Respiratory Therapist RRT - HK - FT - Shift 3

About the Role

Provides respiratory therapeutic and diagnostic care to patients according to established standards and practices in critical care, general care, and emergency care areas. Performs electrocardiogram and other related examinations for patients as directed. Reports to the Director of Cardiopulmonary Services.

Responsibilities

• Consistently completes respiratory assessment in a timely manner, including current status, presenting problem, medical history, vital signs, lung volumes, and oxygenation at least 90% of the time.
• Correctly classifies and updates patients, formulating a respiratory plan of care based on assessment utilizing all indicated protocols and establishing priorities.
• Involves physician, other healthcare providers, family, and patient in the plan of care, considering age, development, and cultural factors.
• Implements the respiratory plan of care in a timely and organized fashion, demonstrating competence in clinical skills according to accepted professional and organizational standards.
• Communicates and educates patient and family regarding the plan of care and ensures continuity of care at shift change.
• Evaluates the patient’s response to the plan of care and works with the physician to modify it to progress the patient toward expected outcomes.
• Documents assessment and therapeutic findings with 90% or greater completeness, accuracy, and timeliness, maintaining compliance with BMV and EMAR.
• Updates documentation as patient needs change, including patient and family education and response.
• Copies, files, processes, and retrieves records, logs, and reports as needed.
• Communicates courteously and professionally with physicians, healthcare workers, patients, families, and visitors while maintaining confidentiality.
• Correctly identifies patients 100% of the time and is proficient in blood gas collection, analysis, reporting, EKGs, airway management, CPR, ventilator care, screenings, PFTs, etc.
• Locates oxygen, air, and vacuum zone valves in crisis situations.
• Assists in orientation and training of new employees and maintains department supplies as indicated by the director.
• Assists in care and maintenance of department equipment and facility, coordinating work to achieve maximum efficiency.
• Works independently with little or no supervision and serves as shift charge person, student proctor, and new employee mentor as needed.
• Uses free time wisely to assist coworkers, clean and set up equipment, maintain a clean and neat department, stock supplies, and assist with department education and competencies.
• Demonstrates flexibility in scheduling and willingness to work as a team, performing all other related duties as assigned or requested.
• Performs work according to rules, regulations, policies, and guidelines, complying with standards in the Code of Conduct.
• Displays complete knowledge, understanding, and initiation of policies and the respiratory therapist’s role for emergency situations, including: Code One, Code Red, Code Yellow and Yellow Alert, Code Silver, Code Amber, Code ABC, Code One Pink, Trauma Alert, and Code Black.
• Functions as shift charge person as scheduled.

Qualifications

• Current NBRC and Alabama State Board of Respiratory Therapy Licensure required.
• Diploma from the highest level of education must be produced.
• BLS and ACLS certification required before the conclusion of the orientation period; PALS and NRP preferred.
• One to two years of clinical experience, which may include experience gained while attending a Respiratory Program.
• Ability to function in critical care, including mechanical ventilation and patient assessment.

Skills

• Must be a certified Respiratory Therapist by the National Board for Respiratory Care within 90 days of hire.
• Current Alabama Respiratory Therapist license.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, requiring prioritization and quick adaptation to changing tasks.
• Ability to assess patients, perform therapy, and recommend procedures in all areas of EKG, Bronchial Hygiene, Bronchodilator Therapy, Pulmonary Volume Expansion, Oxygen Therapy, and Invasive and Noninvasive Ventilation.