Administers and coordinates a variety of treatment relating to respiratory problems for patients throughout the life span; properly charts treatment given.  Responds to a variety of emergency and critical care situations, extends therapy to those patients.  Assesses patients and takes the proper course of action.  This position will care for patients in the neonate age group.  Consistently provides effective direct care as part of the interdisciplinary team to a variety of complex patients. Effectively communicates to members of the interdisplinary team with patient care updates on changes.  Responds to a variety of emergency and critical care situations, extends therapy to those patients.  Assesses patients and takes the proper course of action. This position will care for patients in the neonate and infant age groups.  Seeks as well as provides feedback for improved clinical practice. Attends regularly tier 1 huddle and staff meetings along with utilizing and learning our Error Prevention Tools and behaviors for delivering safe care. Actively supports and encouraged to participate in unit practice council.

Minimum Job Qualifications

• Licensure or other certifications: Licensed to practice as a Respiratory Therapist (Respiratory Care Professional) in the state of Georgia.  Registered by the National Board of Respiratory Care, or eligible to sit for the Registry Exam and achieved within 6 months of hire.
• Educational Requirements: Associates Degree
• Minimum Experience:
• Other: Therapist should have Respiratory Therapy training through an accredited school and successful completion of registry examination.

Job Specific and Unique Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Good interpersonal skills
• Good communication skills

Essential Tasks and Responsibilities

• Works with nursing/medical and respiratory staff by utilizing good communication and interpersonal skills to provide optimal care of the neonate in the NICU, Nursery and Labor and Delivery areas.
• Communicates to nursing staff in a timely manner all changes in ventilator changes, blood gas results, oxygen therapy and any pertinent observations.
• Anticipates any problem situation by consulting with L&D staff about potential high risk deliveries and relaying information to nursing/respiratory care staff.
• Communicates in a timely succinct manner any observations/assessments to the medical staff concerning the neonate’s care.
• Consults with medical staff and is aware of neonate’s treatment plan.  Responsible for executing the treatment plan and contacts physician for input when necessary.
• Communicates to staff status of ABG lab on shift to shift basis.
• Responsible for the bedside management, within predetermined protocols, of the sick neonate, requiring respiratory care/support.
• Manages, within predetermined protocols, the ventilatory aspects of the sick neonate, including follow-up ABG’s and assessment to judge the efficacy of the changes made.
• Timely follow up on requests made by nursing staff to assess an infant.  Appropriately relays findings and recommendations for action.
• Will follow up and view CXR’s to assess ETT tube placement and perform necessary adjustments as indicated.
• Responsible for appropriate oxygen therapy and associated documentation.  Exhibits knowledge of all treatment modalities.
• Maintains and operates ABG lab in an efficient manner.  Completes quality control procedures in a consistent and timely manner.
• Responsible for all documentation required per policy.
• Completes resuscitation summary for all high risk deliveries, c-section and other deliveries which require the resuscitation team’s presence.
• Appropriately completes all chart documentation to include vent/treatment flow sheets and car seat trend.
• Completes all ABG lab documentation as required by policy.  Accurately enters ABG results in a timely manner.
• Contributes to the productive and effective operation of the department.
• Minimized time spent away from the NICU.
• Organizes patient care and sets appropriate priorities to help complete assigned tasks.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands

• Weight Lifted: Up to 20 lbs, Frequently 31-65% of time
• Weight Carried: Up to 20 lbs, Frequently 31-65% of time
• Vision: Moderate, Constantly 66-100% of time
• Kneeling/Stooping/Bending: Frequently 31-65%
• Standing/Walking: Frequently 31-65%
• Pushing/Pulling: Frequently 31-65%
• Intensity of Work: Frequently 31-65%
• Job Requires: Reading, Writing, Reasoning, Talking, Keyboarding