Provisional Respiratory Therapist

Job Summary: The Respiratory Care student works to perform basic respiratory modalities and arterial blood gases. Administers medically prescribed respiratory care as permitted for Provisional License. Provides patient care in specific routine care areas, which exclude critical patients. This role focuses on learning and assisting with a range of respiratory care procedures and treatments, providing hands-on experience while maintaining patient safety.

Demonstrates Competency in the Following Areas:

• Ability to assess patient, their need and ability to tolerate treatment and reassessment for response to treatment.
• Ability to read prescriptions, measure and draw arterial blood gases, review patient information and determine requirements for treatment.  
• Ability to operate all equipment, procedures, and protocols related to the department scope of practice. Understands when to utilize certain equipment and procedure based on patient demographics, signs and symptoms, and data collection. 
• Knowledge of medications, treatments and their correct administration based on age of the patient and their clinical condition. Ability to provide treatments to patients following all hospital policy, procedure, and protocol.
• Formulates a teaching plan based upon identified learning needs and evaluates effectiveness of learning, family is included in teaching as appropriate.
• Demonstrates knowledge of respiratory therapy and cardiology studies, administers treatments appropriately based upon professional standards.
•  Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity.
• Schedules cardiopulmonary procedures for all inpatient and outpatient procedures.  
• Properly maintains and documents all records, reports and logs.
• Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly. Inspects and tests respiratory therapy equipment to ensure it is functioning safely and efficiently.
• Interacts professionally with patient/family and involves patient/family in the formation of the plan of care.
• Coordinates and directs patient care to ensure patients’ needs are met and hospital policy is followed.
• Reports changes in patients’ condition, responses to tests, and treatments appropriately.
• Communicates appropriately and clearly to physicians, staff director of department, medical director and administrative team.
• Participates in performance improvement and CQI activities.
• Maintains a good working relationship both within the department and with other departments.
• Documentation meets current standards and policies.
• Provides care appropriate to disease condition and age of the patient.
• Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations.
• Able to be available on call if needed and scheduled

Responsibilities:

• Under the guidance of the staff respiratory therapist and/or supervisor/Lead respiratory therapist of Respiratory Care, the Provisional Respiratory Therapist/Student will serve as a member of the healthcare team by providing assistance and by caring for the appropriate patient population
• Provide respiratory care, such as electrocardiograms, and, non-invasive therapy, as ordered by physicians, according to established standards and practices
• Perform a variety of duties relative to non-invasive therapy, cleaning, disinfecting, and storing respiratory therapy equipment and restocking of supplies
• Assessing respiratory status by performing focused exams, interpreting breath sounds and airway patency, and determining the need for respiratory interventions
• Delivering evidence-based therapy by providing oxygen support, aerosolized medications, airway clearance techniques, and other treatments across emergency, critical care, and acute settings
• Managing ventilation and airways by assisting with artificial airway placement, initiating and adjusting noninvasive ventilation, monitoring patient responses, and responding quickly to clinical changes or emergencies
• Supporting patients and the care team by educating patients and families, serving as a clinical resource, partnering with physicians and nurses, and helping stabilize newborns during deliveries when needed
• Maintaining equipment and safety by setting up, operating, and cleaning respiratory equipment; ensuring readiness and preventive maintenance; transporting ventilated patients safely; and following all infection-prevention standards
• Perform delegated tasks and data collection that have been taught and verified in the course of study

Professional Requirements:

• Adheres to dress code, appearance is neat and clean.
• Completes annual education requirements.
• Maintains regulatory requirement.
• Reports to work on time and as scheduled, completes work within designated time.
• Maintains currency by reading/attending educational presentations.
• Attends staff meetings as appropriate.
• Wears identification while on duty, uses computerized punch time system correctly.  

 Regulatory Requirements:

• Must have authorization to practice by letter, provisional or full license as a Respiratory Care Practitioner from the Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision
• RRT status must be achieved within one year from date of provisional license received
• Basic Life Support (BLS) training is prior to providing patient care
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) is required to be maintained thru re-training for duration of employment
• ACLS, PALS, and NRP is required to be maintained thru re-training for duration of employment

Language Skills:

• Ability to read and communicate effectively in English.

Skills:

• Basic computer knowledge.
• Ability and understanding to utilize or familiarize themselves in all equipment and procedures outlined in scope of practice
• Familiar with Microsoft office applications such as Word, Excel and Office

Physical Demands:

• For physical demands of position, including vision, hearing, repetitive motion and environment see following description. Near visual & hearing acuity required to perform essential duties of position. 
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without compromising client care.

Education/Regulatory Requirements:

• Must have at least a High School diploma or GED.
• Maintain current CPR certifications.
• Maintain state licensure
• Previous work history that demonstrates steady attendance and punctuality is required.

Physical Demands:

• For physical demands of position, including vision, hearing, repetitive motion and environment, see attached description. Near visual & hearing acuity required to perform essential duties of Provisional RT. 
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without compromising client care.