Respiratory Therapist

Detailed Overview

• Reporting clinically to the Chief Practice Leader, Respiratory Therapy and administratively to the Manager, Health Services, maintains a clinical caseload and provides direct care and education to patients with a variety of respiratory illnesses;
• performs various respiratory therapy functions such as, but not limited to pulmonary function tests, methacholine challenge tests, exercise oximeter studies, exercise-induced asthma studies and overnight oximetry studies;
• provides input into the planning, development and evaluation of respiratory services within an assigned area. Responsibilities Provides direct patient care by assessing patients to identify care needs and consulting with referring and / or specialist physicians;
• develops patient care plans and / or appropriate education sessions for patient and families; refers patients to other support services and communicates progress and / or patient outcomes to referring physicians;

assists in the establishment of patient / physician relationships. Performs respiratory therapy function tests such as pulmonary function, spirometry, peak flow monitoring, lung volume determination, diffusion capacity, inhalation challenges, arterial blood gasses punctures and exercise-induced asthma studies in accordance with established quality control standards.

• Monitors pulmonary function and other respiratory therapy equipment ensuring calibration and quality control checks are performed;
• advise Clinical Practice Chief or designate regarding maintenance and / or repair requests for equipment, as required. Participates in all cardiac arrests as an active member of the cardiac arrest / trauma team;

assists the physician with bronchoscopes, obtaining samples and maintaining related equipment. Initiates and maintains mechanical ventilation support of patients, including routine care and monitoring of artificial airways.

Maintains patient statistics, records, progress reports, minutes of meetings, correspondence and evaluation data, as per established procedures;

provides workload statistics for an assigned area, as required. Provides orientation and in-services sessions for new department staff on pulmonary function equipment, hospital policies and procedures and related respiratory therapy services.

Participates in the education and supervision of patients, their families and other health care professionals on all types of respiratory illnesses.

Contributes and provides input into the development of respiratory therapy materials; provides information to patients, families and interested parties regarding the available respiratory services.

Maintains and established re-order levels for stocks of medications, routine and / or special order supplies and educational literature;

generate requisitions based on established policies and procedures. Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Education and Experience Graduation from an approved Respiratory Therapy program.

Two years' recent related clinical experience in an acute care setting, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Successful completion of the Canadian Board of Respiratory Care (CBRC) credentialing exam and eligible for membership with the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (CSRT).

Current CPR Level "C" or equivalent and Neonatal Program (NRP) certification. Skills and Abilities Demonstrated knowledge of all aspect of respiratory therapy and respiratory diseases as it relates to the position Ability to organize and prioritize work Ability to effective communicate, both verbally and in writing Ability to teach students, patient and their families on a individual and / or group basis Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships Ability to operate and maintain related respiratory equipment Ability to utilize related equipment and software applications Ability to set priorities and to work independently Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.