Respiratory Therapist - Full Time Nights

About the Role

Kindred Hospital San Diego is a 70-bed long-term acute care hospital offering in-depth care for an extended recovery period. We provide 24-hour clinical care seven days a week, including an eight-bed ICU and two negative pressure rooms, located just outside of downtown San Diego, less than two miles north of the San Diego Zoo.

This role is responsible for administering safe and competent respiratory care as ordered per physician, monitoring mechanical ventilation, administering medications, patient assessment, understanding ramifications of hemodynamic monitoring, blood work results, monitoring, teaching, and training.

Responsibilities

• Competent delivery of Respiratory Care procedures in all areas of the hospital as outlined in the Respiratory Care policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Maintain accurate and complete documentation and charge capture of 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 non-invasive and invasive mechanical ventilation devices.
• Perform effective airway management including oral/nasal airway placement, bag/mask ventilation, intubation and/or intubation assistance, emergent and scheduled tracheostomy tube changes.
• Demonstrate safe and appropriate suction techniques and use of artificial airways.
• Initiate and perform "CPR".
• Perform tracheostomy, endotracheal tube, and oral care.
• Implement one-way speaking valve trials per physician order.
• Assist physician 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 per protocol.
• Actively participate in the multidisciplinary early patient mobility program.
• Perform pulse oximetry and carbon dioxide gas monitoring.
• Perform arterial blood gas (ABG) sampling and analysis, including ongoing ABG analyzer quality control and maintenance as required.
• Perform and document patient and family teaching/education.
• Provide and receive accurate and complete 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 and accurate updates to healthcare team members and make recommendations for modification to patient therapy as clinically indicated.
• Assist in orientation and training of new employees/students, and precept new employees during orientation.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Ability to work under stress and respond quickly in emergency situations.
• Utilize appropriate interpersonal communication skills when interacting with all healthcare team members, patients, and their families.
• Understand principles of lifespan growth and development with the ability to provide care appropriate for the adult and geriatric patient population.
• Ability to work cooperatively as a member of a team.
• Good and regular attendance.
• Must read, write, and speak fluent English.

Qualifications

• Postsecondary (Cert/Diploma/Program Grad) from an accredited respiratory therapy program (Required).
• OR Associate’s Degree from an accredited respiratory therapy program (Required).
• Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) or comparable certification in the state of practice upon hire (Required).
• Certified Radiologic Technologist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential upon hire (Preferred).
• Basic Life Support (BCLS) upon hire or within facility-specified time frame (Required).
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) upon hire or within facility-specified time frame (Required).
• 1+ years related experience (Preferred).

Pay

$36.00 - $45.65 per hour.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) / Health Savings Account (HSA).
• Life Insurance.
• Paid Time Off.
• Wellness programs.