Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory Therapist

THE QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL BOARD

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:	   Respiratory Therapist
SALARY SCALE:  Z16-11(Q.B) 10-6 ($48,782.10-$56,685.27)/($58,338.42 - $65,261.50) Barbados Dollars
DEPARTMENT:	   Department of Cardiovascular Services	
REPORTS TO:	   Consultant Cardiovascular Services

JOB SUMMARY
Under general supervision assists in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with abnormalities and deficiencies associated with the cardiopulmonary system. Undertakes any other related duties as assigned by management.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The duties listed below are intended only as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed:

1. Sets up and operates devices such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment;
2. Provides emergency care, including artificial respiration, external cardiac massage and assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation;
3. Determines requirements for treatment, such as type, method and duration of therapy, precautions to be taken, and medication and dosages, compatible with physicians' orders.
4. Monitors patient's physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes, and consult with physician if adverse reactions occur;
5. Measures arterial blood gases, and reviews patient information to assess patient condition;
6. Inspects, cleans, tests and maintains respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently, requesting repairs when necessary;
7. Performs bronchopulmonary drainage and assist or instruct patients in performance of breathing exercises;
8. Relays blood analysis results to a physician; uses a variety of testing techniques to assist doctors in cardiac and pulmonary research and to diagnose disorders;
9. Conducts tests, such as electrocardiograms, stress testing, and lung capacity tests, to evaluate patients' cardiopulmonary functions;
10. Educates patients and their families about their conditions and teaches appropriate disease management techniques, such as breathing exercises and the use of medications and respiratory equipment;
11. Maintains charts that contain patients’ pertinent identification and therapy information, in a neat and timely fashion;
12. Supports multidisciplinary quality assessment and improvement activities by participating in improving important aspects of care; participates in improving care by serving on committees or task forces, collecting data when appropriate and sharing ideas for improvement;
13. Works as part of a team of physicians, nurses and other health care professionals to manage patient care;
14. Demonstrates respiratory care procedures and the operation of related equipment to patients and other members of the hospital staff;
15. Observes health and safety protocols in the execution of duties;
16. Using customer service skills establishes and maintains effective working relationships with other employees, officials and members of the general public;
17. Performs any other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

1. Knowledge of basic sciences related to respiratory care;
2. Knowledge of normal and abnormal pathology and pathophysiology related to cardiopulmonary system;
3. Knowledge of indications, contraindications, and hazards of long term mechanical ventilation and of various respiratory care techniques;
4. Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems;
5. Ability to watch gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly;
6. Ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong;
7. Ability to communicate and understand information presented through spoken words and sentences;
8. Skilled in the care and operation of pulmonary services equipment;
9. Skilled in assessing the patient pulmonary status and recognizing the clinical signs of and appropriate clinical interventions of respiratory insufficiency/failure up to and including the need for resuscitation.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

1. A degree in Respiratory Therapy; or
2. An associate degree or diploma in Respiratory Care Technology and not less two years’ relevant experience.
3. Current certification in advanced and paediatric cardiac life support is required.