Job Summary

Administers and coordinates a variety of treatment relating to respiratory problems for patients throughout the life span; properly charts treatment given. Consistently provides effective direct care as part of the interdisciplinary team to a variety of complex patients. Effectively communicates to members of the interdisciplinary team with patient care updates on changes. Responds to a variety of emergency and critical care situations, extends therapy to those patients. Assesses patients and takes the proper course of action. This position will care for patients in the neonate, infant, child, adolescent, adult, and geriatric age groups. Seeks as well as provides feedback for improved clinical practice. Attends regularly tier 1 huddle and staff meetings along with utilizing and learning our Error Prevention Tools and behaviors for delivering safe care. Actively supports and encouraged to participate in VOICE and unit practice council.

Minimum Job Qualifications

• Licensure or other certifications: Licensed to practice as a Respiratory Therapist (Respiratory Care Professional) in the state of Georgia.

• Educational Requirements: Associates Degree

• Minimum Experience:

• Other: Therapist should have Respiratory Therapy training through an accredited school and successful completion of registry examination.

Preferred Job Qualifications

• Preferred Licensure or other certifications:

• Preferred Educational Requirements:

• Preferred Experience: One (1) year prior experience in relevant position.

• Other:

Job Specific and Unique Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Good interpersonal skills

• Good communication skills

Essential Tasks and Responsibilities

• Responsible for effective communication to promote quality patient care. Communicates with nurses on patient care issues, ventilator changes and ABG (Arterial Blood Gas) results. Communicates effectively with physicians on patient orders, critical ABG results, changes, and with ventilators. Communicates with Supervisor all critical care and floor care concerns. Gives detailed shift report, preferably at bedside as able.

• Responsible for complete documentation in all aspects of the medical record. Verifies all new start orders and all ABG orders. Verifies orders before treating patients. Document treatments and any medications delivered, vent flow sheets, in EMR and any other patient or department paperwork. Properly completes ABG log, QC, and maintenance records.

• Responsible for management of critical care patients. Demonstrates ability to manage ventilators by parameters. Assimilates chart information such as CXR, lab and H&P and progress notes to properly manage patient. Assists nurses with other duties as requested to provide quality patient care. Minimizes time away from the units. Documents thoroughly any changes in patient care plan, i.e., clear explanation of events and deviation from documented plan of care.

• Responsible for floor therapy modalities. Performs assigned therapy and new starts in a timely manner. Provides patient education and information as needed. Follows up on critical care patients who move to floor areas. Understands oxygen and aerosol protocol. Informs floor of unexpected delays in treatment.

• Contributes to the productive and effective operation of the department. Organizes patient care and sets appropriate priorities to help complete assigned tasks. Performs patient consultations/assessments at Physician or nursing request. Performs other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands

• Weight Lifted: Up to 20 lbs, Frequently 31-65% of time

• Weight Carried: Up to 20 lbs, Frequently 31-65% of time

• Vision: Moderate, Constantly 66-100% of time

• Kneeling/Stooping/Bending: Frequently 31-65%

• Standing/Walking: Frequently 31-65%

• Pushing/Pulling: Frequently 31-65%

• Intensity of Work: Frequently 31-65%

• Job Requires: Reading, Writing, Reasoning, Talking, Keyboarding