Initiate, maintain, and discontinue basic and intensive respiratory therapy equipment and techniques in the administration of prescribed respiratory care procedure to patients of all ages with cardiopulmonary disorders.  

Education:

Graduate of AMA approved School of Respiratory Care.

Licensure/Certification/Registry:

1. Registered by the National Board for Respiratory Care or graduated from certificate-only program prior to 1996.
2. Must have an active Illinois Respiratory Care Practitioner license.
3. Current CPR certification.

Experience:

1. Demonstrates the ability to provide respiratory care and therapy to patients of all ages and condition, including intensive care, neonatal, and pediatric patients.
2. May possess the technical skills, education, and experience to perform intubations.

1. Prepares and tests R.T. equipment for proper and safe operation and periodically checks R.T. equipment in use and on units for proper operation and routine service. Reports malfunctioning equipment to manager.
2. Follows and enforces safety rules, instructions, and procedures of the Respiratory Therapy Department and hospital to contain and minimize the spread of infection.
3. Receives, documents, and executes physician’s orders relating to Respiratory Care Order Set. Interprets and evaluates physician’s orders and charts that pertain to respiratory and identifies possible contraindications to medications, treatments and related hazard with their use.
4. Measures and administers prescribed medications to patients, such as oxygen and aerosolized medications to patients. Administers the following procedures or therapies; Ezpap, chest physical therapy, incentive spirometry, TB skin tests, pulse oximetry and bedside pulmonary function/mechanics, high-flow oxygen therapy.
5. Assesses patient’s condition and response to respiratory therapy by checking patient’s pulse, blood pressure, respiratory frequency, tidal volume, inspiratory pressure, cough, sputum, breath sounds, and other pertinent data that relates to the patient. Must also be alert to adverse reactions of patient during treatment, plus be aware of proper response to emergencies.
6. Recognizes and responds to the signs of cardiopulmonary arrest and/or failure and life threatening arrhythmias seen on EKG’s. As necessary, assists in performing and/or initiating CPR procedures.
7. Modifies therapy in accordance with respiratory care order set in cases of adverse or ineffective patient response and reports changes to shift supervisor.
8. Records procedures, patient responses, and medication administration in accordance with departmental documentation requirements. Relays same information orally or in writing to management and/or other therapist(s) as shift changes occurs.
9. Participates in in-services, continuing education, and other staff development activities to develop and maintain necessary competencies.
10. Maintains the security and confidentiality of all patient records and information.
11. Evaluates and ensures the accuracy of ABG reports and informs the proper physician, nurse, and/or therapist of abnormal results.
12. Performs arterial punctures using approved criteria and maintains competency through annual review. Can also analyze ABG’s via GEM Premier.
13. May perform endotracheal intubations using approved criteria and maintains competency through annual review.
14. Maintains, monitors, and provides respiratory care to patients on continuous mechanical ventilation.
15. Provides respiratory care to ICU (including lung auscultation); recommends or obtains ABG samples, x-rays, O2, and other respiratory care procedures as patient condition warrants. Alerts the appropriate staff of any changes in patient condition.
16. Monitors and cares for patients with artificial airways and endotracheal tubes.
17. Instructs patients, families, and other hospital personnel in the proper use of respiratory therapy equipment and the associates of procedures and techniques used.
18. Provides pulmonary services in the emergency department. Performs patient assessment and treatment according to the emergency department /respiratory care protocol.
19. Makes recommendations for changes and improvements in hospital equipment and procedures to maintain best practice.
20. Participates in departmental or multi-disciplinary teams related to clinical quality, safety education, best practice, patient satisfaction, or process improvements.
21. Collaborates and shares clinical information with the multi-disciplinary health team to achieve evidence based care and outcomes.
22. Serves as a back-up for other areas within the unit or department, especially during times of special needs or staff absences.
23. Performs other related work as required or requested.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job.  Incumbents may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.