Respiratory Therapist at ECHN

          Job-Specific Competency

• Understands the theory and operation of the blood gas analyzer as evidenced by the ability to assess the accuracy/precision of the instrument utilizing daily maintenance record, routine troubleshooting and QC material.
• Exemplary:  Performs basic troubleshooting, change a cartridge and run CVP.

• Performs and monitors daily QC.  Recognizing problems and taking appropriate corrective action as evidenced by documentation in the QC daily log sheet.  Complete documentation of pre-analytic indicators in the blood gas result form.
• Exemplary:  > 90% compliant in documentation of pre-analytic indicators.

• Demonstrates safe and proper sampling, collection and transport of arterial, capillary and A-line blood gases as evidenced by successful completion of competencies including understanding age specific requirements for sampling and testing and direct observation.
• Exemplary:  Consistently labels syringes and transports specimen in biohazard bag with compliance > 90%.

• Ability to perform pulmonary function testing (PFT) as evidenced by test data review, direct observation and feedback from medical director.  Completes PFT in < 45 minutes, with ABG or Desat within 1 hour.
• Exemplary:  Performs routine maintenance on PFT machine.

• Ability to perform Broncho Provocation and Pulmonary Exercise testing as evidenced by test data review, direct observation and feedback from medical director. 
• Exemplary:  Quality tests > 90%

• Demonstrates knowledge of operation and set up of bronchoscopy and monitoring equipment.  Shows proper skill level setting up cart including labeling of medications/solutions when appropriate and performing Time Out during out-patient and in-patient procedures as evidenced by competencies and/or direct observation.
• Exemplary:  Consistently labels medications/solutions removed from original packaging with compliance >90%.

• Performs all respiratory care services according to physician’s order demonstrating a good knowledge of departmental policy and procedure and the ability to make appropriate decisions based on these policies and procedures as evidenced by direct observation.
• Exemplary:  Less than 3 notifications to supervisor/site-manager for policy and procedure decisions.

• Demonstrates knowledge of principles, theory and operation of respiratory equipment and monitoring systems in the critical care environment (vents, BIPAP) to all age groups as evidenced by competencies and/or direct observation.
• Exemplary:  Trouble shoots equipment, labels and removes equipment from service and notifies Biomed.

• Performs patient assessment prior to initiation of all respiratory therapy and as part of the reorder evaluation according to departmental policy and procedure.
• Exemplary:  Consistently identifies and moves Problem/Goal and documents Education needs for respiratory interventions in Meditech.  Compliance > 90%.

• Demonstrates proper operation, set-up and monitoring or equipment used for the delivery of therapeutic gases (Heli-Ox, Bubble CPAP, Hi-Flow O2, heated humidifiers, nebulized and humidified O2) as evidenced by competencies and/or direct observation.
• Exemplary: Minimum Qshift documentation in Meditech Process Interventions (PI) Compliance > 90%.

• Performs aerosol therapy (small volume nebs, large volume nebs, RespirGuard nebs, Vix1 nebs) in accordance to departmental policy and procedure as evidenced by competencies and/or direct observation.
• Exemplary:  Consistently performs therapy as ordered and documents administration andnon administration in Meditech e-MAR and Process Interventions (PI).  Compliance > 90%.

• Performs Chest Physio Therapy (postural drainage, percussions and vibrations) in accordance to departmental policy and procedure as evidenced by competencies and/or direct observation.
• Exemplary:  Consistently documents therapy given and therapy not given as ordered in Meditech Process Interventions (PI).  Compliance > 90%.

• Performs proper technique in suctioning (open and closed systems) in age specific populations in accordance with department policy and procedure as evidenced by competencies and/or direct observation.
• Exemplary:  Minimal Qshift documentation of suctioning in routine vent check.  Compliance > 90%.

• Delivers medications safely in accordance with 2-identifier policy and procedure as evidenced by competencies and/or direct observation.  Responds to adverse effects of medications by proper notification to physician an on-line IRIS report.
• Exemplary:  Consistently performs 2-identifier policy and procedure.  Compliance > 90%.

• Performs 12-lead EKGs to all age groups when necessary (RGH only).