Respiratory Care Practitioner - Supplemental B NICU

Under general supervision, performs respiratory care related procedures in the NICU setting. Assesses patient condition, administers prescribed therapy and aerosolized medications, provides airway and ventilator management, performs respiratory related diagnostic tests, and records patient response to therapy modalities.

Education

Completion of an approved and accredited respiratory program

Experience

2 years of clinical practice experience under general medical direction in a level III NICU setting

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of respiratory therapy theory, practice and techniques Specific to the NICU setting
• Proficiency in using computers and a variety of personal productivity applications
• Proficiency in oral and written communication
• Proficiency in providing customer service
• Knowledge of laboratory and regulatory requirements relating to patient care
• Respiratory Care Staff have completed an accredited program in respiratory care and are licensed to practice respiratory care by the MD Board of Physician Quality Assurance.  Staff are deemed proficient in respiratory care procedures on initial orientation in all modalities, and are overseen by a team consisting of a Respiratory Care Senior Manager, RT Assistant Manager, Medical Director, Laboratory Director, and a Neonatology Division head

Licensures, Certifications

• Current Maryland license as a respiratory care practitioner
• Healthcare Provider (CPR Certification)
• Neonatal Resuscitation for NICU (NRP) respiratory care practitioners

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Assesses oxygenation and recommends/initiates, administers, evaluates, and documents response to oxygen therapy, medical gas therapies including Heliox, High flow oxygen therapy, Nitric Oxide (NICU)
• Assesses need for, recommends/initiates, administers and evaluates/documents response to inhaled medications by assessing response to inhaled medications, follows appropriate procedures and protocols for medication reconciliation and patient identification as guided by clinical practice, and records and communicated missed medications. Adheres to the Bronchodilator/Common Cannister protocol and progresses patients to MDI therapy. Scans all medications. Calls physician to obtain appropriate changes to medication orders
• Assesses need for, recommends/initiates, administers and evaluates/documents response to therapies directed toward secretion mobilization and airway clearance by performing endotracheal suctioning, assessing response to chest physiotherapy (cough and breathing retraining, PEP therapy, postural drainage and percussion) and expansion therapies (Incentive Spirometry)
• Performs safe and effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation, including airway management techniques. Maintains all airway management competencies including Endotracheal intubation.  Attends as assigned mock codes
• Assesses need for, recommends/initiates, sets-up/maintains and evaluates/documents response to mechanical ventilation, ventilator and weaning protocols, routine airway care, appropriate clinical alarm limits and documentation. Performs wake up and wean screens daily. Maintains Blood Gas Lab/C.A.P. standards for clinical laboratories
• Recommends, performs, and interprets diagnostic tests including FVC/NIF, portable spirometry, continuous pulse oximetry, overnight pulse oximetry, end-tidal CO2 monitoring per protocol and/or when ordered, transcutaneous monitoring in NICU,  and laboratory tests
• Instructs patient, family, and significant others in the rationale and methodology or respiratory care procedures to facilitate patient/family cooperation, understanding and efficacy of care, including reassessment of care. Documents daily patient education, re-evaluations.  Assesses prn medications for need
• Performs the following support activities: decontaminates and sets and up equipment, provides equipment and cylinders when requested, secures rental equipment appropriately, daily oxygen rounds, troubleshooting and appropriate labeling of malfunctioning equipment, communicates opportunity for rental equipment return
• When assigned to the NICU and is able to demonstrate competence, performs the following duties: neonatal resuscitation; sets up, manages, and troubleshoots high frequency oscillatory ventilation, neonatal mechanical ventilation and CPAP devices; Assesses, initiates/recommends, administers, and evaluates response to nebulized medications, administers surfactant, oxygen therapy, chest physiotherapy, endotracheal suctioning, arterial, capillary, and cord blood gases; Sets up and monitors ventilator humidificatio