Respiratory Therapist (SKMC)

Role Overview

Respiratory Therapist at SEHA, located at SKMC. The role is responsible for performing all respiratory therapy interventions independently or under the supervision of senior therapists, with consideration for the patient's best interest.

Role Purpose

Deliver safe, effective respiratory care to patients across all clinical settings, from routine therapeutic interventions to critical airway management and emergency response, while maintaining quality standards, equipment integrity, and professional compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Care & Patient Management

• Perform respiratory care procedures in accordance with established policy and procedures, under the direction of a respiratory therapist, doctor, or nurse as required.
• Assume responsibility for operating autonomously, utilizing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Monitor patient responses and modify therapies based on clinical and physiologic assessments in consultation with physicians.
• Read and evaluate physicians' orders and apply appropriate care interventions.
• Participate in the development and modification of respiratory care plans and therapeutic goals for patients with cardiopulmonary diseases.
• Assess and order appropriate materials and equipment in accordance with established guidelines.
• Assist the physician and Code Team in cardiac or respiratory arrest situations as requested.
• Provide advanced emergency airway care according to approved protocol.
• Assist with pulmonary diagnostic procedures as required.
• Assist with internal and external transportation of patients.

Ventilator Management & Monitoring

• Apply mechanical ventilator support to patients and monitor patient response.
• Modify ventilator management to meet patient needs based on clinical assessment, physiologic monitoring, and laboratory data in consultation with the physician.

Equipment & Inventory Management

• Maintain sufficient inventory of material supplies and equipment for performance of duties.
• Report shortage of materials to supervisor at the earliest convenience.
• Order and approve replenishment of supplies when necessary.
• Provide user-maintenance and troubleshooting of respiratory care equipment.
• Highlight any maintenance requirements or equipment breakdowns to senior staff.
• Ensure responsibility for the repair of defective equipment.

Documentation & Record-Keeping

• Ensure that written and electronic records and activity data are maintained in accordance with established guidelines.
• Document all interventions in appropriate format.
• Maintain the strictest confidence in relation to patient information whether formally or informally recorded.

Quality & Safety

• Promote and maintain quality in all services and ensure continuous quality improvement measures are in place.
• Conduct method evaluation and development in accordance with standard policies and procedures.
• Comply with all safety, health, and quality control programs and procedures as applicable.
• Comply with applicable precautions for environmental safety and infection control, using a series of interventions that minimize or prevent cross infection.
• Practice within the expressed limits of established policies and procedures.
• Ensure that Standard Operating Procedures and Quality Assurance tests are maintained within all sections.
• Comply with and support clinical audit processes within the service and report on these as agreed.

Professional Communication

• Communicate in a professional and courteous manner with patients, family, and other medical personnel as necessary to obtain information for records, explain procedures, clarify orders, and communicate status.
• Interact courteously with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers when answering questions or providing information.

Education & Professional Development

• Assist in the education, development, orientation of new employees, and preception of students as assigned.
• Participate in education sessions for department staff, doctors, and nurses in the safe and secure handling of equipment, including teaching, induction, peer review, case studies, and clinical presentations.
• Participate in department programs and committees, various hospital committees, and staff meetings if requested.
• Participate in the orientation and training of new employees.
• Ensure appropriate internal and external sharing of information based on governing policies and procedures.
• Maintain current professional knowledge by attending lectures, seminars, or online education units.
• Complete and maintain all regulatory requirements including licensure and certification and other mandatory training within established time frames.
• Keep abreast of all developments pertaining to service administration, manipulation, and other specialty-related matters.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Respiratory Therapy.
• Valid ACLS/PALS Certification.
• Minimum 1 year of experience as a respiratory therapist with critical care experience.

Additional Information

• Full details are available on the employer's original posting.