Respiratory Resident at Forrest General Hospital – Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Job Summary:

The Respiratory Resident performs under the direct supervision of a licensed Respiratory Therapist (RT) and is delegated an assignment to achieve quality patient care. He/She is involved in the implementation phase of the respiratory process and is organizationally accountable to the RT Supervisor of the unit. The Respiratory Resident performs tasks assigned by the RT in an assistant role to the RT on an acute care unit and is expected to perform all the tasks listed in the Respiratory Resident skills sheet. The Respiratory Resident requires special training and the ability to perform Respiratory Resident duties and competencies that are validated through the Respiratory department. Respiratory Residents do not provide patient care within a critical care unit.

Performance Expectations:

Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide technical care appropriate to the age of the patients served; also demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development and possesses the ability to collect data and relays appropriate data to the respiratory, status and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient’s requirements relative to his/her age specific needs, and to provide the care needed. Interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient’s requirements relative to his/her age specific needs and provides care. Demonstrates skills to maintain a safe and clean working environment. Embraces and practices We Care philosophy in all aspects of patient, visitor, co-worker, employee and non-employee care. Demonstrates thorough, concise and timely documentation, shift reports and verbal communication. Communicates pertinent patient information to all health care team members. Maintains own clinical skills staying current in skills, ongoing competencies, equipment and certifications to include Basic Life Support certification.
• Set up respiratory supplies/equipment in a patient room
• Transfer of the patient (transport to RT department for testing, or assist in moving patient on respiratory support under direct supervision of a licensed respiratory therapist)
• Vital signs (pulse ox checks)
• EKG: Lead placement/Test Acquisition/safe operation and use
• Specimen collection (only sputum which does not require suctioning)
• Round on patients hourly
• Incentive Spirometer (after initial teaching complete by licensed respiratory therapist)
• 6 minute walk/ home oxygen evaluation
• Clean and prepare dirty equipment for next patient
• Perform CPR (compressions and ambu bag ventilation)
• Stock respiratory department and stock areas (er, ICU, NICU, 5T supply room, department)
• Fill in and perform in secretary role
• Serve as a sitter on the medical floors, ICU, or er as assigned
Demonstrates technical aptitude for working, troubleshooting, and assisting the respiratory therapist with multiples pieces of equipment used for patient care including but not limited to telemetry monitoring devices and pulse-ox monitoring. Demonstrates the aptitude for safely positioning and/or assisting the nurse and/or respiratory therapist to safely position the patient using a variety of devices such as but not limited to abduction pillows, splints, slings, braces, neck collars, walkers, crutches, immobilizers, and specialty beds. Communicates effectively with others in an appropriate and timely manner. Adheres to and promotes established values of the organization, i.e. customer service, safety, infection control and compliance standards. Consistently follows patient care and FGH policy, procedures and standards of care in performing duties.

Qualifications:

Education/Skills

High school diploma or equivalent. Successful completion of required training and competencies. Enrollment in a current respiratory care program.

Work Experience:

Successful passing of respiratory clinicals and successful evaluation by a respiratory supervisor.

Additional Certification/Licensure - Obtained based on required timeframe below

Basic Life Support Within 30 Days of Employment

Required

Mental Demands:

Ability to perform as a team member, cooperate with others, follow directions precisely, demonstrate initiative, set priorities and function under stress.