The Registered Respiratory Therapist reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.Responsibilities:Reviews existing data in patient record including admission and current respiratory care orders, patient history, physical examination, pulmonary function values, blood gas results, additional laboratory data, and ECG.Collects and evaluates additional pertinent clinical information by inspection, auscultation and patient interview.Reviews chest x-ray to determine presence of, or changes in, consolidation, atelectasis, pneumothorax, position of tracheal tube and other conditions.Performs and/or evaluates bedside spirometry.Recommends other data through chest x-rays, blood gas analysis, and other laboratory tests.Evaluates complete pulmonary function studies and ABG’s.Determines appropriateness of prescribed therapy and goals for identified pathophysiological state and utilizes appropriate patient care protocol relating to the physical and psychological needs of neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, and adult patients.Selects, assembles, and checks the following equipment for proper function, operation, and cleanliness, including correction for malfunctions:Gas and oxygen administration: aerosol generators, flowmeters and regulators, blenders, cylinders, concentrators, and oxygen analyzers.Resuscitation devices: artificial airways, suctioning devices, manual resuscitators, intubation equipment, tracheal tubes, suction catheters, and specimen collectors.Ventilators and patient breathing circuits: positive pressure devices, mechanical ventilators, BiPAP units, and CPAP units.Monitoring Devices: oximeters, CO2 monitors, manometers, and blood gas analyzers.Performs procedures for cold disinfection.Performs calibration procedure on analyzers: oxygen, CO2 monitors, blood gas analyzers, and bedside spirometers.Explains planned therapy and goals to patient.Conducts prescribed therapeutic procedures to achieve maintenance of a patient airway, including maintenance of adequate humidification, use of appropriate oral and nasopharyngeal airways, endotracheal tubes, including intubation and extubation procedures.Conducts therapeutic procedures to achieve removal of bronchopulmonary secretions and administers prescribed pharmacologic agents.Conducts prescribed therapeutic procedures to achieve adequate spontaneous and artificial ventilation.Conducts prescribed therapeutic procedures to achieve adequate oxygenation including adjustment of oxygen concentrations, adjustment of PEEP/CPAP and prevention of iatrogenic hypoxemia.Evaluates and monitors patient’s response to therapeutic procedures.Modifies techniques based on patient’s response to all treatment modalities including: IPPB, incentive breathing devices, aerosol therapy, oxygen therapy, chest physiotherapy, mechanical ventilation, BiPAP and PEEP therapy.Initiates, conducts and modifies respiratory techniques in an emergency.Records therapy and results as required by hospital policy and regulating agencies; communicates information to appropriate members of healthcare team.Assists physician performing bronchoscopy and tracheostomy procedures.Performs arterial puncture; operates blood gas analyzers, efficiently operates and monitors mechanical ventilators, and metabolism of the respiratory system.Maintains blood gas quality control records and reports status to Respiratory Care management.Assists in maintaining an appropriate inventory of all therapeutic and blood gas supplies.Performs other related duties as assigned.This position is part-time, 48 hours per pay period, day shift, 7:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. with every 3rd weekend and every 3rd holiday.
