Respiratory Therapist

About the Role

The Certified Respiratory Therapist performs respiratory care interventions in accordance with the standards established by the American Association of Respiratory Care Clinical Practice Guidelines and hospital policy. Under the supervision of the Director/Supervisor and upon a physician's order, the therapist assesses the cardiopulmonary status of patients of all ages (neonate through geriatric) and provides various types of respiratory diagnostic and therapeutic procedures based on individual patient needs. An integral function of this position is providing patient education to enhance wellness.

Responsibilities

• Consistently meets work schedule.
• Performs initial and follow-up assessments pertaining to respiratory care with skill; physician(s) agrees with assessment and recommended plan of care.
• Evaluates patient's response to prescribed therapy and communicates information to medical staff as needed.
• Demonstrates expertise in selecting and/or adapting equipment appropriate for patient's age (neonate to geriatric).
• Incorporates patient education regarding common lung diseases, prescribed medications, and plan of care into routine patient care.
• Optimizes communication between self, patient, family, and visitors; explains interventions in an empathetic, caring manner specific to the patient's level of cognition.
• Demonstrates proficiency in care and management of patients receiving mechanical ventilation, choosing appropriate settings relevant to the patient's condition.
• Demonstrates proficiency in the use of non-invasive ventilation (e.g., Respironics Vision, V60, and BIPAP ST units), tailoring therapy to meet individual patient needs and titrating interventions to achieve optimal outcomes.
• Avoids intubations by recommending use of noninvasive ventilatory support to physicians when appropriate.
• Demonstrates proficiency in establishing, maintaining, and caring for patients with artificial airways; secures airways and adjusts cuff pressures to ensure patient safety.
• Works cooperatively with nursing staff to ensure optimal tracheostomy care and patient education.
• Performs ECGs when assigned, demonstrating respect for patient privacy and obtaining high-quality tracings; communicates serious abnormalities to the patient's nurse and/or physician without delay.
• Demonstrates proficiency in administration of physician-prescribed aerosol medication therapy, oxygen therapy, airway humidity therapy, and airway clearance techniques.
• Communicates professionally with physicians to recommend modifications in the respiratory care plan based on patient response.
• Follows departmental policy and procedure for all phases of blood gas analysis: pre-analytical, puncture/specimen collection, analytical phase, and post-analytical/results reporting.
• Demonstrates expertise in implementing, assessing, and acting on results of pulmonary diagnostic tests and monitors (e.g., capnography, spirometry, blood gas analysis, hemodynamic monitoring, pulse oximetry).
• Serves as a resource to other healthcare team members regarding the use of monitors and assessment of results.
• Assists physicians with therapeutic and basic diagnostic bronchoscopies, assessing patient status and intervening to optimize comfort, safety, and outcomes.
• Performs high-level disinfection of bronchoscope and related equipment following procedures, adhering strictly to policy.
• Performs the professional, clinical, and technical competencies of the assigned unit or department.

Requirements

• Graduate from an accredited Respiratory Therapy Education Program.
• Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) – National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) upon hire.
• CPR/AED/BLS upon hire.
• Licensed Respiratory Therapist (RT) – State Board of Healing Arts upon hire.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) – American Heart Association (AHA) within 120 days.
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) – American Heart Association (AHA) within 120 days.
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) – American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) within 120 days.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate Degree in Respiratory Therapy.
• 1 or more years working as a CRT in a hospital setting.

Schedule

Full time, day shift.