JOB SUMMARY: Assesses and renders general and advanced respiratory care/diagnostic studies. Performs a variety of direct and indirect patient care duties to include: Aerosol/Humidity Therapy, CPT, pulse oximetry, Incentive Spirometry Therapy, O2 Therapy, IPPB, aspiration of nasal, oral cavities or per artificial airways and administers ordered respiratory drugs.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING
1. Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Therapist care program.
2. Holds current and valid Respiratory Care Practitioner licensed issued by the Texas Medical Board.
3. Registered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) as a RRT or CRT (RRT is preferred).
4. BLS/CPR required or must be obtained within 30 days of hire.
5. ACLS and PALS required or must be obtained within 180 days of hire.
6. Must be able to care for patients of all age groups.
7. General knowledge of computer equipment.
8. Ability to use respiratory equipment according to hospital policy and manufacturer specifications.
9. Ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships.
10. Ability to verbally communicate with patients, families and physicians.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Consistently uses two patient identifiers when performing any patient procedures.
2. Carries out legal orders of the physician.
3. Performs Respiratory Therapy procedures according to the protocols set forth in the policies and procedures of the WNJ Respiratory Therapy Department.
4. Performs all respiratory therapies and interventions of the patients care plans. Updates as needed.
5. Educates patients on the use of oxygen, spacers, metered dose inhalers and respiratory medications, etc.
6. Monitors and documents all changes in the patient's condition. Reports observations/changes to the registered nurse and physician. Seeks help and advice from appropriate level of supervision.
7. Documents respiratory care provided in the patient's medical record.
8. Documents reason for any missed treatment in the patient's medical record.
9. Reviews physician order prior to providing services.
10. Responds promptly and skillfully to emergency situations.
11. Scans all medications prior to administration.
12. Maintains gas cylinders as necessary, utilizing appropriate safety measures.
13. Performs arterial blood gases according to policies and procedures.
14. Immediately reports any critical ABG results to the RN and/or physician and documents this in patient's medical record according to policy and procedure.
15. Knowledgeable about all equipment in the Respiratory Therapy Department and reports any malfunction immediately.
16. Utilizes the chain of command to ensure appropriate care or resolution of any issues pertaining to patient's well- being or safety.
17. Avoids and prevents injury to self and patients by applying the principles of body mechanics. Maintains and is responsible for a safe environment, functioning with an awareness and application of safety issues identified within the unit/facility.
18. Foster positive interpersonal relation with staff and members of the other departments. Maintain high code of conduct and professionalism at all times.
19. Demonstrates empathy and respect for patients by explaining all procedures, providing privacy and allowing patients to express emotional needs.
20. Demonstrates and fosters an awareness and understanding of the hospital continuous quality program including as appropriate to the Respiratory Therapy Department.
21. Demonstrates ability for conflict resolution when resolving issues with co-workers, patients and or visitors.
22. Attends unit meetings.
23. Provides patient and family educational information.
24. Responds to all calls from nursing units/physician offices promptly.
25. Adheres to all infection control guidelines as they relate to the Respiratory Therapy Department.
26. Maintains ABG machine.
27. Reports any critical EKG result to nurse and/or physician immediately.
28. Performs Team Leader duties.
29. Mentors and directs Respiratory Therapy students.
30. Maintain regular attendance.
31. Performs other duties as assigned or required in the patient care area.