Respiratory Therapist

Location: Avera St Anthony's Hospital • Regular worker type • Day shift

About the role

Responsible for the assessment, treatment, and management, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions affecting the cardiopulmonary system for neonates, pediatrics, adolescents, and adults. The individual must demonstrate proficiency in all modalities of respiratory care, which may include, but not limited to oxygen therapy, breathing treatments, airway clearance, blood gases, airway management, non-invasive and invasive ventilator setup and monitoring. This position may also be required to work in the sleep lab.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates patients in order to receive, review, interpret, and administer the prescribing orders regarding respiratory and cardiopulmonary treatments and tests.
• Accurately documents patient assessment, interventions, and progress in the electronic medical record, as well as submits charges in an accurate and timely manner.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of the plan of care.
• Initiates and implements respiratory care plans and interventions to meet the needs of the patient in conjunction with the entire healthcare team to ensure full understanding and cooperation to improve patient outcomes.
• Performs administration, set-up, titration, maintenance, evaluations and documentation of supplemental oxygen, aerosol therapy, airway clearance techniques, mechanical invasive or non-invasive ventilator management, and preparation and administration of respiratory medications.
• Ensures airway patency including various means of suctioning (tracheal, nasal, and oral).
• Attends and assists to patients in respiratory or cardiac arrest by performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency airway care.
• Performs arterial and capillary punctures, runs venous, arterial and capillary blood gas samples, electrolytes and lactic acid tests and maintains and operates the Blood Gas analyzer.
• May assist in Pulmonary Rehab by providing appropriate exercises and education to participants.
• May assist in outpatient clinic as needed and may schedule sleep studies and obtains prior authorizations for the sleep studies when applicable.
• Performs diagnostic testing through pulmonary function, stress exercise, electrocardiograms, electroencephalograms, oximetry, holter and cardiac event monitoring.
• Instructs clinical staff on the use of respiratory therapy equipment and the use of the EKG equipment.
• Assists with implementing and updating policies and procedures, maintenance of quality assurance reports and records, and maintenance of equipment and ordering of supplies.

Requirements

• An active Respiratory Therapist license in the state of practice (upon hire).
• Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) certification from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) (upon hire).

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 1-3 years of experience.

Expectations

• Commitment to the daily application of Avera’s mission, vision, core values, and social principles to serve patients, their families, and our community.
• Promote Avera’s values of compassion, hospitality, and stewardship.
• Uphold Avera’s standards of Communication, Attitude, Responsiveness, and Engagement (CARE) with enthusiasm and sincerity.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Work effectively in a team environment, coordinating workflow with other team members and ensuring a productive and efficient environment.
• Comply with safety principles, laws, regulations, and standards associated with CMS, The Joint Commission, DHHS, and OSHA if applicable.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $42.00 per hour, dependent upon experience.

Benefits

• Up to 5% employer matching contribution for retirement.
• PTO available day 1 for eligible hires.
• Career development guided by hands-on training and mentorship.
• This position may be eligible for a $15,000 sign-on bonus with a 3-year commitment.
• Eligible for Avera's Student Loan Repayment Program: an extra payment of $167 per month (up to $10,000) to help pay down your principal balance faster.