Respiratory Therapist PRN Day

About the Role

Kindred Hospital Houston Medical Center and Acute Rehabilitation Unit (ARU) provide specialized care for patients with complex medical needs. Our long-term acute care hospital (LTACH) offers advanced, hospital-level treatment for chronically and critically ill patients requiring extended stays. The Acute Rehabilitation Unit is dedicated to helping patients recover from acute injuries, impairments, or illnesses. This role involves administering safe and competent respiratory care as ordered by physicians, monitoring mechanical ventilation, administering medications, patient assessment, and collaborating with the healthcare team to ensure continuous support on the patient's path to recovery.

Responsibilities

• Deliver competent respiratory care procedures in all hospital areas as outlined in 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, non-invasive and invasive mechanical ventilation devices.
• Perform effective airway management, including oral/nasal airway placement, bag/mask ventilation, intubation, tracheostomy tube changes, and safe suction techniques.
• Initiate and perform CPR.
• Perform 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 per protocol.
• Actively participate in the multidisciplinary early patient mobility program.
• Perform pulse oximetry, carbon dioxide gas monitoring, and arterial blood gas (ABG) sampling and analysis.
• Perform and document ongoing ABG analyzer quality control and maintenance as required.
• Provide 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 healthcare team members, patients, and their families.
• Understand principles of lifespan growth and development with the ability to provide care appropriate for adult and geriatric patient populations.
• Ability to work cooperatively as a member of a team.
• Good and regular attendance.
• Fluent in reading, writing, and speaking 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 (Required upon hire).
• Certified Radiologic Technologist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential (Preferred upon hire).
• Basic Life Support (BCLS) certification (Required upon hire or within facility-specified time frame).
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification (Required upon hire or within facility-specified time frame).
• 1+ years of related experience (Preferred).