Respiratory Therapist - MMMC - Variable 36hrs

Monitors and ensures proper operation and functioning of respiratory therapy equipment. Monitors patients physiological parameters during therapy. Administers medical gases and aerosolized drugs.

• Initiates therapy under a Physicians order and makes appropriate recommendations for modalities of Therapy.


• Implements therapy for, and monitors patients while on continuous mechanical ventilators and all modes of positive pressure breathing devices.


• Utilizes clinical and other data to assess cardiopulmonary status of patients. 


• Assists in intubation. 


• Provides bedside spirometry. 


• Evaluates ventilator dependent patients' readiness to wean.


• Administers humidified medical gases as ordered by practitioners with authority to prescribe.


• Interprets blood gas results.


• Consults attending physician/practitioner regarding appropriate therapy. 


• Performs arterial punctures. 


• Withdraws blood samples from indwelling lines.


• Provides ventilatory support during special procedures.


• Coordinates transport of ventilatory equipment.


• Implements and monitors care of patients on heated aerosols and CPAP as per practitioner order.


• Develops good working relationships with laboratory, x-ray, infection control, nursing, physicians and other healthcare workers to maintain optimum total patient care.


• Cleans and maintains all respiratory therapy equipment.


• Assists in maintaining adequate inventory of respiratory supplies. 


• Conducts quality control tests on all respiratory equipment.


• Maintains equipment in safe, workable order; Requests repair when necessary.


• Participates in continuous quality improvement teams as required.


• Monitors esophageal pressures, swan ganz catheter data, CVP, arterial blood pressures, electrolytes, fluid balance and intravascular volumes as they pertain to respiratory patients.


• Performs chest physiotherapy, manual ventilation and suctioning.


• Positions patients to facilitate respiration.


• Performs tracheostomy care and mouth care on intubated/trached patients.


• Changes tracheostomy tube as ordered.


• Performs electroencephalogram as ordered.


• This includes taking measurements of the head, placement of electrodes, acquisition of data, monitoring of vital signs.


• Performs polysomnography as ordered for sleep studies.


• Documents pertinent information in medical record.


• Documents care provided in medical record.


• Monitors disease processes, arterial and venous catheter placement and endotracheal tube placement via chest x-ray.


• Communicates pertinent patient information to physicians, practitioners and nurses as appropriate.


• Participates in patient rounds with Pulmonologist/Intensivist/Neonatologist.


• Responds to and participates in Code Blue as part of Code team/RRT Team.


• Able to instruct patient and family on disease processes and treatments provided by Respiratory Therapy in accordance with the hospital patient/family education policies and procedures.


• Assumes on-call status as needed.


• Other duties as assigned.