Respiratory Therapist FT Days

Kindred Hospital Dallas Central and Acute Rehabilitation Unit (ARU) provide specialized care for patients with complex medical needs. The long‑term acute care hospital (LTACH) offers advanced, hospital‑level treatment for chronically and critically ill patients requiring extended stays, while the Acute Rehabilitation Unit helps patients recover from acute injuries, impairments, or illnesses. Both units collaborate with physicians to deliver 24/7 clinical care and continuous support on the path to recovery.

Responsibilities

• Deliver competent respiratory care procedures throughout the hospital in accordance with Respiratory Care policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Maintain accurate documentation and charge capture for all respiratory care procedures.
• Develop, document, and maintain respiratory care elements of the patient plan of care.
• Verify and initiate all physician orders for respiratory care.
• Demonstrate competency and working knowledge of all respiratory care instruments and equipment, including troubleshooting, problem resolution, and proper disinfection/sterilization.
• Initiate, monitor, and maintain oxygen/aerosol delivery devices and both non‑invasive and invasive mechanical ventilation devices.
• Perform effective airway management, including oral/nasal airway placement, bag‑mask ventilation, intubation or assistance with intubation, and emergent or scheduled tracheostomy tube changes.
• Apply safe suction techniques and manage artificial airways.
• Initiate and perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
• Provide tracheostomy, endotracheal tube, and oral care.
• Implement one‑way speaking valve trials per physician order.
• Assist physicians with diagnostic and therapeutic bronchoscopy procedures.
• Complete initial and ongoing decannulation risk assessments with appropriate interventions and documentation.
• Perform and document timely spontaneous breathing trial assessments for weaning readiness.
• Initiate and advance mechanical ventilator weaning according to protocol.
• Actively participate in the multidisciplinary early patient mobility program.
• Perform pulse oximetry and carbon dioxide gas monitoring.
• Obtain and analyze arterial blood gas (ABG) samples; conduct ABG analyzer quality control and maintenance as required.
• Provide patient and family teaching/education and document it.
• Deliver accurate patient handoff reports.
• Participate in department/hospital in‑services, meetings, and patient care rounds.
• Notify immediate supervisor of changes in workload and patient acuity.
• Provide timely updates to the healthcare team and recommend therapy modifications as clinically indicated.
• Assist in orientation and training of new employees/students and precept new hires during orientation.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education: Postsecondary certificate/diploma/program graduate from an accredited respiratory therapy program (required) or an Associate’s Degree from an accredited respiratory therapy program (required).
• Licenses/Certifications:
  • RCP – Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner or comparable state certification (required upon hire).
  • CRT – Certified Radiologic Technologist or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential (preferred upon hire).
  • BCLS – Basic Life Support (required upon hire or within facility‑specified time frame).
  • ACLS – Advanced Cardiac Life Support (required upon hire or within facility‑specified time frame).
• Experience: 1+ years related experience (preferred).

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to work under stress and respond quickly in emergency situations.
• Effective interpersonal communication with healthcare team members, patients, and families.
• Understanding of lifespan growth and development to provide appropriate care for adult and geriatric patients.
• Strong teamwork orientation.
• Consistent attendance and reliability.
• Fluent reading, writing, and speaking in English.
• Willingness to travel 0% (no travel required).