RRT/CRT Respiratory Care Practitioner

Description

JOB SUMMARY AND SCOPE

Full time with Call responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Cardiopulmonary Services Director and Medical Director, the respiratory therapist provides quality respiratory care services to patients of all age groups, inpatient and outpatient. Therapy services and testing are performed within the scope of practice of the Cardiopulmonary Services department and within the licensure guidelines as defined by the State of Maine. The respiratory therapist attends in-service training and continuing education activities as it applies to their job description and to enhance their skills and abilities. 

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 t