Respiratory Therapist

Position Summary
The Registered Respiratory Therapist, initiates and manages various types of respiratory equipment, as well as administers respiratory medications and other therapies to treat patients with cardiopulmonary related illnesses (under the order of a physician). In addition, they are responsible for evaluating, instructing, and assisting with the development and implementation of a care plan for respiratory patients.

Education and Experience Requirements

EDUCATION:
Required:
Associates Degree in Respiratory Care from an accredited institution

Preferred:
Bachelors Degree in Respiratory Care or health related field

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

Registered Respiratory Therapist accreditation from the NBRC
State of Iowa Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) licensure
BLS


TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

Successfully completing training and clinical rotations mandated by the NBRC

1-2 years respiratory care experience

Essential Job Functions

Assess, treat, and provide care for patients with cardiopulmonary disorders. Assumes primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, using clinical judgment to differentiate expected from unexpected responses in the patients' condition.
Set up, operate, and evaluate the effectiveness of a wide range of respiratory equipment; including mechanical ventilators, BiPAP / CPAP, as well as high and low flow O2 administration devices, incorporating specified parameters of treatment. Displays the ability to monitor and modify treatment to optimize patient outcomes.
Provide emergency care, including airway management, artificial respiration / external cardiac massage in conjunction with other team members performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Able to clinically assess patient condition and suggest modifications to improve treatment.
Administer a variety of inhaled medication via small volume nebulizers and metered dose inhalers, to patients as prescribed by physician. Demonstrates appropriate knowledge of these medications and their dosages, the method and duration of therapy, and precautions to be taken. Able to monitor the patients physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, breath sounds, and arterial blood gases: and make recommendations for changes when appropriate.
Performs a variety of modalities to improve bronchopulmonary drainage and mucus clearance, such as chest physiotherapy and postural drainage, utilizing percussion, vibration and other PEP therapies. In addition, instructs patients in the performance of breathing exercises and incentive spirometry.
Demonstrate proficiency in obtaining and interpreting arterial blood results. Able to suggest modifications to patient therapy or treatment based on ABG results.
Performs a variety of diagnostic tests including pulse oximetry, bedside spirometry and pulmonary function testing, CO monitoring, end-tidal CO2 monitoring, in addition to arterial blood gases, to evaluate patients' cardiopulmonary functions.
Educates patients and their families about their conditions and teaches appropriate disease management techniques. These include use of medication, use of oxygen and other respiratory equipment, and breathing exercises.
Conducts electrocardiograms (ECG's) in the emergency room, to inpatients, and to outpatients to evaluate patients' cardiac status.
Assists in development and implementation of an individualized treatment plan for each assigned patient, to improve patient outcomes. Functions as an integral member of the patient care team, communicating effectively with other staff and physicians to facilitate improved patient outcomes.
Document all patient care in a concise, accurate, and timely manner in the patient's electronic medical record.
Performs all other duties as assigned.