Initiate, maintain, and discontinue basic respiratory therapy equipment and techniques in the administration of prescribed respiratory care procedure to patients of all ages with cardio-pulmonary disorders.

Education:

• Graduate of AMA approved School of Respiratory Care, preferred, or 2nd year student in final clinical semesters of Associates Degree program, required.

Licensure/Certification/Registry:

• Current CPR certification, required.

Experience:

• Completion of 1st year of Respiratory Care Associate’s Degree program with associated clinical rotation experience.

1. Minimum cleaning and maintenance of R.T. equipment.

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

1. Follows and enforces safety rules of the R.T. Department and hospital following special instructions, such as isolation precautions to prevent the spread of infection.

1. Receives, verifies, and processes all necessary documentation for correct order.

1. Documents patient oxygen use for charging purposes by visual inspection of every patient care unit bed.
2. Changes humidifiers and aerosol generators according to department policy.

1. Performs emergency rounds according to department policy.

1. Distributes E-cylinders of oxygen to the designated gas stations within MMC.
2. Receives and documents orders from physicians relating to Respiratory Care Order Set. Also reads and evaluates physician orders and charts that pertain to respiratory care and is aware of contraindication to medications, treatments, and related hazards with their use.

1. Measures and administers prescribed medications to patients (oxygen & aerosolized medications, etc.). Also administers the following therapy:  EZPAP, humidity and aerosols, chest physical therapy, incentive spirometry, pulse oximetry, BiPAP and CPAP administration and bedside pulmonary function/mechanics.

1. Assesses patients’ conditions and response to respiratory therapy by checking patients pulse, blood pressure, respiratory frequency, tidal volume, inspiratory pressure, cough, sputum, breath sounds, and other pertinent data that relates to the patient. Must also be alert to adverse reactions of patient during treatment, plus be aware of proper response to emergencies.

1. Recognizes signs of cardiopulmonary arrest and/or failure and assists in performing CPR procedures. Also must be able to recognize life-threatening arrhythmias or EKG strips.

1. Modifies therapy to deal with adverse or ineffective patient response and reports changes to shift supervisor.

1. Records procedures and patient response in appropriate electronic documentation, departmental paperwork, medication administration records, interdisciplinary plan of care and education record and requisitions. Completes both written and oral reports on patients and relays information to oncoming therapists.

1. Participates in in-services, continuing education, and other staff development activities.

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

1. Keeps confidential all patient information received and follows MMC Guest Relations guidelines.

1. Follows MMC and Pulmonary Medicine infection control policies

1. Performs all duties under supervision of Certified Respiratory Therapist, Registered Respiratory Therapist, or shift supervisor.

1. Performs other related duties as assigned 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.