GENERAL SUMMARY

The Respiratory Care Practitioner will serve as a valued member of the clinical team to assess, manage, treat and perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for patients requiring respiratory therapy services. These procedures are approved and overseen by the Medical Director appointed by RIC service agreement.

The Respiratory Care Practitioner will consistently demonstrate support of the RIC statement of Vision, Mission and Core Values by striving for excellence, contributing to the team efforts and showing respect and compassion for patients and their families, fellow employees, and all others with whom there is contact at or in the interest of the institute.

The Respiratory Care Practitioner will demonstrate RIC Core Attributes: Communication, Accountability, Flexibility/Adaptability, Judgment/Problem Solving, Customer Service and RIC Values (Hope, Compassion, Discovery, Collaboration, & Commitment to Excellence) while fulfilling job duties.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

THE RESPIRATORY CARE PRACTITIONER:

1. Conducts patient assessments and interprets clinical data necessary for the delivery of quality patient care.
2. Implements and evaluates the plan of care related to respiratory procedures including but not limited to aerosol, secretion mobilization, and hyperinflation therapies.
3. Provides care for patients requiring ventilator assistance, complex respiratory devices and procedures
4. Performs comprehensive ventilator management and monitors the cardiopulmonary status of patients receiving intensive respiratory care.
5. Maintains emergency airway equipment for patients with artificial airways.
6. Performs diagnostic studies on patients as designated by department policy and/or by physician order.
7. Consults with physicians, nurses and other health care professionals and participates in daily patient rounds for assigned area to promote consistent quality and delivery of patient care.
8. Completes all documentation for patient charting in compliance with standards for accuracy and content as established by the department and RIC.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS          

1.   Implements appropriate actions to respond to needs of patients and their significant others.
2. Monitors and documents the patient’s response to therapeutic interventions and progress   toward outcomes.
3. Serves as a resource and role model for new staff, students, and other RIC personnel and assists with precepting and orienting.
4. Works collaboratively with all hospital services to responsibly accomplish daily work and        maintain an environment of excellence.
5. Assists with the development of clinical research protocols and participates in their implementation
6. Must be able to meet the pre-specified work commitment for float pool employees as specified by the RCP team leader

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

1. Reports directly to the Manager, Radiology

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED

REQUIRED:

• Current Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)- National Board of Respiratory Care

• CURRENT RESPIRATORY CARE PRACTITIONER (RCP)- ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PROFESSIONAL REGULATION LICENSE

• CURRENT BASIC LIFE SUPPORT (BLS)- AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

• ADVANCED CARDIAC LIFE SUPPORT (ACLS)- AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

• PEDIATRIC ADVANCED CARDIAC LIFE SUPPORT (PALS)- AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

• Completion of a nationally accredited degree program in Respiratory Therapy

• 2 years minimum of post school experience as a RCP, one year should reflect experience in critical care

PREFERRED:

1. Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT)- National Board of Respiratory Care
2. Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT)- National Board of Respiratory Care
3. Neonatal/ Pediatric Specialist (NPS)- National Board of Respiratory Care
4. Bachelors Degree (BA/BS) or higher

WORKING CONDITIONS

1. Normal office environment with little or no exposure to dust or extreme temperature.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Required Skills Required Experience

REQUIRED OF AN INTERN: Must be able to work independently and in a team based environment Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills Excellent problem solving and analytical skills Effective time management skills Proficient in Excel, PowerPoint and Word