The direct patient care provider in this position must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served.  Each of the responsibilities will be accomplished in a safe manner that will prevent injury to the employee or others while following Hood Memorial Hospital's compliance programs and all federal and state regulatory guidelines.  

Duties and Responsibilities: 

Performed according to hospital and department policies and procedures with minimal supervision.

• Continuous oxygen, humidity, and aerosol therapy.
• Intermittent and continuous nebulizer therapy.
• Positive pressure breathing (PEP Therapy)
• Incentive spirometry and breathing exercises.
• Pulse oximetry.
• Pulmonary Function Tests.
• EKGs
• 6 minute walks.
• BIPAP/CPAP set up, monitoring and troubleshooting.
• Airway management.
• Mechanical ventilator set up, monitoring, and troubleshooting.
• Arterial blood gas collection and analysis.
• Cleans and disinfects patient equipment, performs pre-use checks and sets up equipment ensuring availability for patient use. 
• Maintains stock in the respiratory supply areas throughout the facility and assists in conservation of supplies and eliminating waste.
• Monitors oxygen storage rooms throughout the facility and ensures tank storage inventory and compliance.
• Responds to all cardiopulmonary arrests and provide CPR if necessary.
• Reports any equipment issues to Dept Manager. 
• Demonstrates ability to perform duties without immediate supervision.
• Documentation of services provided according to established policies and procedures.
• Complete accurate initial assessments of all patients ordered on therapeutic procedures.
• Assess patients oxygen delivery needs. 
• Assess the patients need and tolerance of airway clearance techniques.
• Demonstrates the ability to correctly assess and take appropriate corrective action action during emergency situations.
• Follows all department and facility infection prevention polices and guidelines.
• Assists in quality assurance through reporting of occurrences according to established policies and procedures.
• Directly responsible for the safety of patients and self during the administration of patient care, in the use and administration of oxygen and other medical gas; and for the department equipment.
• Participates in professional development through attendance of education programs and attends annual competency, scheduled department meetings and hospital in-services. 
• Provide patient family education as needed. 
• Safeguards and preserves confidentiality of patient information.
• Consults physician for clarification of orders and follows orders as written.
• Ability to communicate with others tactfully and effectively.
• Gives a thorough, concise report at change of shift; within allotted time. 
• Participates in special projects or responsibilities requested by department leadership.
• Promotes teamwork.
• Assists in marketing new services to medical staff and community.
• Ensures ongoing preparedness for inspections/surveys and accreditations.