Reports to: Respiratory Therapy Manager
Position Summary
Works in accordance with evidenced based policies and procedures of the Medical Center. Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide respiratory therapy to patients as ordered by the prescribing physician that is appropriate to all the ages of the patients served with an advanced knowledge base in the adult population. In accordance with established policies and procedures, administers medical gases, medications, airway clearance, mechanical ventilation, other respiratory modalities, monitor levels of supplies and equipment for department and patient care areas. Applies theoretical knowledge to care of pediatric, adolescent, and adult patients and other members of the healthcare team by demonstrating competence in respiratory skills, problem solving and critical thinking that is appropriate to the ages of the patients served.
Corporate Philosophy
It is the obligation of each employee of OSF Healthcare System to abide by and promote the Corporate Philosophy, Values, Mission, and Vision of the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis.
Primary Job Responsibilities and Accountabilities
Performs respiratory skills within scope of Illinois Respiratory Therapy Practice Act, in accordance with the Respiratory Care Practitioner.
Delivers respiratory care activities per order by a licensed healthcare professional to patients admitted to general floors, intermediate units, ICU and emergency department.
Performs life sustaining interventions during emergent situations including Rapid Response calls and Blue Alerts under the direction of a licensed provider.
Responds to all Blue Alerts and serves as the primary airway manager.
Initiates and manages mechanical ventilation including high frequency ventilation, inverse I: E ratio, independently manages lung ventilation and other advanced modes of ventilation.
Administers aerosolized medication, delivers medical grade oxygen or air, initiates and maintains mechanical ventilators as ordered by a licensed healthcare professional
Administers specialty medical gases including Nitrogen, Heliox and Nitric Oxide.
Assesses patient to evaluate effectiveness of therapy and demonstrates knowledge to recommend changes in therapy per patient response.
Provides documentation of intervention and response in accordance with regulatory requirements and TJC and Medicare guidelines.
Rounds with the interdisciplinary team in ICUs and intermediate units.
Basic Qualifications
Required
Successful completion of respiratory therapy program from an accredited school. Registered Respiratory Therapist by the National Board of Respiratory Care.
Must have a current Respiratory Care Practitioner license in the State of Illinois and current National Board of Respiratory Care credentials if credentialed after July 1, 2002.
A graduate therapist must successfully pass both the NBRC TMC and CSE exams. Application must be made for the Illinois Respiratory Care Practitioner license before orientation to the department can begin.
Must have basic electronic medical record documentation skills
Must have current American Heart BLS card.
Physical & Mental Requirements and Working Conditions
Work requires the ability to lift objects weighing up to 60 pounds on a daily basis.
Work requires ability to stand up to 4 hours at a time.
Work requires ability to stoop and bend, ability to reach, grab with arms and hands, manual dexterity, ability to communicate with others, and color vision.
Work requires ability to push and/or pull respiratory equipment, supply carts, gurneys, beds, wheelchairs, and/or computer carts exerting an initial force of up to 35 pounds and exerting up to 25 pounds of force to sustain movement on a daily basis.
Work requires ability to lift and position patients on a daily basis.
Work requires proofreading and checking documents for accuracy on a daily basis.
