Job Summary:

Responsible for the drawing and analysis of arterial blood gases, patient assessments, Therapist Driven Protocols, continuous mechanical ventilator management, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, bronchial hygiene, chest physical therapy, oxygen administration, hyperinflation therapy, aerosol therapy, and screening Pulmonary function studies, performance of emergency procedures, CPR certification, teamwork, pulse oximetry, cleaning and changing equipment (and if applicable charge duties- to include work distribution prioritizing workload for staff, presentation of one topic per year to the Respiratory Therapy staff), maintaining a keen interest in latest trends for the profession. Performs documentation for all activities as outlined for charge on documentation policy/procedure to include EMR, Cardex and treatment cards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Supports and promotes the mission and values of Covenant Health Ministry.
• All respiratory therapy treatments are documented and charged in the electronic medical record (EMR) using the charge on documentation system.
• Notes include breath sounds, cough effectiveness, sputum production, time given, mode of delivery, medication, dosage, toleration, adverse reactions, O2 therapy, and O2 Saturation.
• Initial note includes thorough assessment and proper initiation of therapist driven protocol(s) which encompass frequency and duration of therapeutic regimen.
• Follows therapeutic goals outlined through Therapist Driven Protocol (TDP).
• Paperwork completed for oncoming shift- ensuring Cardex and treatment cards being thoroughly completed.
• Clearly and accurately completes extended therapy sheets utilized for EMR downtime, special procedure forms utilized for all patient care areas.
• Order derived from TDP is entered/updated in EMR.
• Patient/family education is documented in EMR.
• Updraft Nebulizer Therapy/Metered Dose Inhaler/IPPB/USN
• Therapy performed as ordered and/or as revised per TDP (i.e. frequency, dosage, and time).
• UDN and MDI determined as appropriate for patient or interaction with MD has generated appropriate therapy.
• Changes in therapy are pursued and transcribed per TDP.
• Patient is closely monitored for adverse reactions/effects.  Any adverse reactions are entered into occurrence reporting tool and are communicated to the appropriate MD and manager.
• Interaction with MD has generated appropriate therapy.
• Incentive Spirometry
• Patient Volumes and effort are recorded in EMR.
• Goals adjusted to achieve maximum patient effort.
• ABG Analysis and Oximetry
• ABG obtained without causing unnecessary trauma to the patient.
• Blood Gas controls properly run and analyzed.  Any necessary action taken is recorded in corrective action log.
• Pulse oximetry results are closely monitored and documented properly.  Provides recommendations to physicians for appropriate use of pulse oximetry.
• Overnight Saturation studies are initiated, and reports generated before end of shift.
• Nursery & Pediatric Procedures
• Able to utilize designated mechanical ventilator in infant mode.
• Provides patient/family education when appropriate.
• Oxygen rounds done accurately with room to room checks and are completed no later than the middle of the shift.
• Oxygen therapy initiated in accordance with TDP and followed as ordered by provider.
• Oxygen equipment is changed as needed or as delineated by policy.
• Oxygen therapy is closely monitored and adjusted with pulse oximetry and appropriate recommendations are made to covering provider.
• Responds to all Trauma Team and PCI Team Activations, Code Blue and RRT.
• Takes immediate steps in establishing the airway including endotracheal intubation.
• Maintains skills required for intubation/or exhibits competency within a 6-month period.
• Anticipates the patient’s immediate needs and is aggressive in resuscitation efforts.
• Makes proper recommendation for oxygen delivery devices.
• Utilizes portable vent when transporting intubated patients.
• Performance of Critical Care Procedures
• Institutes standing ventilator orders per policy. 
• Documents changes in parameters, performs ABG after ventilator is initiated and patient is stabilized.
• Performs Spontaneous Breathing Trial and documents spontaneous mechanics as ordered.
• Performs cuff pressure checks and documents results every 6 hours and as needed/shift.
• Correctly assesses the ventilated patient’s status and communicates this to the appropriate team members.
• Works as a team member and communicates effectively with staff and physicians.
• Makes recommendations concerning ventilator parameters and weaning potential.
• Displays competency in all modes of ventilatory support.
• Charge duties
• Distributes workload amongst staff.
• Organizes and prioritizes work on shift to assure all work is completed by the end of the shift to include turning around of equipment and stocking of supplies.
• Exhibits good judgment in independent decision making as relates to clarification of orders for respiratory therapy procedures.
• Communicates all problems to Manager Respiratory & Pulmonary Services.
• Takes appropriate steps when faced with a void in staffing according to departmental policy.
• Other duties as consistent with this role.

Job Requirements: (education and experience/preferred and required)

Job Knowledge and Skills

• Competency/Education
• Maintains initial and annual equipment competencies as developed by the RT Clinical Coordinator and approved by Manager Respiratory & Pulmonary Services.
• Completes Computer Based Learning Assignments by due date.
• Maintains a keen interest in the latest trends in Respiratory Therapy and exhibits understanding/knowledge on a consistent basis. 
• Generates/offers new ideas or concepts to promote individual/departmental growth.

 

Education and Experience

• Current NH license as a Respiratory Care Practitioner, RCP, required
• Basic Life Support required
• National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC)
• Must have experience in the above therapeutic modalities and display ability to work in a team environment. 

 

An equivalent combination of education and experience which provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed above may be substituted for the above education and experience requirements.

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

Must possess the physical and mental abilities to perform the tasks normally associated with this position that involves a combination of sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, and reaching. Lifting/carrying frequently up to 35 pounds, and occasionally up to 50 pounds.  Some stress related to high level of responsibility for quality care.

 

Americans with Disabilities Statement

Must be able to perform all essential functions of this position with reasonable accommodation if disabled.

 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.  Covenant Health reserves the right to modify position duties at any time, to reflect process improvements and business necessity.

Standard of Business Conduct

Every St Joseph Hospital employee is required to abide by the Standards of Conduct and to report any activity that appears to violate the Standards of Conduct.

 

Covenant Health Mission Statement

We are a Catholic health ministry, providing healing and care for the whole person, in service to all in our communities.

Our Core Values:

Compassion

We show respect, caring and sensitivity towards all, honoring the dignity of each person, especially the poor, vulnerable and suffering.

Integrity

We promote justice and ethical behavior, and responsibly steward our human, financial and environmental resources.

Collaboration

We work in partnership, dialogue and shared purpose to create healthy communities.

Excellence

We deliver all services with the highest level of quality, while seeking creative innovation.

Applicants, employees and former employees are protected from employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, and genetic information (including family medical history).