Job Summary:
We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) to join our healthcare team. In this role, you will provide respiratory care to patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders, including administering therapeutic treatments, managing ventilators, and performing diagnostic tests. You will work closely with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to provide critical care for patients in a variety of settings, including emergency care, intensive care units (ICU), and general patient wards.
Key Responsibilities:
Assess and Monitor Patients:
- Evaluate patients' respiratory conditions by performing assessments and analyzing diagnostic tests, such as arterial blood gases (ABGs), pulmonary function tests (PFTs), and chest X-rays.
- Monitor patients' respiratory status, including ventilator settings, oxygen therapy, and medication administration.
Administer Respiratory Therapies:
- Deliver respiratory treatments such as inhalation therapy, nebulizer treatments, chest physiotherapy, and positive pressure therapy to patients with conditions such as asthma, COPD, pneumonia, and bronchitis.
- Administer oxygen therapy, bronchodilators, and other respiratory medications as prescribed by the physician.
- Provide ventilation management for patients in need of mechanical ventilation or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) support.
Ventilator Management:
- Set up, monitor, and adjust mechanical ventilators for patients in critical care settings (e.g., ICU, emergency room, operating room).
- Perform weaning trials and assist with extubation when appropriate under the supervision of a physician.
- Troubleshoot and resolve ventilator-related issues, ensuring proper patient ventilation and oxygenation.
Patient and Family Education:
- Educate patients and their families about respiratory conditions, treatment options, and proper use of respiratory equipment.
- Provide instructions on home oxygen therapy, inhaler use, CPAP/BiPAP devices, and other treatments.
Collaboration with Medical Team:
- Work closely with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement respiratory care plans tailored to each patient.
- Communicate patient progress, changes in respiratory status, and any issues with treatments to the medical team in a timely manner.
Emergency and Critical Care Support:
- Respond quickly and efficiently to emergency situations, such as code blue, respiratory distress, or respiratory failure, providing life-saving interventions.
- Participate in advanced resuscitation procedures and manage airway emergencies (e.g., intubation, suctioning).
Diagnostic Testing:
- Conduct diagnostic tests, such as arterial blood gas (ABG) sampling, pulmonary function testing, and cardiopulmonary stress tests, and interpret the results to assist physicians in diagnosing respiratory conditions.
- Perform routine maintenance and calibration of diagnostic equipment.
Record Keeping and Documentation:
- Document patient assessments, treatments, procedures, and responses accurately in the medical record, ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations (HIPAA).
- Maintain accurate records of equipment used, medication administered, and patient progress.
Maintain Equipment and Supplies:
- Ensure that respiratory care equipment is properly cleaned, sterilized, and maintained.
- Stock and order supplies for the respiratory therapy department as needed.
Continuing Education and Professional Development:
- Participate in ongoing education and professional development activities to stay current with advancements in respiratory therapy techniques and technologies.
- Attend departmental meetings, in-services, and training to improve care standards.