Respiratory Therapist

PRN, Night Shift

$36-42/hr + NOC Shift Differential

SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Respiratory Therapy Supervisor the Respiratory Therapist delivers direct respiratory care to subacute care patients as assigned.  The therapist plans, implements and evaluates the effectiveness of respiratory care provided at the Children’s Recovery Center .  The Respiratory Therapist acts as resource person to other therapists, nurses and physicians regarding the respiratory care of patients in their assigned area.  Participates in clinical in-service education and training concerning respiratory care policies and procedures.
 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential function listed below:

• Provides direct patient care respiratory services as assigned.
• Coordinates and monitors patient care according to departmental policies and procedures.
• Sets up, adjusts and manages patients on continuous mechanical ventilation which includes maintenance of airway patency, auctioning, stabilizing trach tubes, monitoring cuff pressures, etc. ensuring ventilators are delivering proper volume, mode of ventilation, pressures, respiratory rates and oxygen concentration.  When indicated, weans patients from continuous ventilation according to established procedures.
• Documents all therapeutic and diagnostic activities and results in the patient’s medical record including but not limited to: date, time and duration of therapy medications administered, power source, supplemental O2 (if any), heart and respiratory rate, breath sounds, description of sputum production and cough, complications or adverse effects (if any) response to therapy and general observations.
• Assesses the appropriateness of respiratory care ordered and discusses variances with primary physician when necessary.
• Formulates an appropriate Respiratory Care plan based upon patient assessment.
• Monitors and identifies problem regarding quality assurance.
• Communicate effectively with all physicians utilizing respiratory care services in clinical area.
• Participates in patient rounds in designated clinical area and serves as respiratory care resource person to other members of the health-care team.  Communicates changes in the respiratory care plan with other healthcare team members.
• Explains treatment procedures to patients and/or family members to allay fears and elicit cooperation and ensures patient education regarding the pulmonary system.
• Participates in meetings and conferences designated to expedite and improve delivery of respiratory care.
• Proposes, develops, and helps implement techniques, methodology, and treatment modalities related to respiratory care.  Assists in develop