Respiratory Therapist

Job Summary

Monitors and ensures proper operation and functioning of respiratory therapy equipment. Monitors patients physiological parameters during therapy. Administers medical gases and aerosolized drugs.

Essential Responsibilities

• Initiates therapy under a Physicians order, and makes appropriate recommendations for modalities of Therapy.
• Implements therapy for, and monitors patients while on continuous mechanical ventilators and all modes of positive pressure breathing devices. Utilizes clinical and other data to assess cardiopulmonary status of patients. Assists in intubation. Provides bedside spirometry. Evaluates ventilator dependent patients readiness to wean.
• Administers humidified medical gases as ordered by practitioners with authority to prescribe.
• Interprets blood gas results. Consults attending physician/practitioner regarding appropriate therapy. Performs arterial punctures. Withdraws blood samples from indwelling lines.
• Provides ventilatory support during special procedures. Coordinates transport of ventilatory equipment.
• Implements and monitors care of patients on heated aerosols and CPAP as per practitioner order.
• Develops good working relationships with laboratory, x-ray, infection control, nursing, physicians and other healthcare workers to maintain optimum total patient care.
• Cleans and maintains all respiratory therapy equipment. Assists in maintaining adequate inventory of respiratory supplies. Conducts quality control tests on all respiratory equipment. Maintains equipment in safe, workable order; Requests repair when necessary.
• Participates in continuous quality improvement teams as required.
• Monitors esophageal pressures, swan ganz catheter data, CVP, arterial blood pressures, electrolytes, fluid balance and intravascular volumes as they pertain to respiratory patients.
• Performs chest physiotherapy, manual ventilation and suctioning. Positions patients to facilitate respiration.
• Performs tracheostomy care and mouth care on intubated/trached patients. Changes tracheostomy tube as ordered.
• Performs electroencephalogram as ordered. This includes taking measurements of the head, placement of electrodes, acquisition of data, monitoring of vital signs.
• Performs polysomnography as ordered for sleep studies.
• Documents pertinent information in medical record. Documents care provided in medical record.
• Monitors disease processes, arterial and venous catheter placement and endotracheal tube placement via chest x-ray.
• Communicates pertinent patient information to physicians, practitioners and nurses as appropriate.
• Participates in patient rounds with Pulmonologist/Intensivist/Neonatologist. Responds to and participates in Code Blue as part of Code team/RRT Team.
• Able to instruct patient and family on disease processes and treatments provided by Respiratory Therapy in accordance with the hospital patient/family education policies and procedures. Assumes on-call status as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.