Job Description
The Respiratory Therapy Applicant 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 Respiratory Therapy Applicant 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 Respiratory Therapy Applicant must function with some supervision, relying on their education and the guidance of the physician and supervisory staff.
Responsibilities
- Compliance/Quality: Observe and adhere to all departmental and hospital policies and procedures, and follow safety, quality assurance, and infection control standards.
- Documentation: Efficiently record pertinent patient care data in the computerized medical record or manual documentation to promote timely and accessible information; preserve patient confidentiality.
- Patient Care Delivery: Consult with physicians concerning respiratory care procedures, initiate bronchodilator therapy in respiratory distress, respond to Code Blue and MET calls, and transport patients requiring respiratory assistance.
- Equipment Management: Check patient oxygen equipment and respiratory care equipment, nebulizers, ensuring proper operation and high-quality care.
- Ventilation Support: Prepare, initiate, and monitor respiratory ventilator systems and ensure adequate ventilation during CPR and routine mechanical ventilation to ensure continuity and quality of care.
- Collaboration: Administer and assess respiratory therapy procedures (e.g., handheld nebulizers, mechanical ventilation, chest physiotherapy, nasotracheal and tracheal suctioning), assess therapy effectiveness, and prepare equipment and medications following physician orders.
- Professional Interaction: Assess patient condition and compliance, recommend appropriate therapy, and interact professionally with peers, nursing, and medical staff to support positive patient outcomes.
- Professional Development: Draw arterial samples in accordance with policy and hospital standards; assist in educating respiratory staff on arterial puncture procedures; maintain competency in arterial line insertion, intubation, and advanced ventilation (including oscillation and nitric oxide). Complete competency assessments on peers and students; teach at least one department in-service per year; maintain BLS, ACLS, and PALS (PALS if working in Pediatric area).
- Professional Service: Improve and advance the profession by serving on committees, engaging in community service, or maintaining professional memberships that reflect positively on the profession and organization.
- Other Duties: Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Enrolled in a CoARC-accredited program. Given NBRC testing suspension, permits will be extended or renewed up to 120 days after the Governor ends the Public Health Emergency. Current Louisiana State Temporary Permit issued by LSBME or senior student in an accredited program with BLS certification; ACLS within 1 year of hire.
Seniority level
Employment type
Job function
- Health Care Provider
- Industries: Hospitals and Health Care