Certified Respiratory Therapist - Women's and Children's Hospital

The Certified Respiratory Therapist participates in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with pulmonary disorders. Responsible for the management of Life Support systems and responding to medical emergencies within the hospital.  The CRT may perform all tasks included in their license practice act within department guidelines and policies. The position relies on education and entry-level training to complete responsibilities. The CRT must function with limited supervision, relying on their education and the guidance of the physician and supervisory staff.

Responsibilities

1. TECHNICAL TASKS
   1. Delivers standardized therapeutic respiratory therapy procedures in accordance with criteria in accordance with clinical practice guidelines
   2. Maintains complete, accurate, and concise records in full accord with Hospital and Department Policy and Procedures
   3. Participates in fiberoptic bronchoscopies through preparation and monitoring of the patient, assists the physician with the procedure, handles specimens, performs post procedure care of the patient, and maintains the bronchoscopy equipment
   4. Performs Basic Spirometry studies, ensuring the necessary equipment is calibrated, test results are accurate and posted on patient's chart as soon as possible
   5. Identifies risks, hazards, and complications of performing arterial punctures. Demonstrates proficiency in arterial punctures ensuring hazards and complications are minimized
   6. Assists physicians and nurses in cardiopulmonary stress lab- and operating the Cardio 2 computer.
   7. Demonstrates proficiency with age groups- adults, geriatrics, pediatrics, and infants as outlined in relation to level of service. Meets expectations of required competencies for Respiratory Therapy
2. CRITICAL THINKING
   1. Demonstrates the Clinical Goals of Oxygen Therapy administration; has the knowledge to assess adequacy of patient's response to therapy or need for therapy
   2. Is skilled in recognition of signs suggesting the possibility or presence of cardiopulmonary arrest and initiation of resuscitation and life-support measures in adult, children, and infants, certified in CPR
   3. Responsible for assessment of the patients for distress that requires immediate therapeutic intervention, emergent problems immediately recognized and managed in all critical situations. Demonstrates the ability to assess a situation, considers the alternatives and properly choose an appropriate course of action
   4. Understands the technical components of the ventilators, the pathophysiology of the respiratory system, and patient ventilator interaction in managing ventilator patient's outcomes
   5. Demonstrates proficiency in the analysis of arterial blood samples, assess the values for consistency, identifies the factors contributing to any observed abnormalities and recommends appropriate therapeutic intervention
   6. Demonstrates leadership abilities as Team Leader, teacher, and role model
   7. Sets goals and plans and organizes activities so as to achieve optimum and efficient patient care. Attempts to complete all assignments and minimize rework
   8. Consistently astute and conscientious in the observation, assessment and reporting of the patient's status or needs to appropriate personnel
3. Other duties as assigned
   1. Consistently performs 12 organizational Service Standards focused on Values, Service and Quality.

Qualifications

Education- Associates Degree or equivalent ( 10 Years experience as licensed therapist substituted for Associates Degree)

Training -  Graduate of AMA approved program.  BLS Certification