records therapy and results as required by hospital policy and regulating agencies; communicates information to appropriate members of health care team.
- May assist physician performing bronchoscopy, tracheostomy, and invasive monitoring.
- Develops education and training programs, and conducting of in-service training for departmental and non-departmental staff.
- Performs other duties as required or assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
- None
Required Licensure/Certification Skills:
Must be licensed in NH as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)