Travel Respiratory Therapist
Burlington, IA
Magnet Medical
3x12 hrs, Days

Patient Assessment and Evaluation:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of patients with respiratory or cardiopulmonary conditions, including reviewing medical history and performing physical exams.
• Assess lung function, breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and other vital signs through non-invasive and invasive diagnostic procedures.
• Analyze test results, including pulmonary function tests (PFTs), arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis, chest X-rays, and sleep studies.

Developing and Implementing Treatment Plans:

• Collaborate with physicians to develop and implement personalized treatment plans for patients with respiratory issues.
• Adjust and monitor ventilation settings for patients requiring mechanical ventilation or non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (e.g., CPAP, BiPAP).
• Administer respiratory therapy treatments, including oxygen therapy, nebulizer treatments, pulmonary rehabilitation, and airway clearance techniques.

Administering Respiratory Treatments:

• Provide oxygen therapy via nasal cannulas, masks, or mechanical ventilators for patients with respiratory distress or low oxygen levels.
• Perform aerosol therapy to deliver medication directly to the lungs via inhalers, nebulizers, or other devices.
• Administer incentive spirometry to improve lung function and encourage deep breathing after surgery or illness.
• Provide airway management, including suctioning, endotracheal intubation, and assisting with tracheostomy care.

Monitoring and Evaluating Patient Progress:

• Continuously monitor the effectiveness of respiratory treatments and adjust therapy as necessary based on patient responses.
• Assess patients for signs of respiratory distress and intervene promptly when complications arise.
• Track and document patient progress, ensuring treatments are tailored to the patient’s evolving needs.

Emergency Response and Critical Care:

• Provide emergency respiratory care to patients experiencing respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, or other life-threatening situations.
• Administer resuscitation techniques, such as CPR, defibrillation, and advanced airway management, in emergency situations.
• Assist with intubation, mechanical ventilation, and weaning from life support when necessary.

Patient Education and Support:

• Educate patients and families on proper use of respiratory equipment, medications, and techniques for managing respiratory conditions at home.
• Provide guidance on lifestyle changes to improve lung health, such as quitting smoking, controlling asthma triggers, and managing chronic respiratory diseases.
• Offer instruction on pulmonary rehabilitation exercises to strengthen lung capacity and improve overall physical health.

Collaboration with Healthcare Team:

• Work closely with physicians, nurses, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals to develop a holistic care plan for respiratory patients.
• Attend multidisciplinary care meetings to discuss patient progress, treatment goals, and necessary adjustments.
• Communicate effectively with patients and their families, ensuring they understand treatment plans and ongoing care needs.

Documentation and Record Keeping:

• Maintain accurate and detailed records of patient assessments, treatments, medications, and progress in accordance with healthcare regulations (e.g., HIPAA).
• Ensure proper documentation for insurance billing, treatment plans, and patient updates.
• Record patient responses to treatments, including vital signs, oxygen saturation, and any adverse reactions or complications.

Equipment Management:

• Set up and maintain respiratory therapy equipment, such as mechanical ventilators, nebulizers, and oxygen delivery devices.
• Ensure that all respiratory equipment is properly calibrated, clean, and functioning according to safety standards.
• Perform troubleshooting and minor repairs on respiratory equipment as needed.

Professional Development and Continuing Education:

• Participate in continuing education opportunities to stay current with new techniques, equipment, and best practices in respiratory therapy.
• Obtain and maintain certifications such as Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS).
• Stay updated on new advancements in respiratory care, including new technologies, medications, and treatment protocols.