JOB DESCRIPTION

Respiratory Therapist

DEPARTMENT: Nursing

POSITION SUMMARY:

The licensed and credentialed Respiratory Therapist responsible for performing duties and tasks of a respiratory care

practitioner. Upon the request of the physician, the Respiratory Therapist sets up and operates various types of respiratory care

equipment to be utilized in the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory disease and/or illness.

RESPONSIBLE TO:

This position is responsible to the Director of Nursing

FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Explains to the resident, purpose and procedure of treatments, tests and equipment

• Uses knowledge of growth and development principles to anticipate care needs of resident in the adult and geriatric

stages of development

• Applies criteria for recognition of abuse and follows policy for making appropriate referral/intervention

Conducts physician prescribed daily use of ventilator machine, various oxygen devices, nebulizer and ultrasonic

nebulizer, with respect to the respiratory system of the resident

• Performs chest physical therapy treatments involving percussion, postural drainage, and suctioning, in order to

mobilize secretions and mucus in the lungs and to clear airway blockage in the respiratory system

• Performs set-up, operation and monitoring of ventilator when resident’s respiratory system is incapable of adequate

spontaneous ventilation

• Ensures the adequate maintenance of ventilation during cardio-pulmonary resuscitation

• Performs pulmonary functions studies determining the volume, distribution, and movement of air in the respiratory

system

• Records on respiratory care records and resident chart, all pertinent information of treatments, and resident response to

treatments

• Maintains and records daily ventilator monitoring, internal and external battery logs, and ventilator weaning logs

• Performs Pulse Oximetry

• Sets up oxygen via nasal cannula and simple face mask

• Assists resident with uncomplicated transfer in and out of bed

• Reports to relief personnel, condition of residents and treatments to be administered/conducted

• Processes respiratory therapy equipment – cleaning, sterilizing and packaging as required

• Conducts regular rounds – checking residents’ oxygen equipment, replacing humidifiers as necessary, as well as spotchecking

other respiratory therapy equipment on a timely basis for his/her patient load

• Participates in the Hazardous Materials Program. Hazards include exposure to blood and body fluids, possible

communicable diseases, sharp objects and instruments, assorted chemicals and gasses as listed in the Hazardous

Materials Program Manual

• Performs such other functions as are identified by the Director of Nursing and Clinical Nurse Manager