Respiratory Therapist

Purpose of the role:

The Respiratory Therapist is responsible for performing respiratory therapy procedures as per departmental protocols and to ensure comprehensive patient care. The RT will provide appropriate assessment and treatment programme for patients and maintain clinical records for this The Respiratory Therapist will ensure the delivery of International standards of care in accordance with established National and International practices, policies and procedures.

Key responsibilities of the role:

Responsible for the implementation and delivery of age appropriate patient care congruent with the mission, vision and values of the organization.

Conducts pulmonary function tests; assessing and interpreting evaluations and test results; determining respiratory therapy treatment plans in consultation with physicians and by prescription.

Helps patient accomplish treatment plan and supports life by administering inhalants; operating mechanical ventilators, therapeutic gas administration apparatus, environmental control systems, and aerosol generators.

Administers respiratory therapy treatments by performing bronchopulmonary drainage; assisting with breathing exercises; monitoring physiological responses to therapy, such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes; directing treatments given by aides, technicians and assistants.

Evaluates effects of respiratory therapy treatment plan by observing, noting, and evaluating patient's progress; recommending adjustments and modifications.

Completes discharge planning by consulting with physicians, nurses, social workers, and other health care workers; contributing to patient care conferences.

Assures continuation of therapeutic plan following discharge by designing home exercise programs; instructing patients, families, and caregivers in home exercise programs; recommending and/or providing assistive equipment; recommending outpatient or home health follow-up programs.

Documents patient care services by charting in patient and department records.

Communicate with the patient team regarding equipment recommendations and home environment as part of admission and discharge planning.

Liaise with family members to conduct home trials, acquire necessary equipment and arrange follow-up care where necessary.

Carry an active caseload as required by service demand.

Operates independently under broad direction to promote a co-operative and effective environment for patient care within the facility.

Demonstrates clinical expertise in specialty.

Utilises evidence-based practice to develop and implement standards of practice that guide practice improvement initiatives.

To be an active member of the on-call, weekend duty rotas, and cover of statutory and public holidays including working as potential lone physiotherapy practitioner at night.

Perform other applicable tasks and duties within the realm of his/her

knowledge, skills and abilities.

Contribute to developing therapy service standards and ensure they are consistently met. Acting as a role model, they will deliver high clinical and operational performance standards by developing and supporting the Senior Respiratory Therapists.

Collaborates with nursing and allied health staff at all levels, interdisciplinary teams, executive officers and other stakeholders in the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs and services.

To market, promote and profile the service to patients, referrers and the general public and to undertake business development activities.

Uses unit resources in a cost effective and responsible manner

Actively participates in the process for ensuring the organisation achieves and maintains JCIA status or other rehabilitation accreditations.

Ensures the reporting of all adverse events, incidents and near misses.

Contributes to investigations of complaints and incidents and draft responses as required in a timely manner.

Contributes to the monitoring of key performance indicators and developing action plans as required.

Qualifications:

Bachelor of respiratory therapy
from one of the recognized universities.

Specialist Certifications:

Valid license/registration to practice his / her spicality from Saudi

Commission for Health Specialties.

Required: Complete one-year internship program rotating in different hospitals & departments.

Knowledge of KSA Health Regulations.

Experience in the national and international accreditations.

BLS certification.

Required Experience:

Not less than 1 years post graduate experience as a Respiratory Therapist in a large hospital or rehabilitation setting.