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 Respiratory Therapist II is responsible for delivering services in accordance with specific physician orders, departmental policies, procedures, and protocols. Key responsibilities include conducting patient assessments, providing patient education, implementing therapy, and evaluating the effectiveness of the therapy provided. This role requires active participation in a multidisciplinary team, ensuring effective communication of patient needs with physicians and other healthcare team members. In this position, the Respiratory Therapist II administers all therapy modalities to patients as per physician orders and established protocols. Responsibilities also include performing non-invasive SpO2 monitoring through pulse oximetry, conducting airway clearance therapy, and managing basic operations within 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 the role. The therapist initiates, operates, and monitors mechanical ventilators, sets up non-invasive ventilation therapy, and manages high flow oxygen therapy. Additionally, the therapist is expected to respond appropriately in rapid response and emergency situations, participate in code situations, and assist in trauma activations and therapeutic bronchoscopies as needed. A thorough and accurate report must be provided to oncoming staff at the end of each shift.