ROLE SUMMARY

Responsible for daily patient assignments and work performed on each assigned shift. Additional duties that qualify therapist for RT II category are i.e. Coordinator of ABG Lab, Muse System, Xltek system.  Additional duties will include but not be limited to:  competent in the setup and management of the Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (Auto Cat 2 Wave), possibility of a charge therapist role or as a preceptor.  Clinical Specialists will be expected to act as a resource person to the other members of the Cardiopulmonary department and the staff of CRMC.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

1.            Set up, manage, monitor, and troubleshoot Intra-aortic balloon pump in the Cath Lab, OR, ICU, and transport (Clinical Specialist only).

2.            Performs all assigned therapeutic and diagnostic procedures as ordered by a physician including but not limited to: basic respiratory therapy and oxygen therapy including daily oxygen rounds, aquanox titrations, pulse oximetry monitoring to determine oxygen titration needs and arranging for home oxygen therapy.  Bronchodilator therapy including protocols and patient assessment.

3.            Performs therapeutic and diagnostic procedures for the pediatric floor.  Job duties include but are not limited to daily (morning) pulse oximetry and titration, bronchodilator therapy, RSV protocol, asthma protocols and education, and oxygen therapy.  Performs therapeutic and diagnostic procedures in the nursery including but not limited to: oxygen hood, nasal CPAP and ventilator management of the Puritan Bennet 840 in both invasive and non-invasive modes.  Must attend a minimum of 3 normal child births. 

4.            Verifies physician order for therapy to assure that the order is complete and appropriate.  Clarifies any orders that are not complete or are questionable.  Documents appropriately and completely in patient’s record and department records according to department and hospital policies.

5.            Performs arterial blood gas sampling by direct puncture or arterial line.  Must be competent to insert and troubleshoot arterial lines.  Able to analyze ABG results and make educated oxygenation and ventilation decisions.  Quality control, proficiency testing, maintenance and troubleshooting of blood gas analyzer.

6.            Performs EKG recordings and editing.

7.            Assists in Cardiopulmonary resuscitation efforts and/or other emergencies that utilize respiratory care procedures for patient care. 

8.            Maintains professional growth by presenting internal and/or external in-service programs, pursuing further certification or registries and reading appropriate magazines and journals.    

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES

·               Competent in the setup and management of the Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (Auto Cat 2 Wave)

·               Must be able to communicate with coworkers, patients, families and physicians.

·               Must be able to quickly assess and respond to emergency situations.

·               Must have excellent critical thinking skills, must be able to quickly assess a problem and resolve it. 

·               Must be able to assess and evaluate patient condition and response to therapy. 

·               Must be able to explain procedure to patient so that they understand.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

·               High School diploma or GED. 

·               Must have completed an approved Respiratory Care program. 

·               Must be a Certified Respiratory Therapist or Registered Respiratory Therapist with the NBRC. 

·               Must have BLS and within 6 months of hire NRP and ACLS.

·               RRT or CRT performing at a clinical Specialist level or performs special duties i.e. Coordinator of ABG Lab, Coordinator Muse System.  

·               Wyoming state respiratory license required.

·               A minimum of 2 years experience with strong ICU and ER skills

Must be willing to rotate shifts.