Overview To be part of our organization, every employee should understand and share in the YNHHS Vision, support our Mission, and live our Values. These values-integrity, patient-centered, respect, accountability, and compassion - must guide what we do, as individuals and professionals, every day. Responsibilities RESPONSIBILITIES Clinical Application of Respiratory Care: Functions efficiently, resourcefully and skillfully in providing patients optimum age-specific respiratory care. 1 1.Assesses patient's pulmonary status employing basic skills, which include reviewing the medical chart, patient interview, physical examination, and interpretation of blood gases. Demonstrates proficiency and consistency with all assessment skills, including interpretation of x-ray and blood gases, RAW, CL graphic displays, etc. Demonstrates knowledge and interpretation of diagnostic procedures such as PPD, overnight oximetry, peak flow, arterial puncture, and sputum induction. 1 2. Demonstrates knowledge and application of basic respiratory care procedures to all age-specific groups by recognizing inappropriate therapy, recommending initiation, adjustment, and discontinuation of these modalities in all clinical settings when appropriate. 1 3. Tests, adjusts, and applies oxygen, aerosol and humidity, and other basic equipment appropriately demonstrating rudimentary knowledge of its operation to optimally support patients of all age-specific groups with common pulmonary pathologies. Demonstrates resourcefulness independently resolving routine clinical problems when appropriate. 1 4. Organizes and prioritizes work to complete assignment in a timely, efficient manner. Utilizes time productively during work hours, taking initiative and responsibility to help other staff members? complete assignments. Follows approved protocols as applicable (i.e ARDSnet, Pediatric Albuterol Wean, Spontaneous Breathing Trial, CTICU Extubation). 1 5. Consistently utilizes hospital supplies and equipment in a cost-efficient manner. Uses equipment carefully to minimize breakage or damage. Helps identify equipment supply related cost saving ideas. 1 6. Applies and troubleshoots equipment (ventilators, manual resuscitators, monitors, etc.) appropriately demonstrating knowledge of its operation. Recognizes the need to consult colleagues/supervisors to resolve clinical problems when appropriate. Provides guidance for and assists in bedside instruction of students in basic critical care techniques as requested by supervisor. Tests, monitors, applies and adjusts standard life-support equipment to optimally support patients in the critical care setting using graphics, patient assessment, and lab data. 1 7. Assesses the cardiopulmonary status of the ventilator-dependent patients of all age-specific groups employing basic skills which include: obtaining patient history, evaluating ventilator data and weaning progress, physical examination and interpretation of blood gases. Suggests to physician/RN appropriate adjustment of therapy in response to assessment. Communicates assessment including hemodynamic data with intershift report. Demonstrates knowledge of common pulmonary disorders by applying respiratory care to meet patient needs. 1 8. Provides safe care by identifying patient using approved identifiers, employing standard and other precautions, and demonstrating HRO Behaviors 100% of the time. 1 9. Complies with regulatory requirements for patient care and the environment of care. Documentation and Written communication: Contributes to effective communication within the department through documentation of services administered, changes in patient ?s clinical status, and therapeutic objectives. 2 1. Records all care provided via electronic medical record accurately. Identifies patient on written documents by using MRN and patient labels as required by department and hospital policy. Notes consistently include ABGs, patient assessment, weaning assessment, and parameters. Maintains patient confidentiality with documentation practices. 2 2. Electronically records all procedures at the time of completion via EMR. Composes Progress Notes and Comments as appropriate in a complete, and accurate manner, as assessed by supervisor. Progress notes include changes in the progress and course of the patient's clinical status and therapy as appropriate. 2 3. Accesses Electronic Medical Record to enter scheduled medications given, retrieve patient data, review physician/LIP orders, and review Interdisciplinary Plan of Care. Reviews active RC orders routinely throughout shift to verify MD/LIP patient orders and to initiate/ adjust care appropriately. 2 4. Does not lose, share or abuse access code reporting abuse of sign on code to supervisory staff 100% of the time and maintains written communication between therapists of the patient's history and diagnosis. Always maintain patient confidentiality. Consistently records patient information and all information on patient's data card. Consultation and Collaboration and Oral Communication: Communicates clearly and appropriately with co-workers. Demonstrates a cooperative team spirit, effectively contributing to excellence of patient care. 3 1. Patient report information is appropriate and conveys current patient status. Gives report using SBAR format and attentively, courteously accepts report in order to facilitate transition from one shift to the next. Accurately, completely, and concisely gives a safe hand off for all relevant clinical information on patient's clinical course and status. 