Respiratory Therapist

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Reads prescription and reviews patient information to assess patient condition and determine requirements for treatment such as type and duration of therapy, and medication and dosages, according to RT care plans.
2. Administers prescribed therapeutic procedures, inhalants, precautions to be observed, and modification which may be needed that with be compatible with Physician's orders.
3. Selects, assembles and checks devices such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators.
4. Performs and evaluates bedside spirometry and pulmonary mechanics.
5. Operates equipment to ensure specified parameters of treatment such as volume, gas concentration, humidity, and temperature, and to administer aerosol drugs to patients.
6. Monitors patient's physiological responses to therapy such as vital signs, ABGs, blood chemistry changes, chest X-ray.
7. Performs bronchopulmonary drainage and assists patient in performing breathing exercises.
8. Performs EEGs to be used by Physician in diagnosis of case.
9. Performs pulmonary function tests to be used by Physician in diagnosis of case.
10. Performs EKGs, treadmill, Holters to be used by Physician in diagnosis of case.
11. Observes equipment function and adjusts equipment to obtain optimum results to therapy.
12. Performs procedures for disinfection and sterilization of equipment.
13. Consults with Physician in event of adverse reactions.
14. Maintains patient's chart that contains pertinent identification and therapy information.
15. Inspects and tests respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently.  Orders repairs when needed.
16. Demonstrates respiratory care procedures to trainees and other health care personnel.
17. Attends all mandatory safety in-services, department meetings and in-services selected by Director.
18. Cleans, disinfects, and sterilizes equipment used in administration of respiratory therapy.
19. Examines equipment to detect worn tubes, loose connections, or other indications of disrepair, and notifies supervisor of need for maintenance.
20. Starts equipment and observes gauges measuring pressure, rate of flow, and continuity to test equipment, and notifies supervisor of malfunctions.
21. Assists in preparation of inventory records
22. Maintains patient confidentiality at all times, discussing patient or hospital business only with immediate supervisor as needed.
23. Employs tact and courtesy at all times, with patients, physicians, visitors and co-workers.  Continually strives to establish and maintain good rapport and working relationships to foster positive intra- and interdepartmental communications.