Under general supervision, performs respiratory care related procedures. Assesses patient condition, administers prescribed therapy and aerosolized medications, provides airway and ventilator management, performs respiratory related diagnostic tests, and records patient response to therapy modalities.
Education:
Completion of an approved and accredited respiratory program
Licensures/Certifications:
* Current Maryland license as a respiratory care practitioner
* Healthcare Provider (CPR Certification)
* Neonatal Resuscitation for NICU respiratory care practitioners
Experience:
1 year of clinical practice experience under medical direction
Skills:
* Knowledge of respiratory therapy theory, practice and techniques
* Skill in using computers and a variety of personal productivity applications
* Skill in oral and written communication
* Skill in providing customer service
* Knowledge of laboratory and regulatory requirements relating to patient care
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
* Assesses oxygenation and recommends/initiates, administers, evaluates, and documents response to oxygen therapy, medical gas therapies including Heliox, Vapotherm, Nitric Oxide (NICU)
* Assesses need for, recommends/initiates, administers and evaluates/documents response to inhaled medications by assessing response to inhaled medications, follows appropriate procedures and protocols for medication reconciliation and patient identification as guided by clinical practice, and records and communicates missed medications. Adheres to the Bronchodilator/Common Cannister protocol and progresses patients to MDI therapy. Scans all medications. Calls physician to obtain appropriate changes to medication orders
* Assesses need for, recommends/initiates, administers and evaluates/documents response to therapies directed toward secretion mobilization and airway clearance by performing endotracheal suctioning, assessing response to chest physiotherapy (cough and breathing retraining, PEP therapy, postural drainage and percussion) and expansion therapies (Incentive Spirometry)
* Performs safe and effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation, including airway management techniques. Maintains all airway management competencies including Endotracheal intubation. Attends as assigned mock codes
* Assesses need for, recommends/initiates, sets-up/maintains and evaluates/documents response to mechanical ventilation, ventilator and weaning protocols, routine airway care, appropriate clinical alarm limits and documentation. Performs wake up and wean screens daily. Maintains Blood Gas Lab/C.A.P. standards for clinical laboratories
* Recommends, performs, and interprets diagnostic tests including FVC/NIF, portable spirometry, continuous pulse oximetry, overnight pulse oximetry, end-tidal CO2 monitoring per protocol and/or when ordered, transcutaneous monitoring in NICU, and laboratory tests
* Instructs patient, family, and significant others in the rationale and methodology or respiratory care procedures to facilitate patient/family cooperation, understanding and efficacy of care, including reassessment of care. Documents daily patient education, re-evaluations. Assesses prn medications for need
* Performs the following support activities: decontaminates and sets and up equipment, provides equipment and cylinders when requested, secures rental equipment appropriately, daily oxygen rounds, troubleshooting and appropriate labeling of malfunctioning equipment, communicates opportunity for rental equipment return
* When assigned to the NICU and is able to demonstrate competence, performs the following duties: neonatal resuscitation; sets up, manages, and troubleshoots high frequency oscillatory ventilation, neonatal mechanical ventilation and CPAP devices; Assesses, initiates/recommends, administers, and evaluates response to nebulized medications, administers surfactant, oxygen therapy, chest physiotherapy, endotracheal suctioning, arterial, capillary, and cord blood gases; Sets up and monitors ventilator humidification systems; recommends/sets up Transcutaneous monitor where appropriate
* Documents on Pediatric Asthma Pathway and all Information Systems and paper documents accurately and completely. Communicates and documents functional concerns to the Help Desk and to relief therapist. Documents according to regulatory blood gas lab requirements. Relays accurate information to oncoming shift. Maintains patient orders, transitions therapies, and maintains work assignments accurately, responsibly and fairly among staff
* Maintains and completes competencies in a timely fashion. Applies Bronchodilator Protocol, Wake up and Wean and Common Cannister protocols consistently. Interprets patient care in accordance with these protocols
All roles must demonstrate GBMC Values:
Respect
I will treat everyone with courtesy. I will foster a healing environment.
- Treats others with fairness, kindness, and respect for personal dignity and privacy
- Listens and responds appropriately to others' needs, feelings, and capabilities
Excellence
I will strive for superior performance in every aspect of my work. I will recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of others.
- Meets and/or exceeds customer expectations
- Actively pursues learning and self-development
- Pays attention to detail; follows through
Accountability
I will be professional in the way I act, look and speak. I will take ownership to solve problems.
- Sets a positive, professional example for others
- Takes ownership of problems and does what is needed to solve them
- Appropriately plans and utilizes required resources for various job duties
- Reports to work regularly and on time
Teamwork
I will be engaged and collaborative. I will keep people informed.
- Works cooperatively and collaboratively with others for the success of the team
- Addresses and resolves conflict in a positive way
- Seeks out the ideas of others to reach the best solutions
- Acknowledges and celebrates the contribution of others
Ethical Behavior
I will always act with honesty and integrity. I will protect the patient.
- Demonstrates honesty, integrity and good judgment
- Respects the cultural, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of patients/families/coworkers
Results
I will set goals and measure outcomes that support organizational goals. I will give and accept help to achieve goals.
- Embraces change and improvement in the work environment
- Continuously seeks to improve the quality of products/services
- Displays flexibility in dealing with new situations or obstacles
- Achieves results on time by focusing on priorities and manages time efficiently