Respiratory Therapist, NICU -Days

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs routine therapies that aid in the treatment, diagnosis, and evaluation of their cardiopulmonary status.

• Will Initiate, monitor, evaluate, and wean invasive and non-invasive ventilation. Makes parameter

• recommendations based on clinical assessment, technical assessment, patient compliance, patient response, laboratory values, and patient status.

• Initiates and provides on-going evaluation of treatment regime including medication delivery and oxygen

• administration through therapist driven protocols by performing patient assessments to determine the needs related to treatment therapies, frequencies, and duration of treatment regime ordered by physician.

• Assesses patients clinically before and after the administration or application of any medication, procedure, or device; recommends appropriate therapy including initial therapy, changes in therapy, and discontinuation.

• Monitors, assesses, educates, and documents the patient and/or family on therapies, medications, goals of

• therapies, and equipment during treatment.

• Documents work timely, completely, and accurately including documentation in the patient electronic medical record and departmental records.

• Demonstrates competence in the set-up, calibration, and troubleshooting of mechanical ventilators, noninvasive ventilation devices, therapeutic bronchoscopies and pulmonary function screens.

• Cleans using high level disinfection, assembles, and maintains equipment and the stocking of departmental supplies.

• Performs and documents emergency rounds, oxygen saturation checks, and titrates oxygen per protocol during oxygen and aerosol rounds.

• Performs therapies in strict compliance to universal precautions and proper body mechanics, using sound judgment in evaluating situations, and taking appropriate action when necessary.

• Responds to emergent care situations in the hospital and assists with resuscitation by providing chest compressions, airway management, airway stabilization, and ventilatory support in accordance with the American Heart association guidelines and as directed by the Code Team Leader.

• Transports adult, pediatric, and neonatal patients (as applicable) on mechanical ventilators, non-invasive ventilation devices, and critically ill to intrahospital procedures and testing.

• Provides developmentally appropriate care to support the various patient populations during their hospitalization. Demonstrates competence in the care of neonatal, pediatric and adult patients (when/if appropriately assigned to these patients) relative to determining each patient's age related and other physical, psycho-social, and cultural needs.

• Assists with the orientation process for new employees, mentors employees orienting to a specialty care unit, and functions as a resource to staff. Mentors students on clinical rotation as needed.

• Acts as the charge therapist in the absence of the Lead Respiratory Therapist on a rotational basis as assigned, performing the duties and responsibilities described in that job description to the best of your ability.

• Engage in a project related to the department, community, or respiratory care profession:

• Obtains or maintains an additional certification or specialty credential (manager approval required)

• Participates in community education events relating to procedures performed, disease processes, medications, and treatments relating to respiratory care.

• Perform QA & PI

• Assist with The Joint Commission accreditation and maintaining survey readiness

• Participates in Regional Peri-Natal Designation process

• Participates in facility committees on behalf of Respiratory Therapy

• Maintain competence in specialty area:

• Pulmonary Function: Perform pulmonary function tests (spirometry, lung volumes, lung diffusing capacity, arterial blood gas draws, and other tests) according to ATS and department standards; Set-up, calibrate, perform maintenance, and troubleshoot pulmonary function testing equipment; Performs administrative tasks including scheduling and registering patients.

• Bronch Lab: Assists providers with bronchoscopy procedures, including preparing equipment and the patient, assisting with obtaining samples, and proper handling and cleaning of instruments

• NICU: Attends deliveries, including pre-term and high risk, and performs resuscitative duties as part of the NICU team. Manages patients in the small baby unit and NICU. Maintains proficiency in the delivery of nitric oxide, surfactant, non-invasive ventilation, high frequency oscillatory ventilation, and other NICU specific equipment and practices. Actively participate and engage in NICU specific protocols, guidelines and initiatives with accountability for process improvement.

• May require on call coverage for add on procedures, unit coverage, or NICU transport.

• Maintains proficiency in the processing and interpreting of point of care (POC) blood gases, glucose, and electrolytes; and collaborates on quality control with the POC Coordinator (at applicable locations only).

• Performs other duties as assigned.