Respiratory Care Practitioner

PERFORMS PATIENT CARE ACTIVITIES TO INCLUDE ALL FORMS OF RESPIRATORY THERAPY AND OTHER ASSIGNED DUTIES UTILIZING APPLICABLE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES.
Interprets and executes physician orders
Demonstrates the ability to individualize therapy to meet the patient's need
Demonstrates the ability to anticipate the patient needs
Demonstrates the ability to calculate medication dosages
Performs patient education
Performs all duties in an efficient and timely manner
Notifies leader of respiratory care, supervisor, or unit leader of any inappropriate patient care issues
Documents all medication and patient care errors
Uses protective equipment appropriately
Performs intubations and change tracheostomy tubes as assigned
Practices good body mechanics, getting assistance as needed to protect patient and own safety
Remains alert and responsive to all alarms/call lights
Follows good hand washing and infection control procedures between patients and procedures
Performs testing in a manner that ensures accurate results.
Maintains a clean work area, checks and stocks supplies in their specific area.
Performs oxygen rounds as assigned.
Responds to all pages and requests in a timely manner
Responds to emergency situations and codes immediately
Remains calm and effective in emergency and/or stressful situations
Ensures patient safety in the hospital environment by following policy/procedures and adhering to National Patient Safety Goals
Performs patient bedside lab testing (ABGs) and associated quality control in compliance with medical provider’s orders and hospital lab procedures/policies.

PERFORMS VENTILATOR MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE
Maintains knowledgeable of all modes of ventilation and a weaning modality
Responds promptly to urgent needs
Uses protective equipment appropriately
Participates in patient rounds with physicians
Performs ventilator checks every 4 hours and PRN
Sets appropriate ventilator alarms within recommended parameters
Educates students and other health professionals about ventilator functions
Documents ventilator settings and patient information accurately
Acts as patient advocate
Practices appropriate patient assessment skills to evaluate patient needs
Contacts physicians to improve patient care
Contacts physicians concerning ventilator settings
Collaborates with appropriate healthcare worker concerning patient care issues
Sets-up, verifies proper function, operates, and monitors ventilators, BIPAP and CPAP

MAINTAINS ACCURATE DOCUMENTATION AND ACCURATE COMPUTER ENTRY
Completes documentation of all therapy, ventilator, and oxygen
Completes documentation on all internal forms
Documents complete and accurate charge entry daily
Maintains current credentials

ASSUMES RESPONSIBILITY FOR HIS/HER ONGOING PROFESSIONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
Learns the functions of all new equipment
Learns new procedures
Maintains knowledgeable of departmental policies and procedures
Completes all mandatory education within the stated time frame
Attends educational offerings to validate skills
Maintains current knowledge of all equipment
Maintains current license