Certified/Register Respiratory Tech-PRN

Description

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Consistently able to complete all required therapy without sacrificing quality of care provided.
• Responds to changes in work schedules, is able to adapt to changing situations and accept work that needs completing.
• Reports any incomplete work assignments so as to provide continuity of care.
• Checks and verifies physician order prior to initiation of therapy.
• Properly identifies the patient as per hospital policy.
• Performs ordered modality and monitors the patient throughout for signs of adverse reactions.
• Makes reassessment of the patient post therapy.
• Documents all therapy as per department policy.
• Follows standard precautions and adheres to posted cautions in all clinical situations. 

BRONCHODILATOR THERAPY/MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION

• Introduces equipment to the patient that delivers aerosolized medications and is able to address patient concerns specific to the use of that equipment and/or medication.
• Is familiar with all medications designed to be delivered via the respiratory tract including, mode of action, age specific dosages, adverse reactions, side effects and outcomes.
• Monitors vital signs during and after medication administration.

VOLUME EXPANSION THERAPY

• Introduces patient to equipment and is able to address patient concerns specific to that equipment.
• Familiar with modalities of volume expansion therapy including: IPPB. PEP, Incentive Spirometry and deep breathing exercises.
• Monitors patient compliance/tolerance of therapy.

BRONCHIAL HYGIENE THERAPY

• Introduces equipment and procedures used in bronchial hygiene therapy to patient is able to address patient concerns as to bronchial hygiene therapy equipment and procedures. 
• Familiar with the modalities of bronchial hygiene therapy including, CPT (percussion, vibration and postural drainage), PEP, directed cough and NT suctioning.
• Monitors patient compliance/tolerance of therapy. 

MEDICAL GAS ADMINISTRATION

• Introduces patient to the use of medical gases and is able to address any patient concerns regarding the use of medical gases.
• Familiar with the equipment and procedures used in the administration of medical gases: indications, adverse reactions, and the monitoring of medical gas use.
• Monitors patient while on oxygen therapy

MECHANICAL VENTILATION

• Familiar with the principles and practices of mechanical ventilation: modes, settings, adjustments for the adult, pediatric and neonate patient.
• Monitors the patient while on mechanical ventilation and performs parameters to assess the ability to wean the patient from mechanical ventilation.
• Is able to make suggestions, based on clinical findings, as to adjustments to the mechanical ventilator.

BiPAP/CPAP

• Familiar with the principles and practices of BiPAP/CPAP usage: settings and adjustments for adults and pediatrics.
• Introduces patient to equipment and is able to address any patient concerns regarding BiPAP/CPAP.
• Is able to make suggestions, based on clinical findings, as to adjustments to BiPAP/CPAP.

PULMONARY FUNCTION TESTING

• Is able to explain the procedure of performing a PFT to the patient and address any patient concerns regarding Pulmonary Function testing.
• Performs basic Pulmonary Function testing including: Spirometry, Lung Volume studies and DLCO studies.
• Calibrates and maintains instruments.
• Calls for technical assistance when problems are encountered that are beyond their ability to repair.

ARTERIAL BLOOD GAS PUNCTURE AND ANALYSIS

• After passing laboratory competency, is able to perform arterial blood gas puncture.
• Is able to explain the purpose and procedure of an arterial blood gas to a patient and to address any concerns expressed by the patient regarding an arterial puncture.
• Is able to interpret ABG results and make recommendations to the physician on those results.

ELECTROCARDIOGRAMS

• Explains purpose and procedure of test to patient and is any to address any patient concerns regarding EKG testing.
• Performs electrocardiograms observing proper technique and electrode placement.
• Performs corrective actions to obtain the best possible tracing.
• Able to interpret basic arrhythmias and takes appropriate actions when noted.

CARDIAC STRESS TESTING

• Is able to explain Cardiac Stress testing to the patient and to address any patient concerns regarding cardiac stress testing.
• Performs Cardiac Stress tests including: TMET, TMET-Nuclear, Adenosine, Lexiscan and Persantine. 
• Observ