Initiates, maintains, and discontinues basic and intensive respiratory therapy techniques and equipment in the administration of prescribed respiratory care procedures to patients of all ages with cardiopulmonary disorders. Regularly performs at least two of the following: intubations, bronchoscopies, and/or team leader role. 

 WAM (Weekends At Memorial)

Education:

Graduate of AMA approved School of Respiratory Care.

Licensure/Certification/Registry:

1. Registered by the National Board for Respiratory Care or graduated from certificate-only program prior to 1996.
2. Possesses a valid and active Illinois Respiratory Care Practitioner license.
3. Current CPR certification.

Experience:

1. Possesses the technical skills, education, and experience to perform intubations.
2. Possess the technical skills, education, and experience to perform a minimum of one of the following (as assigned by management): performing bronchoscopies or serving as a team leader on an assigned shift.
3. Demonstrates the ability to provide respiratory care and therapy to patients of all ages and conditions, including intensive care, neonatal, and pediatric patients.

1. Prepares and tests respiratory therapy equipment for proper and safe operation and periodically checks equipment in use and on units for proper operations and routine service. Reports malfunctioning equipment to manager.

1. Follows and enforces safety rules, instructions, and procedures of the Respiratory Therapy Department and hospital to contain and minimize the spread of infection.

1. Receives, documents, and executes physicians’ orders relating to respiratory care order set. Interprets and evaluates physician orders and charts that pertain to respiratory care and identifies possible contraindications to medications, treatments, and related hazard with their use.

1. Measures and administers prescribed medications, such as oxygen and aerosolized medications, to patients. Administers the following procedures or therapies: EZPAP, humidity and aerosol, chest physical therapy, incentive spirometry, TB skin test, pulse oximetry and bedside pulmonary function/mechanics and high-flow oxygen therapy.

1. Assesses patients’ conditions and responses to respiratory therapy by checking pulse, blood pressure, respiratory frequency, tidal volume, inspiratory pressure, cough, sputum, breath sounds, and other pertinent data related to patients. Recognizes and treats adverse reactions and emergency situations arising during treatment.

1. Recognizes and responds to the signs of cardiopulmonary arrest and/or failure and life-threatening arrhythmias as seen on EKGs. As necessary, assists in performing and/or initiating CPR procedures.

1. Modifies therapy in accordance with respiratory therapy policy in cases of adverse or ineffective patient response and reports changes to shift supervisor.

1. Records procedures, patient responses, and medication administration in compliance with departmental documentation requirements. Relays same information orally or in writing to management and/or other Therapist(s) as shift changes occur.

1. Participates in in-service, continuing education, and other staff development activities to develop and maintain necessary competencies.

1. Maintains the security and confidentiality of all patient records and information

1. Evaluates and ensures the accuracy of ABG reports and informs the proper physician, nurse, and/or therapist of abnormal results.

1. Performs arterial punctures using approved criteria and maintains competency through annual reviews.

1. Performs nasal and tracheal suctioning of patients and obtains tracheal secretions for cultures

1. Performs CPR procedures as part of the Stat Code Team

1. Maintains, monitors, and provides respiratory care to patients on continuous mechanical ventilators.

1. Provides respiratory care to ICU patients (including lung auscultation); recommends or obtains ABG samples, x-rays, O², and other respiratory care procedures as patient condition warrants. Alerts the appropriate staff of any changes in patient condition.

1. Monitors and cares for patients with artificial airways and endotracheal cuffs.

1. Assists in the clinical instruction of respiratory therapy students, including serving as a clinical preceptor.

1. Instructs patients, families, and other hospital personnel in the proper use of respiratory therapy equipment and the associated procedures and techniques used.

1. May performs endotracheal intubations using approved criteria and maintains competency through annual review.
2. May assist physician(s) in performing bronchoscopy using approved criteria and participates in patient sedation and monitoring. Maintains competency through annual review.

1. May perform as a team leader during an assigned shift. Plans staff assignments, ensuring completion of patient care orders and daily operational tasks, responding to stat codes, and performing other duties associated with providing safe, quality care to patients.

1. Provides cardiopulmonary services in emergency situations. Performs patient assessment and treatment according to the emergency department / respiratory care order set.

1. Provides leadership for departmental or multidisciplinary teams related to clinical quality, safety, education, best practice, patient satisfaction, or process improvement. Works with nursing unit-based councils and the Quality Practice Council to make changes in practice that affect respiratory care outcomes.

1. Collaborates and shares clinical information with the multidisciplinary health team to achieve evidence-based care and outcomes.

1. Assists in developing and updating departmental policies and procedures, competency based performance criteria, and education of staff to meet necessary guidelines.

1. Serves as a back-up for other areas within the unit or department, especially during times of special needs or staff absences.

1. Performs other related work as required or requested.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job.  Incumbents may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.