Registered Respiratory Therapist (Casual Call, Variable Shift)

About the Role

The Registered Respiratory Therapist administers respiratory care to neonate, pediatric, adult, and geriatric patients with cardiopulmonary system deficiencies and abnormalities. This role also involves training and acting as a resource for the respiratory department.

Qualifications

Required

• Montana Licensure (Registered Respiratory Therapist)
• Registered Respiratory Therapist Certification (NBRC)
• American Heart Association BLS
• American Heart Association ACLS (within 3 months of hire)
• American Heart Association PALS (within 3 months of hire)
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) (within 3 months of hire)

Preferred

• Certification in Neonatal-Pediatric Specialist (NBRC-NPS)
• Certification in Adult Critical Care Specialist (NBRC-ACCS)

Responsibilities

• Maintains knowledge of oxygen delivery methods and equipment, assessing possible side effects.
• Demonstrates understanding of treatment techniques and modalities for patients of varying ages (pediatric, adolescent, geriatric).
• Administers respiratory therapy treatments and nebulized medications, understanding their purposes and side effects.
• Sets up and monitors mechanical ventilators and performs associated critical care duties.
• Performs arterial punctures for blood gas analysis, understanding complications and contraindications.
• Follows departmental equipment sterilization procedures.
• Documents patient data accurately in medical records and maintains knowledge of electronic health records.
• Develops and evaluates patient teaching plans, including family education as appropriate.
• Treats patients and families with respect and dignity, coordinating care according to hospital policy.
• Assesses patient needs and ability to tolerate treatment, reassessing responses.
• Collaborates with other departments and disciplines to coordinate patient care.
• Manages and operates equipment safely, inspecting and testing for efficiency.
• Participates in performance improvement activities and CQI teams.
• Attends in-service programs to maintain professional competency and pursues continuing education opportunities.
• Attends department meetings and stays informed via hospital communication tools.
• Performs additional duties as assigned by the department manager.

Skills

• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Advanced math skills for data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and prioritization abilities.
• Ability to work in a busy and stressful environment.
• Proficiency in computer applications (MS Office, EMR, internet applications).
• Exercises tact, discretion, sensitivity, and maintains confidentiality.

Schedule

• Requires regular and sustained attendance.
• May necessitate working beyond a standard 40-hour workweek, including weekends and after-hours shifts.
• On-call work may be required.

Physical Requirements

• Lifting (Repeatedly – 50 pounds): Exerting force to lift, carry, push, or pull objects or people.
• Sit (Occasionally): Maintaining a sitting posture for extended periods.
• Stand (Repeatedly): Maintaining a standing posture for extended periods.
• Walk (Repeatedly): Moving around within the work area.
• Climb (Rarely): Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, or ramps.
• Twist/Bend/Stoop/Kneel (Repeatedly): Flexibility and range of motion in the spine and joints.
• Reach Above Shoulder Level (Repeatedly): Lifting or carrying objects above shoulder level.
• Push/Pull (Repeatedly): Exerting force against objects.
• Fine-Finger Movements (Continuously): Working primarily with fingers (e.g., typing, pinching).
• Vision (Continuously): Close visual acuity for data analysis, reading, and computer work.
• Cognitive Skills (Continuously): Learning new tasks, maintaining focus, and making timely decisions.

Exposures

• Bloodborne pathogens (blood, bodily fluids, or tissues).
• Radiation in medical imaging settings.
• Chemicals and medications (e.g., cleaning products, disinfectants).
• Infectious diseases from patient contact.
• Emotionally challenging situations (e.g., distressed patients or difficult family interactions).