Promotes healing of acutely ill patients whose cardiac or pulmonary systems have been compromised through illness or injury through the provision of respiratory care, diagnostic testing, providing for the psycho-social needs of the patient, and patient education. Encourages and enhances the progression and efficient operation of the Cardiopulmonary Services Pulmonary services department. Treats patients from newborn, pediatrics, adolescents, young, middle, and older adults. When requested, assists day-to-day operations of the Pulmonary services department, referring out-of-the ?ordinary issues to the Manager and/or Medical Director, as appropriate. Provides diagnostic testing to the patient to help optimize the total care given. Performs arterial punctures for blood gas analysis; knowledge in the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting and quality control of ABG analyzers. Abilities to use mechanical ventilators, bi-level ventilation equipment, EZPAP, peak flow meters, ability to perform respiratory assessment, and perform CPT. Displays the ability to apply mechanical ventilation, both invasive and non-invasive, to ensure the best possible outcome for the patients. Additionally, performs all duties as outline in the Policy and Procedure manual and as licensed by the state of California through the Respiratory Care Board. RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Demonstrates accurate administration of respiratory medications; verbalizes knowledge of restrictions/precautions that apply to medication administration; recognizes generic/trade drug names. 2. After thorough review of the chart to verify proper prescription by a physician, and appropriateness of the procedures ordered, will perform procedures accurately and in a timely manner, and as described in the policy and procedure manual: Oxygen Therapy; tank, mask, cannula, high flow, etc. Coughing and deep breathing instruction and exercises and related maneuvers including Incentive Spirometry Aerosol Therapy; Bland and Medicated, Metered dose, Ultrasonic, Sputum Induction Comprehensive Pulmonary Function Testing Chest Physical Therapy IPPB, CPAP, Bi. PAP Therapy Airway maintenance, oral, nasal, and tracheal suctioning Arterial puncture for the purpose of blood gas analysis, after proper certification Mechanical Ventilation of the neonate/infant Continuous mechanical ventilation of acute and critically ill adults in ER, ICU-CCU Assist with bronchoscopy, diagnostic and therapeutic All other procedures as described in the P&P manual 3. Performs assessment of the patient, determining needs related to the frequency and duration of the treatment regime ordered by the MD. Requests re-order when necessary and communicates with nurse and MD about discrepancies and concerns. 4. Initiates and follows through with protocols described in the policy and procedure manual and as approved by the department and medical staff. 5. Observes the response of the patients to therapy, evaluates and records in the patients record. Immediately reports adverse reactions with the ordering physician. 6. Maintains department master record, recording procedures preformed, new starts and DCs in a timely manner, and noting reasons for any missed treatments. 7. Maintains proper critical care records, (flow sheets and charts) Chart treatments and procedures accurately in the patient?s medical record immediately upon completion. Enters appropriate information into the hospital computer system accurately and completely. 8. Participates in Multidisciplinary Care Planning by attending care conferences and by keeping care plans up to date. 9. Respond to emergent situations in the hospital and assists with providing CPR/ ACLS as certified by the American Heart Association and as directed by the hospital procedure. 10. Assist with the on-going evaluation and renewal of therapy by direct communication with ordering practitioners as directed by policy and as assigned.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING 1. Valid Respiratory Care Practitioner License in CA required. 2. RRT Credential required. 3. Current Basic Life...