Position Title

SW KC Mkt Respiratory Therapist RRT, 0.6 FTE 24 hours a week

Varies

Paola Hospital

Position Summary / Career Interest:

The Registered Respiratory Therapist performs respiratory care interventions in accordance with the standards established by the American Association of Respiratory Care Clinical Practice Guidelines and OMC Respiratory Care Policy. Under the supervision of the Director/Supervisor and upon a physician's order, the Registered Respiratory Therapist assesses the cardiopulmonary status of patients of all ages (neonate through geriatric) and provides various types of respiratory diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, based on individual patient needs. An integral function of this position is providing patient education to enhance wellness.

Responsibilities and Essential Job Functions

• Demonstrates proficiency in administration of physician-prescribed aerosol medication therapy, oxygen therapy and appropriate airway humidity therapy.  Verifies accuracy of order prior to beginning therapy.  Introduces self, greets client in a friendly, courteous manner and explains the purpose of ordered therapy in a professional manner.  Performs initial and follow-up assessments pertaining to respiratory care with skill.  Evaluates client's response to prescribed therapy in an on-going manner and communicates information, as needed, to medical staff.  Administers therapy and interacts with patient in a manner that meets the needs of clients of all ages—child to geriatric.  Demonstrates expertise in selecting and/or adapting equipment that is appropriate for patient's age. Documents pertinent information concisely and systematically after each therapeutic  intervention.  Utilizes MCMC Oxygen Therapy Protocol (when appropriate) to optimally assess oxygen needs.  Demonstrates knowledge and ability to appropriately utilize most current and sophisticated aerosol delivery devices.
• Demonstrates proficiency in care and management of patients receiving mechanical ventilation.
• Demonstrates proficiency in use of MCMC Ventilator, when applicable, to select most appropriate ventilator settings to optimize patient's care.  Demonstrates proficiency in establishing, maintaining and caring for a patent airway in patients with and without artificial airways.  Checks and maintains optimal cuff pressures in accordance with departmental policy.  Secures artificial airways with skill and optimal skin care techniques, in both pediatric and adult population.  Assesses for skin breakdown and relocates endotracheal tube on a regular basis.   Suctions endobronchial secretions on an as-needed basis with expertise and efforts to maximize patient safety and comfort.  Makes every effort to optimize communication between self and ventilator patient (and/or family and visitors).   Takes time to explain interventions in an empathetic, caring manner that is specific to patient's level of cognition.
• Demonstrates proficiency in performing electrocardiograms and assessment of basic rhythms and serious arrhythmias.
• Demonstrates proficiency in performing ECG's to obtain the most accurate results possible.
• Processes ECG results in accordance with Departmental policy.
• Demonstrates respect for patient's privacy when performing ECG procedure.  Interacts with patient and family members in courteous, professional manner.
• Maintains proficiency in recognition of normal cardiac rhythm and basic and/or serious arrhythmias.  Intervenes appropriately by communicating with medical staff of results requiring immediate attention.
• Demonstrates proficiency in instructing and performing therapies with the goal of mobilizing respiratory secretions and improving spontaneous ventilatory efforts.  Proficiency required in the following: nasotracheal suctioning, expiratory resistance/oscillation (i.e. EzPAP), endotracheal suctioning, chest physical therapy,incentive spirometry.
• Performs initial and follow-up assessments pertaining to respiratory care with skill.  Physician(s) agrees with assessment and recommended plan of care and/or recommended change(s) in plan of care.
• Evaluates client's response to prescribed therapy in an on-going manner and communicates information, as needed, to medical staff.  Demonstrates expertise in selecting and/or adapting equipment that is appropriate for patient's age - neonate to geriatric.
• Consistently incorporates patient education regarding common lung diseases, prescribed medications and plan of care into routine patient care and treatment.  Makes every effort to optimize communication between self and patient (and/or family and visitors).  Takes time to explain interventions in an empathetic, caring manner that is specific to patient's level of cognition.
• Demonstrates proficiency in care and