3 2. Consistently attends patient rounds on ICU assignments whenever possible. Effectively consults and contributes, documents observations, and suggestions regarding patient respiratory care. Consistently remains in the assigned Intensive Care Unit functioning as an integral part of the patient care team to collaborate and contribute observations and recommendations regarding patient care. 3 3. Responds to requests for assistance by other therapists, team members and supervisors. Apprises supervisor/charge person of changing workload in order to facilitate optimum distribution and utilization of resources. 3 4. Contributes constructively in the identification of problems. Contributes constructively to the process of problem resolution, i.e. having ideas that can improve and remedy a problem. 3 5. Consistently reviews and utilizes YNHH email to keep informed of, meeting minutes, initiatives, department endeavors, announcements, and email communication from other YNHH staff. 3 6. Consistently attends department meetings and huddles. Self-Development, Professionalism and Leadership - Assumes responsibility for maintaining clinical competency through continuing education, professional growth, and development. Assumes responsibility for professional self-development. Keeps self-informed about current trends within the profession and new procedures/equipment in the department. Requests inservices as appropriate to maintain competencies for equipment and procedures. Maintains membership in AARC, NBRC or demonstrates other active participation in profession. 4 1. Submits realistic, constructive self-assessment and goals to supervisor at least one month prior to review date and completes approved continuing education requirement to meet the CT State licensure minimum. 4 2. Demonstrates a positive attitude toward the department. Encourages and activates others towards excellence within the department and supports departmental and interdepartmental Quality/ Process Improvement efforts. Completes all regulatory training and competencies in a timely fashion. 4 3. Serves as a role model to students and peers, consistently demonstrating professionalism and encourages and fosters professionalism and a positive attitude among others within the department. Qualifications EDUCATION (number of years and type required to perform the position duties): Graduation from an accredited program of Respiratory Care, current active license by the State of Connecticut as a Respiratory Care Practitioner and NBRC Registry Examination eligibility. NBRC Registration, Bachelor of Science Degree preferred. * Respiratory therapists employed by YNHH effective 9/12/2012 as a result of the acquisition of the Hospital of Saint Raphael may meet educational requirements with an active CT license as a Respiratory Care Practitioner and demonstration of current competencies. EXPERIENCE (number of years and type required to meet an acceptable level of performance): This is an entry level position for new grads plus those with some experience in critical care or neonatal environments. Respiratory Therapist experience is preferred SPECIAL SKILLS: Competent in the basic operation and application of respiratory care equipment. Excellent oral and written communication. Excellent organizational skills. Ability to work under stressful conditions. Excellent interpersonal skills. Computer literacy on a PC. ACCOUNTABILITY (how this position is held accountable for such as goals achievement, budget adherence, or other areas of accountability): Responsible for the accuracy and timeliness of respiratory care work assignment while working independently . Maintains accurate and complete documentation. Accountable for the proper application of physician prescribed therapeutic and diagnostic techniques, especially when using complex therapeutic equipment. Safeguards the confidentiality of patients and families. Compiles with reulatory and hospital standards . COMPLEXITY (describe planning, problem solving, decision making, creative activity, or other special factors inherent in the responsibilities of this position): In personal and job-related decisions and actions, consistently demonstrates the values of integrity (doing the right thing), patient-centered (putting patients and families first), respect (valuing all people and embracing all differences), accountability (being responsible and taking action), and compassion (being empathetic). Independently solves problems and consults others as needed. Manages complex ventilatory equipment . Assesses patients with complex diagnoses, including blood gas and hemodynamic status interpretation. Ability to consult and advise physicians/nurses on modes of therapy. Ability to enter and retrieve patient data on computer system. LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION: CT RCP License, must become Registered Respiratory Therapist within 1 year of hire