Respiratory Therapist PRNSelect Medical
Job Summary
- Evaluates patient and recommends a treatment plan.
- Explains purpose and procedure of treatments, tests, and equipment to the patients, and provides necessary education upon discharging to home.
- Conducts physician prescribed treatments of a routine nature operating various ventilatory equipment, both invasive and non-invasive, various oxygen and aerosol devices, and various nebulizer devices in order to administer prescribed medications, humidification, ventilation and oxygenation to the patient.
- Performs chest physiotherapy by operating various equipment to promote secretion clearance, suctioning of the patient by various methods (oropharyngeal, nasal and tracheal), oximetry and capnography monitoring according to policy.
- Performs routine review of patient's chest x-rays to determine need for further evaluation.
- Performs 12-Lead EKG and basic arrhythmia recognition.
- Performs pulmonary function studies according to policy (i.e. NIF, VC etc.)
- Assists with procedures relating to respiratory care according to policy (i.e. Bronchoscopy, Perc Trachs, Chest Tube placement, etc.), where applicable.
- Performs adequate drainage of chest via PleurX catheter or similar device where applicable.
- Performs tracheostomy care according to policy, including insertion and removal of tracheostomy tubes (emergent and non-emergent).
- Performs arterial puncture according to policy and is able to determine efficiency of ventilation, as well as monitoring, recording and reporting of test results, where applicable.
- Performs cardiopulmonary resuscitation according to BLS and ACLS guidelines.
- Performs insertion and removal of endotracheal tubes via free hand technique and/or video laryngoscope system, where applicable.
- Records all pertinent information of treatments, and patient response to treatments on respiratory care records and patient chart (including pre and post-assessment according to policy).
- Communicates with attending and pulmonary physician's concerning the efficiency of therapy administered to the patient.