Job Description

General Purpose of Job:

Evaluates, treats, and cares for patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorders.

Essential Duties:

• Evaluates patients performing limited physical examinations and diagnostic tests; reports test results to the physician.
• Performs prescribed respiratory care therapeutic treatments; evaluates and monitors patients' responses to such therapy and modifies the prescribed therapy to achieve the desired therapy objectives.
• Prepares and administers medications used in conjunction with respiratory care.
• Makes regular rounds of respiratory therapy patients to evaluate patients' condition assuring compliance with physician's orders; changes ventilator settings according to the physician's orders. Recognizes and notifies physician of adverse changes in patients' status.
• Educates patients and their families on treatments and procedures; provides emotional support as needed.
• Documents treatments given and/or patient reactions in a timely manner and in accordance with Hospital policies.
• Processes telephone orders from physicians related to respiratory services, read back.
• Maintains communication with nurses and physicians to facilitate quality patient care; reports adverse changes in patient status.
• Performs EKGs, PFTs, Holters, ABG's and exercise treadmills on inpatients and outpatients, as directed.
• Assists physician in intubating patients and ventilator management, extubates, suctions, places patients on oxygen, and interprets blood gas analysis, per orders. Assists physician with bronchoscopies.
• Assumes responsibility for maintaining work area and respiratory therapy equipment; sterilizes/ cleans equipment, assures equipment is properly regulated, and performs routine maintenance on equipment. Orders supplies as needed.
• Responds to all code blue call while on duty; assists in cardiopulmonary resuscitations.
• Maintains records necessary for billing respiratory care charges.
• Attends staff meetings and in-service programs as required. Assists with orientation process for newly hired staff and agency staff. Participates in activities to promote services and the hospital.
• Supports and serves as a role model for our mission, vision, values, and customer service initiatives. Adheres to the organization's policies & procedures, and compliance guidelines.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Job Requirements

General Requirements	* National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) Registered Respiratory Therapist Technician (RRT) or Certified Respiratory Technician (CRT). * Current licensure by the state of MI. * CPR/ACLS certification
Work Experience	N/A
Education	* Graduate of an approved Respiratory Therapy program
Specialized Knowledge and Skills	* Knowledge of cardiac/pulmonary disease processes and related procedures, respiratory therapy techniques, testing procedures and related protocols * Knowledge of accrediting and regulatory standards and hospital policies related to cardiac/pulmonary rehab function, HIPAA confidentiality, OIG and JCAHO mandates * Knowledge of payer sources and payer requirements * Written and computer skills necessary to prepare required billing, documentation, and reports * Interpersonal skills necessary to effectively communicate with patients, families, physicians, and health care professionals in the exchange of information * Analytical ability to determine appropriate method of therapy based upon observation of patient diagnostic test results and disease processes * Mental ability to adapt and respond to multiple priorities and demands, deal with the concerns of patients and their families, and respond to emergency situations * Physical ability to stand for prolonged periods of time, assist patients using proper body mechanics, and properly operate equipment/ devices * Demonstrates ability to use a keyboard as may be required to perform the essential duties of the job.