Valley Health System - Winchester, VA
posted about 2 months ago
The Respiratory Therapist II plays a crucial role in the clinical ladder, showcasing a high level of professional practice and clinical expertise. This position involves caring for patients across various age groups, including neonates, infants, children, adolescents, adults, and geriatrics. The therapist provides services in accordance with specific physician orders, departmental policies, procedures, and protocols. Responsibilities include conducting patient assessments, educating patients, implementing therapy, and evaluating the effectiveness of the therapy provided. The Respiratory Therapist II is an integral part of a multidisciplinary team, effectively communicating patient needs to physicians and other healthcare team members. In this role, the therapist administers all therapy modalities as per physician orders and established protocols. They perform non-invasive SpO2 monitoring through pulse oximetry, airway clearance therapy, and basic operations in the electronic health record (EHR) system. Regular assessment rounds, equipment cleaning and setup, arterial puncture, blood gas analysis, and cardiopulmonary diagnostic and therapeutic procedures are also part of their duties. The therapist initiates, operates, and monitors mechanical ventilators, sets up non-invasive ventilation therapy, and manages high flow oxygen therapy. They are expected to respond appropriately in rapid response and emergency situations, participate in code situations, and assist in trauma activations and bedside therapeutic bronchoscopies as needed. A thorough and accurate report must be provided to oncoming staff at the end of each shift.