SUMMARY The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) provides care for all ages of patients. In addition to covering the general and pediatric nursing units, this therapist also accepts patient care assignments in the Emergency Department, PACU and adult critical care units.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Licensed Respiratory Therapist in the State of Michigan is required (applications accepted for respiratory therapists eligible to apply).
Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) is required. Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) who is registry-eligible allowed entry into job classification - RRT must be obtained within 4 months to remain in the RRT job classification.
Adult Critical Care Specialist (ACC) through the NBRC is preferred.
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) is preferred.
ORGANIZATION Accountable to the Respiratory Care Manager through the direct supervision of the Respiratory Care Clinical Coordinators.
Provides direction to and supervision of Respiratory Technicians, Interns, Aides and Students.
Following training and competency assessment some RRT's accept the charge/lead therapist assignment in the absence of a Clinical Coordinator.
Works collaboratively and effectively with all members of the Patient Care Team.
SPECIFIC DUTIES
Supports the Mission, Vision and Values of Munson Healthcare.
Embraces and supports the Performance Improvement philosophy of Munson Healthcare.
Promotes personal and patient safety.
Uses effective customer service/interpersonal skills at all times.
Performs all routine respiratory care including oxygen and continuous aerosol therapy, aerosol treatments, MDI/DPI administration, chest physiotherapy/postural drainage, incentive spirometry, intermittent positive pressure breathing, PEP therapy, continuous positive pressure, tracheostomy care and continuous medicated aerosol therapy, as per department policy and procedure.
Performs monitoring and diagnostic procedures including oximetry, capnometry, blood gas draws, weaning parameters, and peak flow measurements as per department policy and procedure.
Performs emergency airway management and functions as a member of the Code Blue, Code Blue - Pediatric, Medical Response (MRT) Team and Pediatric Response Team (PRT). Selected therapists, following inservice and demonstrated proficiency, may provide endotracheal intubation.
Performs ventilator care and management in the adult critical care units, PACU and Emergency Department. Performs non-invasive ventilator care and management in various areas of the hospital.
Performs respiratory care assessments for all patients cared for. Individualizes a plan of care utilizing provider-ordered and medical staff approved Respiratory Care Protocols.
Maintains current Basic Life Support (BLS).
Performs continuous quality improvement measurements as directed by the Respiratory Care Manager.
Enters charges for procedures and care provided.
Maintains infection control practices in performance of work duties. Assists with routine equipment processing and supply stocking.
Accesses information via Power Chart. Routinely prints reports and verifies accuracy of active Respiratory Care orders, following up to correct incomplete or inaccurate orders. Assures discontinued orders are completed to remove them from the active orders listing.
Utilizes Outlook to facilitate department communication. Regularly attends department meetings to provide input and stay informed.
Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Pulmonary Rehab:
Selected therapists, following orientation and demonstrated competency:
Assists in the orientation of new participants. Assists in the development of the plan of care with other staff members.
Supervises exercise sessions, monitoring participants for inappropriate response to exercise. Responsible for blood pressure checks on all participants pre and post exercise and watching for normal oximetry responses pre, post and during exercise. Assesses rehab participants for before, during and after exercise making appropriate referrals and/or recommendations to the participant, other staff and medical director.
Immediately reports any significant participant conditions (i.e. unusual oxygen saturations, abnormal blood pressure responses, change in participant's status, etc. to the supervising physician. Initiates CPR measures and/or emergency care according to hospital policy.
Documents initial assessment and daily participant information and progress.
Instructs in breathing exercises (i.e. diaphragmatic and pursed lip breathing) to facilitate the exercise program.
Leads participant education sessions in areas of respiratory expertise.
Documents respiratory components of the pulmonary rehabilitation protocol.
Recommends appropriate intervention and need for further treatment or referral in participant's respiratory care.
Helps arrange for home pulmonary equipment and services as directed by the patient.
Performs home oxygen qualification and conserving device evaluation as per physician order.
Attends pulmonary rehabilitation team meetings to provide feedback and improve program processes and care.
May be required to adjust current work schedule in order to accommodate pulmonary rehabilitation schedule.