Job Duties

Performs respiratory therapy procedures as per scope of service and NJ Board of Respiratory Therapy, either independently according to protocols or under physician orders, such as but not limited to:

Administration of oxygen, aerosol and medicated aerosol therapy.

Initiation, monitoring and maintenance of mechanical ventilation.

Blood-Gas drawing (with certification) and Acid-Base analyses.

Suctioning of patient airway, trach and mouth care, bronchial hygiene.

CPR.

Delivers, sets-up, monitors and changes medical gases as required.

Intubation (with certification).

Tracheostomy care.           

Assessment, treatment and patient care responsibilities are delivered with a knowledge of patient growth and development and are appropriate to the ages of the patients served.

performs cardiopulmonary evaluations and assessments and diagnostic procedures including but not limited breath sounds, weaning parameters, point of function testing, ABG (arterial blood gases), discharge planning, and possible home care needs. Assessments will include evaluation of treatment and/or procedure outcomes as compared to physician goals and appropriate follow-up action.

Positions patients as required (e.g., by physician's orders, patient's condition, or therapy being administered).

Responsible for the assembly, sequential operation, and calibration of equipment and accessories to implement associated therapeutic regimens including, but not limited to, teaching inpatients and outpatients incentive spirometry as appropriate; instructs patients and family before discharge on pulmonary rehabilitation procedures (e.g., deep breathing, use of equipment at home, suctioning procedures).

Attends and participates in Medical Rounds and teaching conferences. Documents patient outcomes and maintains other required documentation in patient chart and department records according to departmental policies and procedures.

Maintains open lines of communication with other disciplines to facilitate resolution of problems and patient care issues in a timely manner.

Acts as resource or consultant to physicians, nurses, patients and families and to other Respiratory Care practitioners and the public to provide appropriate, tactful support and education when requested and required; provides clinical supervision of care given by Technicians as well as supporting higher-credentialed personnel.

Performs infection control procedures (i.e. changing resuscitator bags, aerosol set-ups and recycling same as required); processes equipment on an as-needed basis.

Reports problems or unusual circumstances to appropriate member of health care team.

Maintains established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, performance improvement program, safety, environmental, and infection control standards.

 Customer Service: respect, flexibility, knowledge, confidence, professionalism, pleasant attitude, patience and helpfulness. All responses should be timely, professional, and caring.

OTHER JOB DUTIES

After cross-training, provides coverage for all divisions served by Respiratory Care Services as required.

Keeps abreast of current literature, new developments and new equipment affecting the delivery of respiratory care; undergoes competency testing annually.

Conducts in-service education for hospital staff as directed.

Assists in inventory control as directed.

Assists in performance improvement projects.

Performs related duties as assigned or requested.

Education:

Graduation from an AMA-approved Respiratory Therapy program required for new hires.

Current NBRC Registered Respiratory Therapist required.

Current NJ license as Respiratory Therapist

Experience:

2 years of critical care experience preferred.