Respiratory Therapist

Job Purpose:

Assessing and interpreting evaluations and test results; determining respiratory therapy treatment plans in consultation with physicians and by prescription.

Job Responsibilities:

• Meets patients goals and needs and provides quality care by conducting pulmonary function tests; assessing and interpreting evaluations and test results; determining respiratory therapy treatment plans in consultation with physicians and by prescription.
• Helps patient accomplish treatment plan and supports life by administering inhalants; operating mechanical ventilatorstherapeutic gas administration apparatusenvironmental control systemsand aerosol generators.
• Administers respiratory therapy treatments by performing bronchopulmonary drainage; assisting with breathing exercises; monitoring physiological responses to therapysuch as vital signsarterial blood gasesand blood chemistry changes; directing treatments given by aidestechnicians and assistants.
• Evaluates effects of respiratory therapy treatment plan by observingnotingand evaluating patients progress; recommending adjustments and modifications.
• Completes discharge planning by consulting with physiciansnursessocial workersand other health care workers; contributing to patient care conferences.
• Assures continuation of therapeutic plan following discharge by designing home exercise programs; instructing patientsfamiliesand caregivers in home exercise programs; recommending and/or providing assistive equipment; recommending outpatient or home health follow-up programs.
• Documents patient care services by charting in patient and department records.
• Maintains patient confidence and protects hospital operations by keeping information confidential.
• Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with proceduresrulesand regulations.
• Protects patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.
• Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintece requirements; following manufacturers instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
• Develops respiratory therapy staff by providing information; developing and conducting in-service training programs.
• Complies with federalstateand local legal and certification requirements by studying existing and new legislation; anticipating future legislation; enforcing adherence to requirements; advising management on needed actions.
• Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.

Candidate Requirements:

• Able to work accurately and with minimal supervision.
• Ability to comprehend written instructions given by the related departmental personnel.
• Ability to plan & organize ones work schedule effectively.
• Speaking and listening are essential requirements to understand and carry out the instructions given by the supervisors and other related departmental personnel.
• Affinity to work in team.

Enthusiasm.