Respiratory Therapist

Role Overview

Respiratory Therapist at NMC Healthcare. Under the direct supervision of a Neonatologist, Pulmonologist, and Respiratory Therapy Supervisor, this position involves management of ventilated patients in ICU and NICU, response to CODE Blue or Pink situations and traumas or stat calls in the Emergency Department, and provision of respiratory care across multiple care settings.

Role Purpose

To manage ventilated and non-ventilated patients across Neonatal, Pediatric, and Adult Intensive Care Units, deliver emergency respiratory support, maintain respiratory equipment, and educate patients on breathing techniques and disease management.

Key Responsibilities

Ventilator & Equipment Management

• Manage ventilators or assist in ventilator management in the adult, pediatric, or neonatal intensive care units under direct supervision of a Neonatologist or Pulmonologist.
• Set up and operate devices such as mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators, following specified parameters of treatment.
• Manage and maintain responsibility for the use of all respiratory equipment used to treat and diagnose patients with respiratory-related problems.
• Inspect, clean, test, and maintain respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently, and order repairs when necessary.
• Monitor equipment and patient responses to therapy.

Non-Invasive Ventilation & Therapeutic Gas Administration

• Manage or perform non-invasive ventilation throughout the hospital.
• Administer and monitor therapeutic gases such as inhaled nitric oxide, heliox, nitrogen, and oxygen therapy.
• Determine requirements for treatment such as type, method, and duration of therapy, precautions to be taken, and medication and dosages, compatible with physician's orders.

Emergency Care & Clinical Support

• Provide emergency care, including artificial respiration, external cardiac massage, and assistance with cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Respond to CODE Blue or Pink situations and traumas or stat calls in the Emergency Department.
• Assist physicians in bronchoscopy, bedside tracheostomy, and intubation.
• Perform simple bedside spirometry.

Monitoring & Analysis

• Monitor patient's physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and chemistry changes, and consult with physician if adverse reactions occur.
• Analyze the level of oxygen and other gases in a patient's blood.
• Relay blood analysis results to a physician.

Communication & Collaboration

• Confer with physicians on a regular basis regarding changes in treatment strategies.
• Work as part of a team of physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals to manage patient care.

Patient Education

• Educate patients and their families about their conditions and teach appropriate disease management techniques such as breathing exercises and the use of medications and respiratory equipment.
• Teach breathing techniques and exercises to patients in the OPD.

Occupational Safety & Health

• Comply with all OSH and infection control policies, standards, and procedures and cooperate with hospital management to meet those requirements.
• Work in accordance with documented OSH procedures and instructions and specific responsibilities.
• Be familiar with emergency and evacuation procedures.
• Notify OSH hazards, incidents, near misses, and issues and assist with the preparation of risk assessments and incident reports.
• Comply with waste management procedures and policies.
• Attend applicable OSH and infection control training programs, mock drills, and awareness programs.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment and safety systems.

Qualifications & Experience

• Valid DOH/DHA License or DOH Pass result as Respiratory Therapist to work in United Arab Emirates.
• Bachelor's degree in Respiratory Therapy from an accredited University, or Associate/Master's degree in Respiratory Therapy (minimum two years course duration), or Bachelor's in Nursing followed by a Postgraduate qualification in Respiratory Therapy.
• Minimum of 2 or 3 years of experience after registration as Respiratory Therapist.
• Home Country Registration as Respiratory Therapist.
• Valid Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Valid Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Knowledge of Arabic (advantageous but not essential).
• Excellent computer skills.