Respiratory Therapist

Routine Respiratory Therapy Modes:

• The RCP will deliver routine respiratory modes per physician orders and department policy

• The RCP will implement any pertinent standing order per department policy and will communicate with the physician and other care providers about the indications, hazards, and alternatives for respiratory care

• The therapist RCP will administer all therapy with a correct understanding of the following: available equipment, objectives (indications), contraindications/hazards, treatment of information required, alternative therapies, medication actions, delivery modes, hazards, contraindications, and adverse side effects

Advanced Respiratory Therapy Modes:

• The RCP will initiate and maintain invasive and noninvasive mechanical life support, assist in establishing and maintaining artificial airways for patients in all age groups in partnership with physicians and other care providers

Patient Monitoring:

• The RCP will correctly implement, monitor, troubleshoot and interpret invasive and noninvasive physiological monitoring and testing systems for assessment of the patient cardiorespiratory system

• This includes but is not limited to: EKGS, Bedside Spirometry, Oximetry, End Tidal CO2 Monitoring, Mixed Venous Oximetry, Weaning Parameters, Holter Monitoring

Arterial Blood Gasses/ Capillary Blood Gasses:

• The RCP will understand the hazards, indications, and procedures for drawing arterial samples for assessment of the patient cardiorespiratory system

• The RCP will be capable of interpreting ABG results and implementing/recommending the appropriate actions

Documentation:

• The RCP will follow department hospital policy for documentation

• All required regulatory, financial, and assessment documentation will be completed in a timely manner

Equipment maintenance and supply:

• The RCP will assist with maintaining, processing, and restocking of any and all supplies required for the departments function

Infection Control:

• The RCP will adhere to department and hospital protocols for infection control

• This includes but is not limited to: hand washing, proper equipment assembly and reprocessing and change out, use of personal protective equipment, observation of Isolation Protocols

Communication:

• The RCP is responsible for communicating all pertinent information for patient care and department operations to all of the appropriate people

• This includes but is not limited to: the patient and family, physicians and other care providers, coworkers, department leadership

• Staff is also expected to attend in-services and department meetings

RT Protocol:

• The RCP is responsible for initiating, assessing, implementing and following the departments Respiratory Care Protocols in collaboration with the physician and other care providers

CPR/RRT/Code Blue:

• The RCP is responsible for: initiating CPR/Code Blue, responding to Code Blue/Disaster Calls, participation in the Rapid Response Team, stocking and assembly of airway/resuscitation supplies as required

Assigned Duties:

• The RCP will perform any other duties as assigned

Staff /Client Relations:

• The RCP will: respect cultural diversity, employ interpreters as needed, act collaboratively with physicians, other care providers, the patient and their family, employ age specific communication and teaching strategies, advocate for patient rights as needed, interact professionally with coworkers and promote interdepartmental teamwork

• Each employee is responsible for implementing SJRMC’s Service Standards into their daily work:

Safety, Courtesy, Effectiveness, and Stewardship

• Other duties as assigned

Physical Demands and Environmental Work Conditions:

Special Demands:

• The RCP will recognize that potential exposure to blood borne pathogens and/or hazardous materials, noxious/irritating fumes, long hours, and unforeseen conditions that might generate stress may be encountered

• The RCP will recognize that physical demands such as extensive walking, standing, lifting, positioning, pushing and/or transferring of patients may be required

• The RCP will have sufficient correctable visual and auditory acuity to safely perform their job duties

• The RCP will practice Respiratory Care within established standards of care

• The RCP will work as scheduled; no set schedules based on the nature of Respiratory Care and the hours of operation

• The RCP will take call as assigned

• Graduate of an A.M.A./J.R.C.T.E. accredited school of Respiratory Therapy

• RRT: 6 months to complete upon hire

• BLS certification

• ACLS; 6 months to complete upon hire

• New Mexico State Licensure as a Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) or, if new graduate, obtain Graduate non-renewable temporary permit by New Mexico Respiratory License Board within 30 days upon acceptance of position. NOTE: Within 6 months of hire, Graduate must obtain Registry (RRT) through National Board of Respiratory Care, and a RCP New Mexico State Licensure.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PALS, NRP