Respiratory Therapist RRT

About the Role

Licensed by the South Dakota State Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners, the Respiratory Care Practitioner/Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) principal duties are primarily in an ambulatory/outpatient environment. The RRT will assess, treat, and care for patients with acute or chronic cardiopulmonary disorders and associated aspects of other systems. The RRT assumes primary responsibility for ordered respiratory care modalities by initiating and conducting therapeutic and diagnostic procedures within their scope of practice and the assigned department’s scope of service.

Responsibilities

• Reviews existing data, collects additional data, and recommends obtaining data to evaluate the respiratory status of patients.
• Develops, implements, and modifies respiratory care treatment plans based on assessment of the cardiorespiratory system, department policy and procedure, physician-approved respiratory care protocols, clinical pathways, referrals, and written, verbal, or telecommunicated orders of a physician.
• Initiates and conducts prescribed therapeutic and diagnostic procedures such as: administering medical gases, humidification and aerosols, aerosol medications, postural drainage, bronchopulmonary hygiene, pulmonary function testing, hemodynamic monitoring, and other physiologic monitoring; collects specimens of blood and other diagnostic specimens.
• Initiates cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other emergency procedures, performs invasive and non-invasive procedures following established standards.
• Documents necessary information in the patient’s medical record and on other forms. Communicates the information to members of the health care team.
• Demonstrates the ability to perform complex procedures and the critical thinking skills required to serve patients.
• Obtains, assembles, calibrates, and checks necessary equipment. Uses problem solving to identify and correct malfunctions of respiratory care equipment.
• Demonstrates appropriate interpersonal skills to work productively with patients, families, providers, and co-workers. Serves patients with regard to age-specific/cultural diversity needs.
• Participates in the orientation, mentorship, and education of personnel and students. Provides formal and informal teaching/learning opportunities to assist personnel to achieve and maintain competence necessary for safe and effective practice.
• Accepts directives, maintains confidentiality, does not discriminate, upholds MH Code of Conduct, Standards of Performance, and ethical standards of the profession. Responsible for maintaining 100% of all hospital and departmental required and mandatory education, competencies, certifications, and licensure specific to areas they are assigned.

Qualifications

• Education: Associates in Health Sciences (required), Bachelors in Health Sciences (preferred)
• Certification:
  • Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) - South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners
  • Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) - National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)
  • Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) - Wyoming State Board for Respiratory Care (for Wyoming facilities)
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification - American Heart Association (AHA) - Within 60 days of hire or transfer

Physical Requirements

Medium work - Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Location: Gillette, WY, USA

Department: MHMC - Gillette Primary Care

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40

Starting Pay Rate Range: $28.74 - $35.92 (Determined by the knowledge, skills, and experience of the applicant.)