Job Description

The Resp Therapy Tech position is for a Respiratory Therapist Student with a Student Work Permit / License. This position exists to be responsible and accountable for the administration of floor based Respiratory Care as validated by approved competency skills checklist provided by the accredited Respiratory Care Program and for appropriate documentation in the medical record of the therapy provided under the guidance and check off of a staff Respiratory Therapist at La Porte Hospital.

Minimum Requirements: 

Requires current admission in an accredited Respiratory Care Program.Requires proficient status in competency skills checked  off and validated by the Respiratory Care program director/chair on the student license application.Requires Indiana State Student Work Permit/License in Respiratory Care.

General Responsibilities: 

Will be under the proximate supervision of a licensed respiratory care therapist/practitioner at all times.The Respiratory Therapy student working on a student licensure will only perform Respiratory Care that is specific to their student licensure and competency checked by the accredited Respiratory Therapy program director/chair. The students Respiratory Care can include any of the following but, will be specific to each hired student according to their licensure and they will only perform therapies in which they have been approved:Treatment Implementation: Understands all oxygen modalities available in our inventory that are administered to the patients. Administers aerosol medication delivery, basic lung parameters: MV, VT, VC and Peak Flow, performs bronchial hygiene therapy, Capnography, EKG, humidity and Aerosol therapy, pulmonary volume expansion: PEP, high flow cannulas w/heated humidity, oximeter, incentive spirometry, chest percussion therapy, diaphragmatic pursed lip breathing, pharyngeal airway insertions, suctioning procedures: trach, nasotracheal or endotracheal and tracheostomy care. Understands and adheres to the implementation of the Respiratory Therapy Protocols. Understands the delivery devices and medications and the desired effects and side effects. Understands modifications of drug dosage may be necessary upon the patient population. Reports side effects and adverse reactions to nursing personnel and Pharmacy. Responds, initiates, and participates in resuscitation efforts. Understands isolation techniques and implements those techniques for isolated patients. Maintains skill in the assembly of all equipment high-flow and other equipment that must pass the check-out phase procedure. Understands and cleans equipment according to manufacturer’s cleaning guidelines.Assess the patient in a systematic, organized manner.Provides standard respiratory therapy services as directed and assigned by the team leader or designee in accordance with physician's written orders and respiratory therapy protocols within the duties of respiratory therapy tech approved competency service according to their work permit/license.Educates patient and family on disease processes and make appropriate documentation.Prepares and maintains patient and departmental records as assigned by the team leader or designee.Practices Universal precautions and isolation techniques.Exhibits flexibility in working in assigned areas including critical care and accepts additional assignmentsProvide quality patient care in all patient care settings by performing procedures currently accepted by Pulmonary Managers, Medical Directors, and National Standards to assure the best possible patient outcomes. Clinical care is consistent with established policies, procedures and standards of care.Accurately communicates patient information and thoroughly documents respiratory therapy actions.Listens and acknowledges patients/families knowledge of self and engages their participation in careObserves and reports changes of patient condition to MD/RN or other related member of health care team.Provides continuity of care with accurate and thorough report.Ensures physician's orders for therapy is carried out and patient is evaluated for therapy.Maintains a clean, safe, and economical patient environment and work environment.Abide by hospital and departmental policies.Pass minimum score on department specific competencies and protocols. Demonstrate minimum skill proficiency in respiratory care procedures as outlined in the Policy and Procedure Manual.Establishes and maintains a positive and effective working environment and work relationships with other medical team members, patients, and patient's family member.Collecting and prioritizing data relative to immediate condition and anticipated needs.Seeks educational resources and create learning experiences to enhance and maintain current knowledge and approved competency skills for his or her continuing competence in Respiratory Care, and individual professional growth.Communicates information appropriately with Medical Staff and other members of the health care team to promote continuity of care and attainment of patient expected outcomes.Acting as patient advocate.Adapts teaching to the educational level and cognition state of each patient to promote maximum understanding.Communicates effectively with the Manager and Director to ensure that problems or opportunities to improve unit activities are addressed.Consistently provides outstanding service to all patients, physicians, fellow employees, and guests as appropriate to position.Actively participates in department committees and group meetings with a focus on providing input to improve the quality of services.Consistently demonstrates behavior which reflects that working as a team is more important than self-interest.Protects confidentiality of patients/co-workers, respecting their dignity, privacy, and differences.Completes educational modules in a timely manner through the Advanced Learning System.Attends mandatory in-services and other mandatory competencies required by JC and ISBH. Maintains awareness and follows Joint Commission regulations and participates in Joint Commission tracers.