Respiratory Therapist (RT)

Provides continuous and intermittent ventilatory management and support, respiratory care therapeutic procedures and medical gas therapy for residents.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Administers aerosolized respiratory medications and chest percussion treatment as ordered. Accomplishes or documents in writing, all unaccomplished ordered respiratory treatments, therapies, diagnostic tests, and procedures in accordance with physician orders, policies, procedures, and/or organizations protocols.

Effectively demonstrates, establishes, and maintains clear patient airways relative to the patient's condition. Maintains proper oxygen titration levels of patients receiving ventilator support and in non-ventilator supported patients in respiratory distress. All in accordance with physician's orders, established policies, procedures and organizations protocols.

Ensures ventilators are properly set up, administered, and managed in accordance with manufacturer's specifications department's policies, procedures, and organizations protocols.

Maintains life support systems on respiratory impaired residents.

Assures the accuracy of all respiratory therapy equipment through calibrations, adjustments and troubleshooting equipment.

Demonstrates knowledge of residents on-going medical status and communicates accurately and completely during shift report.

Assists with plan of care.

Performs respiratory care therapeutic procedures:

• Completes assigned workload and consistently shares in various responsibilities of total resident care.
• Enlists the cooperation of the resident in all procedures as appropriate.

Performs special procedures, i.e. CPR, transports, tracheostomy tube changes:

• Initiates and/or assists with CPR when necessary.
• Provides adequate oxygenation and ventilation and maintains patient airway during transports.
• Performs tracheostomy tube changes and maintenance.

Rotates through and functions proficiently in all resident care areas:

• Accepts work assignment on any shift and in any area assigned.
• Acts as a resource person for new employees and students and assists coworkers with duties.
• Assists with meeting residents daily needs by assisting with baths, diaper changes and other activities as needed.

Acts in a supervisory role over Respiratory Care Practitioners and students, in the absence of the Director of Respiratory Care:

• Is available as a technical resource and troubleshooter on equipment related questions and problems.
• Is available as a clinical resource and assessor.

Acts as a liaison with all staff throughout the facility:

• Recognizes and reports any changes in clinical status, adverse reactions therapy or contraindications to treatment.
• Participates in facility committees and meetings as needed.

Maintains accurate medical and departmental records:

• Accurately and completely documents in medical records immediately after performing procedure.
• Labels all equipment circuitry when changed.
• Clearly labels malfunctioning equipment and notifies supervisory personnel

Maintains neat and clean resident care and work environment:

• Performs equipment changes, cleaning, disinfection and maintenance as required.
• Organizes and restocks supplies as needed.
• Follows infection control policies & procedures

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Valid Florida RRT License
• Valid Florida Drivers License
• CPR AED Certifications

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.
• The employee frequently is required to lift up to 35lbs, stand, and walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.

OTHER DUTIES

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

My signature below indicates I have received a copy of my job description and have read and understand the functions of this position and can perform the required duties and responsibilities as well as meet the physical demands of the job.

Print Name: ____ Signature: __ Date: ____