Respiratory Therapist

We've made a lot of progress since opening the doors in 1942, but one thing has never changed - our commitment to serve, heal, lead, educate, and innovate. We believe that every award earned, every record broken and every patient helped is because of the dedicated employees who fill our hallways. At Ochsner, whether you work with patients every day or support those who do, you are making a difference and that matters.

About the role

This job provides respiratory care treatment, oxygen services, diagnostic testing and ventilation support services to both in-patients and out-patients ranging in age from neonatal to geriatric. Monitors and weans Oxygen Therapy and Artificial ventilation, draws, analyzes and reports Arterial Blood Gases and EKGs, and delivers intermittent therapy. Assists with changing of artificial airways, and provides services as ordered by a physician and in accordance with established policies and procedures.

Requirements

• Current License as a Respiratory Therapist in the state of practice
• Credentialed by the National Board of Respiratory Care as a Certified Respiratory Therapist
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification from the American Heart Association
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) Certification (only for trained therapists working in the NICU)
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) must be obtained within 90 days of hire
• Associate's Degree
• Computer skills and dexterity required for data entry and retrieval of patient information
• Proficiency with Windows-style applications and keyboard
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present information clearly and professionally to varying levels of individuals
• Strong analytical skills
• Strong interpersonal skills

Responsibilities

• Performs routine and advanced therapeutic procedures according to established policy and procedure
• Reviews and documents all clinical information regarding each patient
• Educates patients and co-workers on procedures and treatment plans
• Performs diagnostic procedures
• Provides care based on physical, psycho/social, educational, safety and related criteria appropriate to the age of patient served in assigned area
• Maintains professional certifications and up-to-date knowledge of technical procedures
• Attends staff meetings
• Remains knowledgeable on current federal, state and local laws, accreditation standards or regulatory agency requirements that apply to the assigned area of responsibility and ensures compliance with all such laws, regulations and standards
• Other related duties as required

Physical and Environmental Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Very Heavy Work - Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects
• Duties performed routinely require exposure to blood, body fluid and tissue
• Works in a patient care area; works in an area where patients enter; works directly with patients; and/or works with specimens that could contain communicable diseases
• Occupational risk for exposure to communicable diseases
• Occupational risk for exposure to hazardous medications or hazardous waste within the environment through receipt, transport, storage, preparation, dispensing, administration, cleaning and/or disposal of contaminated waste