Under minimal supervision, sets-up and operates various types of respiratory care equipment to be utilized in the treatment of various respiratory conditions of newborn infants requiring respiratory care in the NICU.
This position may care for some adult patients when census is low in the NICU.Core Competencies
- Explains purpose and procedure of treatment, tests, and equipment to the patient, and family using AIDET.
- Administers respiratory care as prescribed by physicians for neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients, as assigned, including, but not limited to, metered dose inhalers, hand held nebulizers, various oxygen therapy devices, chest physiotherapy, nasal, oral, and tracheal suctioning, mechanical ventilation set-up and maintenance, stabilizing and maintaining artifical airways, and instructing patients in effective cough and breathing techniques.
- Participates as a member of the cardio-pulmonary resuscitation team.
- Performs arterial punctures, arterial line draws, and blood gas analysis utilizing the blood gas analyzer. Reports and documents critical values appropriately. Demonstrates competency for pre-analytical, analytical and post analytical phases of blood gas analysis, assessed at 6 months and annually thereafter.
- Performs preventative maintenance and quality control studies on blood gas analyzer when assigned.
- Documents all respiratory care services provided to a patient in HIS, including the type of therapy, date and time of administration, effects of therapy, and any adverse reactions.
- Assists physicians in therapeutic and diagnostic bronchoscopies after competencies have been established.
- Assesses all patients for appropriateness of therapy, documents care plans, and consults with physicians regarding the plan of care.
- Educates patient and/or family members regarding respiratory home care, pre-operative therapy, and disease states utilizing the Torrance Memorial Teaching Tools.
- Communicates care provided and patient’s status to oncoming shift, using SBAR.
- Ensures respiratory equipment is in proper working order, intervenes appropriately when unsafe conditions are identified, and observes all safety and infection control guidelines, performing decontamination, sterilization, and assembly of equipment when necessary.
- Ensures proper storage and inventory control of equipment in assigned area.
Department Specific Competencies
- Cares for neonates of all gestational ages on conventional pressure/volume ventilation, and high frequency oscillatory ventilation.
- Performs and /or obtains arterial, capillary, and umbilical cord blood gas samples and analyzes them utilizing the blood gas analyzer.
- Attends high-risk deliveries, when requested, performing resuscitation when necessary per AHA and AAP guidelines.
- Administer artificial surfactant as ordered and per policy and procedure.
- Participates as a member of the infant transport team.
- Assists physician in special procedures as needed within scope of practice.
- Responds accordingly to changes in patient’s condition and patient’s nurse and physician immediately.
- Participates in NICU interdisciplinary patient rounds.
- Routinely checks and stocks respiratory supplies.
- Supports and participates in performance improvement activities and works collaboratively with the Director of Child Services in coordination of activities and process improvement.
- Supports implementation of NICU protocols.
- Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served, including knowledge of the principles of family centered care in the development and psychosocial characteristics and interventions for the neonatal population.
- Routinely attends NICU staff meetings, neonatology multidisciplinary meetings, and when able the monthly NICU/Respiratory meeting.
- Acts as a primary preceptor/mentor to new orientees and staff who may float into the unit.
- Researches evidence based publications as they relate to Neonatal Respiratory Care and assists with the writing of Policies and Procedures for the department.
- Communicates with Respiratory and Nursing leads regarding the acuity of the patients.
- Communicates with parents and family, explaining all procedures and equipment, modifying terminology based on family ability to understand and cultural needs
Education
DegreeProgramN/AN/A
Additional InformationGraduate of an accredited Respiratory Care Program.
Experience
Number of Years ExperienceType of Experience2Respiratory Care1Neonatal Respiratory Care
Additional InformationN/A
License / Certification Requirements
CA Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) licenseNRP certificationBCLS or ACLS CertificationACLS CertificationPALS Certification.NPS Credential within 6 months of hire
Compensation Range:
$39.26 - 63.22
