Respiratory Therapist

Detailed Overview

Provides patient care services related to respiratory therapy by performing diagnostic and therapeutic assessments, interventions and follow-ups as related to respiratory therapy. Performs pulmonary diagnostic tests and provides processed data for interpretation by medical staff. Participates in and provides in-service education sessions in relation to respiratory therapy. Responsibilities Performs diagnostic and therapeutic assessments, interventions and follow-ups as related to respiratory therapy such as assisting with cardiopulmonary resuscitation and initiating/maintaining mechanical ventilation support of adults, children and infants, providing airway management, patient evaluation, and daily care of patients as prescribed. Attends cardiac arrests and provides assistance such as airway management and blood gas collection, as directed by the physician. Sets up, calibrates, monitors, and maintains equipment such as ventilators, respiratory monitors, and medical gas administration devices. Monitors and assesses patients' respiratory parameters, measures and calculates data such as A-gradients and charts results as part of the medical record. Provides test data and treatment information for interpretation by medical staff, and makes recommendations for the technical application of respiratory therapy. Performs arterial punctures and/or collects arterial samples via arterial lines for arterial blood gas analysis. As directed by Physician''s order, administers therapeutic treatments, such as aerosol, humidity, and medical gas therapy. Performs pulmonary function testing, such as spirometry, pre- and post-bronchial dilation spirometry, and related quality control tests for inpatients and outpatients as assigned. Participates in and provides various in-service educational programs on the use of respiratory equipment for hospital staff as assigned. Participates in the orientation of new staff members/therapists to the hospital and informs them of the hospital practices and procedures in all phases of Respiratory and related services. Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Education and Experience Graduation from an accredited Respiratory Therapy program. Successful completion of the Canadian Board of Respiratory Care (CBRC) credentialing exam. One year's recent, related in an acute care setting or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Level C and current Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification. Eligible for membership with the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (CSRT) and the British Columbia Society of Respiratory Therapists (BCSRT). Skills and Abilities Thorough knowledge of all aspects of Respiratory Therapy, including Pulmonary Function and Laboratory Quality Control procedures. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Demonstrated ability to teach. Demonstrated ability to plan, organize workload, proritize and problem solve. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. Demonstrated ability to operate and maintain related respiratory equipment. Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.

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