Respiratory Care Practitioner

Under general supervision, performs respiratory care related procedures. Adheres to standards set forth in Respiratory Therapy driven protocols. Assesses patient condition, administers prescribed therapy and aerosolized medications, provides airway and ventilator management, performs respiratory related diagnostic tests, and records patient response to therapy modalities. Special duties may include provision of basic and advanced respiratory care to neonatal and pediatric patients in the intensive care unit and during transport, which frequently requires making rapid decisions and assisting physicians to respond to status changes in neonatal and pediatric patients.

Working with physicians to create breathing management strategies. Treating breathing disorders, some sleep disorders, severe allergies, and other lung conditions. Provides airway and ventilator management, place, monitor and maintain advanced airways, and documents patient response to therapy modalities. Special duties may include performance of a variety of diagnostic tests of the cardiopulmonary system and to determine the effect of disease and treatment on that system.

• Completion of an approved and accredited respiratory program
• Graduate from a respiratory care education program supported by CoARC or accredited by NBRC (National Board for Respiratory Care), with a minimum of 62 semester hours of college credit, including a background in the basic sciences, or baccalaureate degree in an area other than respiratory care or Associates of Arts or Science degree

• Current Maryland license as a respiratory care practitioner
• Healthcare Provider (CPR Certification)
• Neonatal Resuscitation for NICU respiratory care practitioners

• 1 year of clinical practice experience under medical direction

• Knowledge of respiratory therapy theory, practice and techniques
• Skill in using computers and a variety of personal productivity applications
• Skill in oral and written communication
• Skill in providing customer service
• Knowledge of laboratory and regulatory requirements relating to patient care
• Respiratory Care Staff have completed an accredited program in respiratory care and are licensed to practice respiratory care by the MD Board of Physician Quality Assurance. Staff are deemed proficient in respiratory care procedures on initial orientation in all modalities and are overseen by a team consisting of a respiratory care manager, RT Team Lead, Medical Director, Laboratory Director, and a Neonatology Division head for NICU RT staff members.

• Assesses oxygenation and recommends/initiates, administers, evaluates, and documents response to oxygen therapy, medical gas therapies including Heliox, Vapotherm, Nitric Oxide (NICU)
• Assesses need for, recommends/initiates, administers and evaluates/documents response to inhaled medications by assessing response to inhaled medications, follows appropriate procedures and protocols for medication reconciliation and patient identification as guided by clinical practice, and records and communicated missed medications. Adheres to the Bronchodilator/Common Cannister protocol and progresses patients to MDI therapy. Scans all medications. Calls physician to obtain appropriate changes to medication orders
• Assesses need for, recommends/initiates, administers and evaluates/documents response to therapies directed toward secretion mobilization and airway clearance by performing endotracheal suctioning, assessing response to chest physiotherapy (cough and breathing retraining, PEP therapy, postural drainage and percussion) and expansion therapies (Incentive Spirometry)
• Performs safe and effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation, including airway management techniques. Maintains all airway management competencies including Endotracheal intubation. Attends as assigned mock codes
• Assesses need for, recommends/initiates, sets-up/maintains and evaluates/documents response to mechanical ventilation, ventilator and weaning protocols, routine airway care, appropriate clinical alarm limits and documentation. Performs wake up and wean screens daily. Maintains Blood Gas Lab/C.A.P. standards for clinical laboratories
• Recommends, performs, and interprets diagnostic tests including FVC/NIF, portable spirometry, continuous pulse oximetry, overnight pulse oximetry, end-tidal CO2 monitoring per protocol and/or when ordered, transcutaneous monitoring in NICU, and laboratory tests
• Instructs patient, family, and significant others in the rationale and methodology or respiratory care procedures to facilitate patient/family cooperation, understanding and efficacy of care, including reassessment of care. Documents daily patient education, re-evaluations. Assesses prn medications for need
• Performs the following support activities: decontaminates and sets and up equipment, provides equipment and cylinders when requested, secures rental equipment appropriately, daily oxygen rounds, troubleshooting and…