Respiratory Therapist PRN Nights

About the role

Under the supervision of the Cardiopulmonary Services Medical Director and Department Director, the Respiratory Therapist provides cardiopulmonary care services in accordance with specific physician’s orders, department policies and procedures. Clients served are predominately adults and geriatrics, but adolescents/pediatrics and neonate/infants will occasionally be treated.

Responsibilities

• Maintains knowledge of various methods of oxygen delivery and equipment; remains alert to possible side effects.
• Administers respiratory therapy treatments, understands purpose and possible side effects of each.
• Sets up and monitors mechanical ventilators and performs associated critical care duties such as airway management and tracheal suctioning.
• Assesses patient pain interfering with optimal function or participation in rehabilitation and makes appropriate physician contact for intervention.
• Performs pulmonary function tests; completes report files, sends results to requesting physicians, and files reports per department procedures.
• Performs arterial punctures to obtain arterial blood samples for blood gas analysis; understands complications and contraindications.
• Operates, manages, and maintains arterial blood gas equipment safely and correctly.
• Follows departmental equipment sterilization procedures.
• Documents all pertinent data in the patient’s medical record after any service.
• Maintains thorough knowledge of all departmental forms, flow charts, log books, and their proper usage.
• Performs all duties outlined in the “Shift Responsibilities” section for the assigned shift.
• Performs additional duties as assigned by the department director.
• Performs EKGs; completes report files, sends results to requesting physicians, and files reports per department procedures.
• Demonstrates knowledge of techniques and treatment modalities for patients of varying ages, including neonate, pediatric, adolescent, and geriatric patients.
• Demonstrates knowledge of oxygen concentrations and medication doses appropriate for patients of varying ages.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces medical/health care errors.
• Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly; inspects and tests respiratory therapy equipment to ensure safe and efficient functioning.
• Formulates a teaching plan based on identified patient learning needs and evaluates effectiveness; includes patient’s family as appropriate.
• Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity; coordinates and directs patient care to ensure needs are met and hospital policy is followed.
• Demonstrates ability to assess patient needs, tolerance for treatment, and response to treatment.
• Attends education in-service programs to maintain professional competency and obtains appropriate hospital-specific education and training.

Qualifications

• Current State of Texas Respiratory Therapist Licensure.
• Minimum degree of certification (CRT) and RRT eligible; must obtain RRT credentials within six months of hire date.
• Current BLS certification required at hire date; ACLS and PALS certifications required within six months of hire date.
• Three or more years of previous experience in all aspects of cardiopulmonary services preferred.
• Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing; additional languages preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Basic computer knowledge.
• Ability to use ABG machine, ventilators, IPPB, EKG, treadmills, bedside PF screeners, and perform chest PT.