Job Description

General Purpose of Job:

The Respiratory Therapist Intern provides a wide variety of routine and advanced forms of respiratory therapy procedures for the diagnosis, treatment, and care of patients with respiratory dysfunction under the direction and supervision of a Registered Respiratory Therapist and Certified Respiratory Therapist. The Respiratory Therapist Intern role is considered temporary until credentials through the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) are obtained.

Essential Duties:

This job description is intended to cover the minimum essential duties assigned on a regular basis. Associates may be asked to perform additional duties as assigned by their leader. Leadership has the right to alter or modify the duties of the position.

• Assess patients' condition and initiate appropriate emergency and non-emergency procedures in accordance with established guidelines. Work with neonatal patients, pediatric patients, adult patients and geriatric patients.
• Administer aerosol medications, support therapy (oxygen, humidification, ventilator), and perform a variety of respiratory treatments and/or diagnostic procedures. Administer care within physician approved therapist driven protocols.
• Initiate, operate, maintain, monitor, and ensure safe patient care practices and operation of various life support devices in all critical care areas. Consult with and make recommendations to medical staff. Member of Code Blue team (CPR).
• Report/document pertinent patient care and status data in accordance with established guidelines. May accept and document physician telephone orders for respiratory therapy procedures.
• Establish an appropriate knowledge of electronic patient record and maintain accurate records relating to charges for services rendered.
• Perform routine RT equipment maintenance, cleaning/sterilization, and ensure environmental safety; member of Code Red team.
• Assist in the transportation of critical patients to or from Sparrow Hospital, and assist the physician when performing various surgical or non-surgical respiratory/cardiology procedures.
• Instruct RT students, medical personnel, and patients and families regarding specific respiratory therapy procedures. Maintain current knowledge of RT related issues.

Job Requirements

General Requirements	* Credentialed by the National Board for Respiratory Care within 90 days of hire. * BCLS Certification within 30 days of hire. * ACLS, PALS, or NRP - preferred.
Work Experience	* Previous patient care experience - preferred. * Critical care experience in a hospital setting - preferred.
Education	* High school diploma or GED. * Graduate from a Respiratory Therapy school that is credentialed by the National Board of Respiratory Care. * Clinicals done at Sparrow Hospital - preferred.
Specialized Knowledge and Skills	* Demonstrates the ability to work on a team. * Able to demonstrate the knowledge and skill necessary to provide care based on physical, psycho/social, educational, safety and related criteria, appropriate to the age of the patients serviced in his/her assigned service are as related to the principle duties and responsibilities of the position. The skills and knowledge needed to provide such care may be gained through education, training or experience.