Registered Respiratory Therapist (EXP)

Responsible For

• Evaluates and assesses patient needs for respiratory therapy and performs complex respiratory therapy procedures to ensure successful outcomes of the patient care plan.
• Interacts with patients daily, actively participating in their recovery plan.
• Work in collaboration with other respiratory therapists, RN’s, physicians, and other team members to collect data for the patient care plan.
• Performs all respiratory treatment modalities, ventilator management, pulmonary mechanics, arterial blood gas procurement and analysis.
• Sets-up and operates devices, such as mechanical ventilators, gas administration, aerosol generators, inhalants and other respiratory therapy devices.
• Utilize clinical skills including bronchoscopy, mechanical ventilation, aerosol therapy, oxygen therapy, pulmonary hygiene, and artificial airway maintenance.
• Clean and disinfect non-disposable respiratory equipment, as well as stocking equipment in all units.
• Perform and analyze ABG, EKG, and Capnography according to policy and procedure, and recommends changes in treatment as appropriate.
• Performs DPS pacing sessions according to policy and procedure, and properly monitors patient before, during and after pacing sessions.
• Collaborates and supports the plan of care as established by the interdisciplinary team and prescribes interventions to attain the expected outcomes.
• Evaluates the patient’s progress toward attainment of the outcomes, working collaboratively with the interdisciplinary healthcare team.
• Actively educates patients and family members in disease process, treatment modalities, medications, etc. on an ongoing basis and as assigned.
• Prepares and maintains a record of observations and care given.
• Documents information clearly and completely utilizing correct forms/systems and in a timely manner according to Center policy.

Requirements

• Successful completion of an accredited Respiratory Therapy Program.
• Certified Respiratory Technician (CRT).
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).
• BLS required.
• ACLS certification required six (6) months of start date.
• Active Georgia Respiratory Care Licensure.
• Two (2) years recent clinical experience preferred.
• Basic computer skills.
• Working knowledge of all treatment and therapeutic patient care devices used by respiratory staff.
• Must display knowledge of growth, development and the ability to obtain, interpret and disseminate information in terms of age specific patient needs (adolescent, adult and geriatric).
• Demonstrates competency in time management, organization, prioritization and critical thinking by planning and organizing work assignments and prioritizing the specific needs of the patient.
• Ability to assess patient and family needs and coordinate appropriate nursing plan of care.
• Takes responsibility for growing professionally and seek opportunities for improving skills.
• Communicates effectively using timely verbal, non-verbal and written communication.
• Willingly adapts to changing work demands and work environment.
• Demonstrates critical thinking skills and makes sound judgments to monitor and respond to patient needs or changes in condition.
• Maintains congenial working relationships with RNs and others.
• Completes orientation and initial assessment of competency successfully by determined due date.
• Completes mandatory education and annual competency assessment requirements by determined due date.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience with patients with Spinal Cord Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury, and/or behavioral health preferred.