Respiratory Therapy

JOB SUMMARY:


The Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) shall provide all aspects of respiratory care under the guidance of a qualified physician and the Manager of Respiratory Therapy.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Associates Respiratory Therapy

CERTIFICATION & LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS
Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner in Illinois. Basic Life Support (BLS) within 30 days of hire. ACLS, PALS and NRP within one year of hire.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Is able to effectively administer oxygen mixtures utilizing various oxygen delivery devices. Can set up, initiate and maintain ventilators and CPAP devices.
• Is familiar with the principles of airway maintenance, endotracheal and tracheostomy care. Follows the procedures and observations for care during and after extubation.
• Initiates and maintains cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other related life support procedures.
• Confers with physicians regarding all aspects of Respiratory Therapy concerning patient care.
• Administers specific dosages of all respiratory therapy related medications as specified by a physician. Recognizes, interprets and records signs and symptoms of medication side effects, particularly those that require notification of a physician.
• Effectively and safely uses equipment for delivering positive pressure, humidification, nebulization, and medications to paitents.
• Effectively utilizes methods that assist in the removal of secretions from the bronchial tree such as, hydration, breathing and coughing exercise, postural drainage, chest percussion and airway suctioning.
• Performs 12 lead EKG's and prepares them for physician interpretation.
• Is able to dismantle and reassemble most of the respiratory therapy equipment. Is able to take all necessary precautions to insure the safe handling of all respiratory equipment.
• Works well with each age level of patient. Is sentitive to the age specific needs of each individual patient and alters the clinical approach accordingly.
• Is able to occasionally oversee the work of non-certified technicians who are performing those procedures requiring a high level of expertise.
• Participates in the department's continuing education programs.
• Actively participates in performance improvement processes.
• Interprets and carries out physician orders accurately and in a timely manner.
• Able to allay anxieties of patient/families regarding respiratory/cardiac procedures.
• Works with other departments to insure appropriate and efficient service to patients.
• Performs all aspects of pulmonary function testing, if trained. Effectively uses all department pulmonary function equipment.
• Is capable of working independently and can supervise the needs of their shifts when necessary.
• Is able to work unsupervised and when needed, can assist with duties of the director, specifically in the absence of the Director of Respiratory Therapy.
• The Carle Experience/Core Values - Practices the WAY TO BE standards and related MUST-HAVES in his/her daily work. Is approachable, respectful, professional, the solution and a team player in his/her actions and words as an ambassador for the hospital and Carle Health System. Adheres to and demonstrates CRMH Core Values in all job responsibilities.