Possesses experience and is highly knowledgeable and skilled in respiratory care and assessment. Must be licensed through NBRC. Must be able to work NIGHTS

Establishes and maintains mechanical ventilatory support for critical newborn, pediatric, and adult patients using a variety of pressure and volume ventilator. Makes all ventilator adjustments as determined by the interpretation of diagnostic test results, observation and assessment, patient response and ventilatory status. Monitors the patient for changes in cardio-pulmonary status and responds appropriately. Maintains a patent and stable airway during resuscitation and mechanical ventilation; performs oral intubations, establishes and maintains stability of artificial airway, and maintains appropriate cuff pressures. Applies advanced ventilator techniques such as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), Pressure Support (PS), Synchronized Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation (SIMV), Positive

End Expiratory Pressure (PEEP); demonstrates expertise in the management of patients on life support systems and is responsible for total care and maintenance of the equipment.

Establishes ventilator weaning criteria specific for each patient and initiates weaning procedures without direction from the physician. Performs extubations after it has been determined by the therapist that the patient has met all weaning criteria.

Initiates and performs effective CPR without physician direction. Ability to use a variety of manual resuscitators and maintains air exchange and respiration. Transports patients, when necessary, within or outside the hospital while maintaining ventilation and perfusion.

Performs arterial punctures for blood gas analysis, interprets results and acts accordingly. Makes recommendations to the physician regarding treatment based on blood gas results and clinical evaluation. Obtains blood samples from the appropriate anatomical location on patients of all sizes and age, or from Swan-Ganz and arterial catheters. Performs daily calibrations and maintenance of the blood gas analyzer, quality control and assures the accuracy of test results. Troubleshoots malfunctions and takes the appropriate steps to correct problems occurring with the analyzer.

Continually assesses the cardio-pulmonary status of patients using information collected from physical observation and the accurate interpretation of diagnostic test results. Determines the effectiveness and/or need for therapy. Performs hemodynamic monitoring and interprets Pulmonary Artery Pressures, Pulmonary Capillary Wedge pressures, Cardiac Output, and Central Venous Pressure measurements for the purpose of making adjustments in ventilation.

Assists the physician with special procedures including diagnostic and therapeutic bronchoscopy, thoracoscopy, thoracentesis, and surgical tracheotomy. Assists the Pediatrician with the delivery of high-risk infants, especially those born prematurely.

Performs Pulmonary Function studies, interprets results and makes recommendations to the physician relative to the patient's diagnosis and treatment.

Processes contaminated equipment, including cleaning and sterilization, assembly, function, and safety checks, and returns equipment to inventory in the proper location. Identifies and corrects mechanical malfunctions on all equipment; performs emergency repair on ventilators and assures reliability; checks inventory daily and replaces items needed for daily operations.

Documents all treatments, findings, observations, and progress pertinent to patient care in the appropriate medical record.