Respiratory Therapist

Description

• Performs the following therapeutic procedures:
• Administers chest physical therapy including breathing exercises with or without the use of incentive

spirometers, chest percussion massage, cough training and postural drainage.

• Administers therapeutic gases including oxygen using different oxygen administration equipment.
• Administers bland or medication aerosols and humidification using a variety of techniques and equipment.
• Performs nasotracheal/tracheobronchial aspiration.
• Performs Intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB).
• Monitoring patients on mechanical ventilation.
• Assists in performing the following therapeutic procedures:
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Safe transportation of ventilator or oxygen dependent patients.
• Augments ventilation by applying all forms of positive or negative invasive and non-invasive mechanical

support systems.

• Emergent tracheostomy/endotracheal tube replacement.
• Weaning from mechanical ventilation.
• CPAP trials for patients with Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome (SAHS).
• Assists pulmonologist with bronchoscopies for mechanically ventilated patients (therapeutic purposes).
• Chest (intercostal) tube procedures.
• Performs the following diagnostic procedures:
• Pulse oximetry both at rest and after effort.
• Bedside spirometry and Peak Flow Rate monitoring.
• Sputum induction by hypertonic saline nebulization.
• Assists in performing the following diagnostic procedures:
• Simple spirometry, post bronchodilator test, measurement of lung volumes and diffusion studies.
• Arterial punctures and care for arterial lines.
• Assists pulmonologist with bronchoscopies for mechanically ventilated patients (diagnostic purposes).
• Verifies all ordered respiratory care against the Doctors order prior to administration. Records all respiratory

care procedures performed in the patient's chart and in department logs in an accurate and timely manner.

• Evaluates the proper application of the equipment/care modality per the patient's condition, monitors the

effectiveness of respiratory care modalities, assesses for side effects of therapy and charts corresponding

data properly.

• Provides patients with considerate and respectful care. Preserves the dignity of the patient.
• Performs all procedures in strict accordance with approved infection control practices (refer to RCS unit IC

policy, Infection Control Manual).

• Educates patients and patients’ families to scope with respiratory illnesses.
• Cleans and processes respiratory equipment as necessary (e.g disinfection, change of tubing, etc) contacts

biomedical engineering department for preventive maintenance and when needed. Maintains a stock of

necessary supplies to avoid unexpected shortage, Keeps a log of the related procedures.

• Serves as a resource to physicians, nurses, newly employed RT and other staff regarding the theory and the

physiologic application of respiratory care procedures and equipment.

• Establishes a work plan to ensure timely completion of assigned duties in accordance with department

practices. Prioritizes incoming requests for services properly.

• Conserves resources by proper and judicious use.
• Shares on-call responsibilities to provide coverage in the unexpected event of a call on the night shift.
• Practices job specific learning that reflects modern technology and current standards of practice for both

commonly and uncommonly used procedures and equipment (based on attending formal and informal

learning opportunities).

• Values interdepartmental concernedness, collaboration, and integrated approaches to problem solving.

Shares in performance improvement efforts.

• Maintains professionalism as demonstrated by adherence to the time and attendance rules and adherence to

the institutional dress code.

Requirements Skills and Abilities: - Able to clearly communicate with patients and staff.

Experience: 2 years of experience in Respiratory Care Unit

Education Diploma degree in Respiratory Therapy for Technicians.

Bachelor's degree in Respiratory Therapy for Technologist.

Language: Good command of oral and written English

Licenses / Certifications License for practice as per the regional health regulatory authority e.g. (SCFHS /

DHA), BLS and ACLS