Respiratory Therapist (PRN)

About the role

The Respiratory Therapist (RT) provides Respiratory Therapy care services in accordance with specific physician’s orders, department policies and procedures. The RT treats patients for respiratory disorders and performs diagnostic studies according to the physicians’ orders and documents appropriately. The RT also maintains clerical organization in the RT department.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with Joint Commission, College of American Pathologist (CAP), Regulatory Compliance, and other regulatory standards.
• Administer all accepted modes of respiratory care and electrodiagnostics, provided the RT has been approved for the procedure.
• Perform arteriotomies, run blood gases, and CO-oximeter tests when properly approved.
• Attend and participate in in-service education programs and department meetings.
• Represent Western Missouri Medical Center positively in all interactions inside and outside the medical center.
• Work cooperatively with all members of the medical center personnel to identify and solve problems.
• Act as an effective liaison between medical staff, medical center staff, patients, and their families.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with physicians by showing interest in their patients and demonstrating the capabilities of the RT department.
• Maintain adequate Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for the Missouri RT license.
• Set-up and maintain medical gases as needed.
• Perform departmental filing as needed.
• Clean and store all equipment according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
• Document pertinent information regarding patient care in the electronic medical record (EMR).
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance.
• Perform other essential duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Registered or registry eligible by the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) and licensed by the State of Missouri as a Respiratory Care Practitioner.
• Current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
• Current American Heart Association (AHA) Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification required or obtained within 6 months of hire.
• National Registry of Perfusion Technicians (NRPT) certification or obtained within 6 months of hire.
• Self-motivated and capable of working within the established policies, procedures, and practices prescribed by the hospital/clinic.

Physical/Mental Requirements

• Able to sit and stand, intermittently for 8 to 10 hours a day.
• Able to use standard office equipment, including the telephone and computer keyboard.
• Works under pressure of near 100% accuracy while meeting inflexible deadlines.
• Utilizes manual/bi-manual dexterity, near vision, speech, and hearing.
• Frequently stands, walks, sits, and uses eye/hand coordination and color definition.
• Occasionally reaches above shoulder, regularly required to lift and/or carry up to 35 lbs.
• Occasionally walks on uneven surfaces.
• Conditions such as noise, odors, cramped workspace, and/or fumes could sometimes cause discomfort.