Respiratory Care Practitioner II (RCP II) - Simpsonville Medical Center

As a faith-based and patient-focused organization, Bon Secours exists to enhance the health and well-being of all people in mind, body and spirit through exceptional patient care. Success in this goal requires a culture of compassion, collaboration, excellence and respect. Bon Secours seeks people that are committed to our values of compassion, human dignity, integrity, service and stewardship to create an environment where associates want to work and help communities thrive.

About the role

The Respiratory Care Practitioner II is responsible for providing respiratory care through patient assessment, planning, intervention, education, and evaluation. Performs all respiratory care procedures including but not limited to oxygen and aerosolized medication delivery, ventilator care, bronchial hygiene therapy, diagnostic services and patient and staff education. Monitors the patient's response to such therapies and makes recommendations to change or modify based on the assessment.

Responsibilities

• May serve as the shift “Charge Therapist” with responsibility of ensuring adequate number of respiratory care staff to cover patient care areas and needs, including assigning staff to work areas, modifying work assignments, assisting with meal coverage, fielding call offs, and providing adequate staffing levels for the next shift.
• May assist physician performing procedures such as bronchoscopy, transtracheal catheter insertion, tracheotomy intubation (if performed by respiratory therapy in the facility), assists with tracheostomy endotracheal tube changes and invasive monitoring.
• Performs CPR including closed chest compressions and airway management techniques in accordance with the AHA ACLS protocol.
• Conducts prescribed therapeutic procedures to achieve maintenance of a patient airway, including use of appropriate airways (endotracheal tubes, nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal airways), maintenance of airway humidification, aspiration of secretions, extubation, maintenance of correct ETT cuff pressures, and documents procedures in patient and department records.
• Selects, assembles, monitors, and evaluates mechanical ventilators for proper function and operation, including correction of malfunctions, cleanliness, and determines appropriateness of use for patient condition.
• May perform pulmonary function tests (PFT).
• Serves as a preceptor to new team members and/or students.
• Assesses patient's physical status by inspection, palpation, auscultation, percussion, patient behavior, and reviewing existing data in patient's record.
• Performs treatments according to physician orders, explains therapy and therapeutic goals to patient; modifies treatment procedures based on patient response.
• Determines appropriateness of prescribed therapy and recommends methods to physician to achieve therapeutic goals including IPPB, aerosol therapy, postural drainage and percussion, ultrasonic nebulizer, incentive spirometry, metered dose inhalers and spacers, etc.
• Sets up and maintains different modes of oxygen therapy to maintain adequate PaO2’s with accurate inspired levels of oxygen.
• Administers intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB) or aerosol therapy by preparing prescribed medication, adjusting the machine or device to accomplish patient’s individual clinical needs, documenting and observing patient’s vital signs, productivity of cough, relief of dyspnea, improved breath sounds, and any adverse reactions to therapy.
• Performs postural drainage, vibration, percussion to ensure proper drainage of bronchial secretions by use of manual or mechanical percussion; checks orders and X-rays for segments to be treated prior to initiating treatment; auscultation prior to and after procedure to note presence of clearance of secretions and response to therapy.
• Instructs patients and families in incentive spirometer, metered dose inhaler (MDI) administration, postural drainage and clapping, oxygen therapy, ventilator care, and home aerosol therapy.
• Procures sputum for culture and sensitivity or airway clearance either by patient coaching, administration of mucolytics, aerosol therapy, or endotracheal/nasopharyngeal suctioning.
• Evaluates normal and pathologic blood and urine laboratory value ranges.
• Performs arterial punctures and analysis; has an in-depth knowledge of analysis and arterial blood gas (ABG) interpretation. Performs arterial line procedures, takes safety precautions, follows sterile procedure, flushing, and ABG aspirations.
• May perform EKGs; understands electronic monitoring, lead placement, and basic arrhythmias.
• Maintains all Respiratory Therapy equipment and supplies.
• Responds to cardio-pulmonary resuscitations and actively participates as indicated by clinical circumstances.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare, Healthcare Administration, or Business Administration (preferred).
• Current Respiratory Care License in the state of employment (required).
• National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) credential (required).
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) (preferred).
• BLS Basic Life Support – American Heart Association (required).
• ACLS Advanced Cardiac Life Support – American Heart Association or Red Cross (required).
• PALS Pediatric Advanced Life Support – American Heart Association (required).
• NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program) – AAP/AWHONN (preferred).
• Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) (preferred).
• Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT) (preferred).
• ACCS (Adult Critical Care Specialist) – NBRC (preferred).
• Valid driver’s license (required for Home Care/DME).
• Two years of experience as a Respiratory Care Professional (required).

Skills

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to effectively interact with patients, families, physicians, and other staff members.
• Good communication and customer service skills.
• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Good oral and written communication.
• Able to receive feedback and gather/interpret data.
• Accountability and knowledge of non-invasive respiratory therapy equipment such as oximeters or end-tidal CO2 analyzers.
• Therapeutic procedures including CPAP/BiPap, jet aerosol, oxygen therapy, incentive spirometry, chest physiotherapy, pulse oximetry, high flow oxygen, continuous aerosols, ventilator management, diagnostic testing.
• Understanding of EKGs, electronic monitoring, lead placement, and basic arrhythmias.
• Arterial blood gas punctures and testing.
• Airway maneuvers and bedside pulmonary function.
• Patient assessment and education.
• Knowledge of chest suction equipment and chest X-ray interpretation.

Training

• EPIC Electronic Health Record (EHR) training (preferred).

Benefits

• Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses, and 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible).
• Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, HSA/FSA options, life insurance, mental health resources, and discounts.
• Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, backup care for children and elders.
• Tuition assistance, professional development, and continuing education support.

Benefits may vary based on the market and employment status.