Performs all respiratory therapy patient modalities prescribed under a physician's order. Assigned primarily to the ICU.
Job Specific Duties
Assesses patients in terms of clinical condition (heart rate, respiratory rate, etc.) and documents findings (Pre/Post therapy) in an accurate and timely manner. Provides feedback to physician(s).
Ensures proper communication between physicians and families. Serves as a patient advocate/educator and provides family support and community resources.
Provides patient information and effectively completes hand off process to peers using SBAR at shift change and patient reassignments.
Provides education to patients/families on the continuing plan of care to include medications and side effects; updates patients/families daily on Plan of Care (POC)
Participates in Lean initiative to assess and improve processes for opportunities to deliver higher quality, cost effective care, with greater customer service as measured by metrics.
Participates in rounds with medical team and discusses initial (new) and follow up cases with MD and documents note.
Serves as backup for all emergency codes (blue, rapid response, code orange).
Performs and tests invasive and non-invasive ventilators, initiates therapy, and monitors patient/ ventilator. Ensures ventilator is working and documents equipment settings.
Performs basic respiratory therapy for medical/surgical patients such as aerosol delivery, airway clearance, and chest physiotherapy.
Participates in root cause analysis with any unplanned extubations.
Performs all Quality Assurance on equipment and reports any malfunction. Removes equipment and documents if equipment failure impacted patient outcomes. Completes incident report and tags equipment.
Follows all Infection Control standards and ensures proper use of Personal Protective Equipment per hospital policy and procedures to ensure safe patient care.
Minimum Job Requirements
Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) license issued by the state of Florida
NBRC - Ntl Board Respiratory Care
American Heart Association (AHA) BLS - maintain active and in good standing throughout employment
American Heart Association (AHA) ACLS required within 30 days of hire - maintain active and in good standing throughout employment
American Heart Association (AHA) PALS required within 30 days of hire - maintain active and in good standing throughout employment
Neonatal Resuscitation Program NRP American Academy of Pediatrics required within 30 days of hire - maintain active and in good standing throughout employment
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Associate degree in respiratory care preferred.
Knowledge of Spanish or Creole preferred.
Ability to communicate effectively in English both verbally and in writing.
Ability to interpret, adapt, and react calmly under stressful conditions typical of an ICU environment.
Ability to problem solve and adapt standard clinical procedures to patients needs associated with pediatric and neonatal population.
Ability to relate cooperatively and constructively with patients, families, and peers.
Ability to learn appropriate software application(s) used for patient documentation and medication administration.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
Excellent customer service skills.
Ability to react quickly to new challenges, unanticipated events, and resolve issues and address requests in a timely fashion.
