Respiratory Therapist - Respiratory Therapy - Per Diem

About the Role

Perform respiratory therapy treatment modalities, patient assessments, and life support interventions in all treatment areas, including the Intensive Care Unit and Emergency Department. Determine the appropriate course of respiratory treatment using defined and approved patient-driven and therapist-driven protocols. Be knowledgeable and competent in all aspects of mechanical ventilation initiation and management, endotracheal intubation assistance, and airway protection and maintenance during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Take charge responsibly and assist providers during bronchoscopies, where applicable.

Demonstrate knowledge and principles of growth and development to provide care for patients of all age groups and demographics. Prioritize job duties in a safe and timely manner and assist team members when workload is completed. May be required to work weekends, holidays, and alternative shifts when vacancies arise from retirements or planned/unplanned leave.

Requirements

• Graduate of a CoARC-approved Respiratory Therapy Program
• Successfully passed the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) exam administered by the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) and remain in good standing
• Respiratory Therapy license in the state of practice
• NBRC RRT certification (RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS, AE-C, and/or COPD-E preferred but not required)
• BLS and ACLS certifications (PALS, NRP, S.T.A.B.L.E preferred)

Baccalaureate degree preferred. One year of experience in a healthcare setting is preferred; new graduates will be considered upon review of clinical activity during their education.

Responsibilities

• Make rapid and clinically sound decisions with a variety of details efficiently and effectively; demonstrate initiative and sound judgment in problem-solving
• Demonstrate knowledge and competence in all areas of respiratory care
• Multitask and prioritize work in accordance with changes in patient acuity and workload; function independently in all patient care areas
• Determine appropriate therapy and adjust treatment plans based on approved patient and RT-driven protocols
• Provide accurate and thorough documentation in the EHR per departmental, organizational, and regulatory agency requirements
• Manage mechanical ventilation, including initiation, maintenance, and weaning according to ventilator management and weaning protocols
• Engage in interdisciplinary collaboration, including providing assessments and recommendations for mechanically and non-invasively ventilated patients during rounds
• Recognize emergency situations and initiate the proper plan of action
• Assist with bronchoscopy procedures in accordance with policy
• Evaluate diagnostic procedures, including PFTs, ABG and VBGs, chest x-rays, ventilator waveforms, oximetry, and end-tidal CO2 monitoring
• Provide patient and family education
• Assist with the orientation of new hires and precepting of students
• Ensure equipment is clean, assembled appropriately, and compliant with preventive maintenance requirements
• Demonstrate cost-effective patient care by utilizing resources responsibly
• Maintain a clean and orderly work environment

Other Duties

• Maintain current knowledge of and adhere to all organizational and departmental policies
• Retain active status with NBRC and remain current with all RQI requirements
• Attend department meetings and mandatory in-services
• Assist with special projects and committees as assigned
• Demonstrate competencies as specified annually
• Practice good customer service and patient experience
• Regularly assist coworkers as necessary
• Support department and organizational QA/QI/PI initiatives and identify opportunities for improvement
• Possess high ethical standards
• Maintain effective inter- and intra-departmental relationships and conduct self professionally
• Communicate effectively with all stakeholders in a courteous and tactful manner
• Participate in community and employee engagement activities
• Support and adhere to all organizational values
• Comply with organizational and departmental dress code standards

This description is not intended to be all-inclusive; other duties may be assigned as necessary.