registered respiratory therapist - Macomb, United States - McDonough District Hospital

Description

• Job Summary
  • Under the general supervision of the Leader of Cardiopulmonary - and according to professional standards and practices - provides diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for disorders of the respiratory system, and additionally performs electrocardiograms, upon receiving written prescriptions from the physician. These duties include collaborating with the medical staff and nursing staff to participate in the development of a plan of care for the patients, and education of the patient and family members regarding procedures of the Cardiopulmonary Department.
• Job Specifications
  • EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE - Graduate of an approved school of respiratory therapy, with an Associate Degree in Applied Science, with successful completion of the NBRC registry exam, or eligible to take the registry exam. Experience in cardiac and pulmonary diagnostic procedures is helpful, six months to one-year experience preferred. Required to have a current Illinois Respiratory Care Practitioner license and current BLS certification. ACLS, PALS and NRP are required.
  • JOB KNOWLEDGE - The Registered Respiratory Therapist must be familiar with all facets of general respiratory therapy techniques for all age groups. This Knowledge also encompasses all types of emergency airway care and routine therapeutic respiratory procedures. He/she knows the uses and dosages of all respiratory medications and is familiar with adverse drug reactions and incompatibilities for drugs administered by aerosol therapy. He/she is also knowledgeable of the proper performance of at least EKG's; some other cardiac diagnostic testing could be performed by this individual with additional training. He/she must be well versed in the application of artificial ventilation techniques for all age groups, and serve as a reference to other health care providers caring for patients on mechanical ventilators. He/she is familiar with TJC requirements regarding the respiratory therapy profession. He/she understands the role of the Cardiopulmonary Department in the hospital and its relationship with other departments. The patient populations must be considered when assessing job knowledge required from the employee.
  • ABILITIES, INTERESTS AND TEMPERAMENTS
    • Verbal ability is needed to interpret and understand written physician's orders and communicate with other healthcare practitioners about the clinical care of patients, as well as to present educational information to patients, staff, and the public as needed.
    • Numerical ability is needed in calculating and mixing the correct doses of aerosol medications, some of which are based on the patient's weight or age.
    • Form perception is needed to interpret written prescription format, to note physical or chemical changes in medications that may have oxidized, and to discern proper formation of aerosol droplets from nebulization devices.
    • Clerical perception is needed to prevent errors in reading physician's orders, test reports, progress notes, and other written or printed material utilized in the care of the patient.
    • Finger dexterity is needed in handling medical equipment, assembling patient circuits and administration devices, adjusting ventilators and other equipment, and connecting medical equipment to patients.
    • A preference for scientific and technical activities is necessary to set up and adapt medical equipment to the patients' needs and apply the physiologic effects of the therapy and procedures to the patient's clinical state, and also to read and comprehend scientific and technical journals of Cardiopulmonary medicine to keep informed of new findings in the field.
    • A preference for the use of processes and techniques is necessary to follow the policies and standards of care in the administration of Cardiopulmonary therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.
    • Ability to adapt to precise and exacting activities is necessary to follow physician orders and prescriptions for care of the patient, and function as a member of the patient care team.
    • Must have the ability to work with a variety of patients of all populations (e.g. developmentally appropriate care, cultural diversity, patients with pain, victims of abuse or neglect, and diagnosis or procedure specific such as patient with congestive heart failure or cesarean delivery).