Respiratory Therapist

SUMMARY

Administer and evaluate a wide variety of therapeutic and diagnostic procedures to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of primary pulmonary disease and other medical problems that may affect a patient’s pulmonary status. Perform other related duties as required. Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers, and one another.

In addition to our values, all employees are expected to demonstrate the core Success Factors which tell us how we work together and how we get things done. The core Success Factors include:

• Instill Trust and Value Differences
• Patient and Community Focus and Collaborate

RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs according to the Respiratory Services Policy & Procedures Manual (204-211) a variety of therapeutic procedures, including:

• Intermittent positive pressure breathing
• Chest physiotherapy
• Postural drainage
• Nebulizer aerosol therapy
• Incentive Spirometry
• Breathing exercises
• Tracheal irrigation and aspiration

Administers all inhalant medications with a scientific understanding of actions, expected responses, and adverse reactions to include:

• Bronchodilators
• Mucolytics
• Antibiotics
• Wetting agents
• Steroids
• Chromalin drugs
• Anti-fungal agents

Sets up and performs CPAP, Bi-Pap, and non-invasive ventilation. Provides and monitors continuous oxygen and humidification therapy. Instructs patient on the use of equipment and monitors equipment function, proper use of equipment, and compliance with written physician’s orders. Initiates, monitors, and provides respiratory care to all patients dependent on mechanical ventilation for life support (P&P Manual, Section 301-310):

• Adult mechanical ventilation
• Neonatal/pediatric ventilation

Performs equipment check-out procedures prior to use to ensure proper function, adjusts all ventilatory parameters, initiates and monitors mechanical ventilation, and makes adjustments to coordinate the ventilator with the patient. Demonstrates knowledge of all ventilator modes. Nebulizes fluids, irrigates airway, and performs deep tracheal suction and cuff care as needed. Monitors oxygen concentration, ventilatory volumes, muscular strength, humidification, ventilating pressures, sputum collection and characteristics, breath sounds, and changes in respiratory/pulmonary condition and ability. Monitors equipment for proper function. Demonstrates ability to properly perform arterial blood gas analysis, as indicated, when authorized by the physician (P&P Manual, Section 401-407):

• Adult arterial blood gases
• Infants/children arterial blood gases
• Blood Gas Lab Safety
• Call physician with critical values
• Calibration
• Preventive maintenance
• Quality control procedures

Demonstrates ability to accurately transcribe ABG results and correlates results with the clinical situation. Makes arrangements to improve oxygenation and acid-base balance. Interprets and executes all orders prescribed by a physician. Demonstrates ability to review history and physical, lab, and X-ray reports, and interdisciplinary progress notes to assess patient’s condition and ability, therapeutic needs, or contraindications to ordered therapy. Consistently works within the physician’s order to deliver the therapy appropriate for the patient’s condition. Demonstrates ability to determine best methods for therapy such as appropriate pressure and flow rates for intermittent positive pressure breathing, positions required for chest physiotherapy/postural drainage, types of breathing exercises, sensitivity, flow rates, pressure limits/control, ventilatory waveforms, and need for suction/irrigation for patients on mechanical ventilation. Responds to hazards of therapies in an appropriate manner, including life-threatening situations. Instructs patient on rationale and proper procedures for all therapies. Monitors pulmonary and cardiac response and results of all therapies. Performs accurate and complete documentation of all findings to physician via medical record. Demonstrates ability to evaluate changes in patient’s condition and determines if current therapy is successful in meeting therapeutic objectives. Accepts verbal/telephone orders from physicians when appropriate and transcribes accurately in the medical record (see P & P Manual, Section 106A). Demonstrates ability to perform Respiratory Therapy Protocols/Consults upon certification (P & P Manual, Section 220). Obtains respiratory history and performs patient assessment, including inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation, and review of diagnostic data such as PFTs, ABGs, EKGs, reports, X-rays, and blood work. For Respiratory Protocols/Consults, provides assessment of the need for therapy intervention and develops a Respiratory Care Plan. Demonstrates ability to properly perform patient assessments daily and alters, as necessary, the specific mode and frequency of therapy. Demonstrates knowledge of proper use of manual resuscitators:

• Adult and child manual resuscitators
• Infant resuscitators

Demonstrates ability to accurately perform diagnostic procedures including:

• Bedside pulmonary function screening
• EKGs
• Oximetry
• End tidal carbon dioxide measurements and obtain sputum by inducing, if necessary, for laboratory studies.

Initiates and maintains life-saving measures in emergency situations, assists physician with intubation, auscultates chest to evaluate endotracheal tube position. Demonstrates understanding of proper use of all cardio-respiratory equipment including:

• EKG machines
• Oxygen delivery devices
• Ohio pediatric tents
• Oxygen analyzers
• Blenders
• Spirometers
• NIF (negative inspiratory force meters)
• Incentive spirometers
• Air compressors
• Liquid oxygen systems
• Cuff pressure manometers
• Heated/cool nebulizers

Obtains special certifications at Newport Hospital for performance of:

• Arterial Blood Gases
• Respiratory Therapy Protocols/Consults

As requested, accompanies patient during ambulance transport from Newport Hospital to another facility, performing respiratory care as needed. Demonstrates the ability to assess patient’s status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify patient’s requirement relative to his/her age-specific or special needs, and to provide care needed as described in department policies and procedures for neonates, children, adolescents, adults, and general patients. Handles and stores medical gases in a safe manner. Prepares and delivers report on patient’s condition, progress, and effects of therapy to Respiratory Care Practitioners coming on duty. Communicates regularly with physicians regarding any abnormal effects of therapy, abnormal diagnostic exams, or any other respiratory/pulmonary concerns. Acts as in-house resource for staff members, physicians, and patients requiring respiratory/pulmonary assistance. Sets clinical priorities daily per policy and procedure. Assists Cardiopulmonary Services Director in the orientation and training of new staff and students assigned to Newport Hospital. Participates in applicable off-site activities including health fairs and school career days. If applicable, perform esophageal studies including PH Ambulatory, Motility, or Bravo Capsule procedures.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Qualifications: Rhode Island Respiratory Care Practitioner license (RCP), CRT required, RRT preferred. Associate degree from Cardio-Respiratory Care Program. Current CPR certification.

Pay Range

$33.53-$55.31

Location

Newport Hospital - 11 Friendship Street Newport, Rhode Island 02840

Work Type

PT nights 6:15pm - 6:45 am every other weekend, HT

Work Shift

Night

Daily Hours

8 hours

Driving Required

No

Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.