RESPIRATORY THERAPIST - PER DIEM

RESPIRATORY THERAPIST - RRT - PER DIEM JOB SUMMARY

The Respiratory Therapist (RT) supports the MWPH mission, vision and values, and is a practitioner licensed and competent to provide high quality Respiratory Care Services to the patient population served.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF POSITION

• Possess sound knowledge of and ability to provide skilled diagnostic and therapeutic respiratory modalities that treat, restore and prevent further cardiopulmonary dysfunction.
• Will perform pulmonary assessments and reassessments, treatments, providing mechanical ventilation, oxygen therapy, and testing for patients in inpatient, outpatient and sleep lab.
• Troubleshoots problems with equipment such as ventilators, BiPAPs, CPAPs, Hi-Flow nasal cannulas, oxygen flow meters and blenders etc.

including mechanical issues, resolving them or replacing them pending service.

• Participates in discharge planning, specific respiratory interventions and patient and family education.
• Functions with a focus on customer service and patient safety.
• May serve as a preceptor in orienting new RTs, and as an escort during patient external transport according to policy.
• May serve as a preceptor for Respiratory Therapy students' observational experiences, under the direction of the Department Director.
• Accurately performs quality control testing for the blood gas machine as required, and identifies and participates in performance improvement initiatives.
• Will perform charge duties after 6 months of MWPH experience, and with the approval of Department Director.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Educational Requirements Graduate of a program approved by the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (C.O.A.R.C.).
• Licensed to practice as a Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) in the State of Maryland.
• Pediatric Advance Life Support (PALS) certification.
• Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)
• Work Orientation and Experience
• Three year pediatric RT experience preferred.
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Excellent communication skills
• Sensitivity / tact in dealing with others
• Ability to appropriately position and move patients
• Excellent problem solving / decision making skills
• Excellent skills in obtaining capillary blood gases
• Sound clinical judgment
• Demonstrate manual dexterity and mobility including ability to run, walk, stand, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, push and pull, lift 25 pounds.
• Excellent physical assessment skills for all respiratory specific patient population
• Ability to act quickly and effectively in emergency situations
• Ability to demonstrate strong working knowledge of equipment / application of all respiratory care therapeutic modalities, pharmacology, all monitoring modalities and mechanical ventilation in all areas of the Hospital to include, inpatient, outpatient and sleep lab.
• Basic problem identification with equipment concerns / malfunctions and appropriate action
• Ability to function as an effective team member
• Excellent customer service skills
• Ability to multi-task in a self-directed manner
• Ability to educate patients and families as appropriate regarding equipment, disease state, care and treatments
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage time with attention to detail and meeting deadlines
• Computer proficiency
• Other Requirements Specific to Assigned Area
• Ability to perform patient charge entries in an accurate and timely fashion

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

• Supervision Received from charge therapist on each shift
• Reports to the Department Director, and works in clinical collaboration with the Respiratory Medical Director

INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Directly interfaces daily with patients, visitors, other healthcare team members

TOOLS / EQUIPMENT USED

Effectively utilizes Respiratory specific equipment including but not limited to CPAP, BiPAP, mechanical ventilators, percussive vests cough assist, cardio-respiratory monitors, end tidal CO2, pulse oximeters, EKG machine and Blood Gas Analyzer, oxygen and oxygen blender.

Utilizes the hospital information system for billing, clinical information, communication and medical record documentation.

Utilizes computer, fax and copy machines. Utilizes the hospital phone system.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT / WORKING CONDITIONS

Occasional stress during emergency situations or multiple demands. Regular or continuous risk of exposure to body fluids, infectious waste or blood borne diseases requiring the use of personal protective equipment and adherence to established protocol.

This job description identifies the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not to be considered an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties or skills required of an incumbent. Revised 2 / 27 / 20