Respiratory Therapist RRT - NICU - Night Shift

Work Shift/Schedule: 12 Hr Evening - Morning

About the Role

Administers and coordinates a variety of treatments relating to respiratory problems for patients throughout the life span; properly charts treatment given. Responds to emergency and critical care situations, extending therapy to those patients. Assesses patients and determines the proper course of action. This position provides care for neonate and infant age groups.

Consistently delivers effective direct care as part of the interdisciplinary team for complex patients. Communicates patient care updates and changes to the interdisciplinary team. Seeks and provides feedback for improved clinical practice. Attends tier 1 huddles and staff meetings, utilizing Error Prevention Tools and behaviors to ensure safe care. Actively supports and participates in unit practice council.

Responsibilities

• Works with nursing, medical, and respiratory staff using good communication and interpersonal skills to provide optimal care of neonates in the NICU, Nursery, and Labor and Delivery areas.
• Communicates ventilator changes, blood gas results, oxygen therapy, and pertinent observations to nursing staff in a timely manner.
• Anticipates problem situations by consulting with Labor and Delivery staff about potential high-risk deliveries and relays information to nursing and respiratory care staff.
• Communicates observations and assessments to medical staff concerning neonate care in a timely and succinct manner.
• Consults with medical staff and is aware of the neonate’s treatment plan; executes the plan and contacts the physician for input when necessary.
• Communicates ABG lab status on a shift-to-shift basis.
• Manages the bedside care of sick neonates requiring respiratory support within predetermined protocols, including ventilatory aspects, follow-up ABGs, and assessments to judge efficacy of changes.
• Follows up on nursing staff requests to assess infants and relays findings and recommendations for action.
• Reviews CXRs to assess ETT tube placement and performs necessary adjustments.
• Ensures appropriate oxygen therapy and associated documentation; exhibits knowledge of all treatment modalities.
• Maintains and operates the ABG lab efficiently, completing quality control procedures consistently and timely.
• Completes all required documentation per policy, including resuscitation summaries for high-risk deliveries, vent/treatment flow sheets, car seat trends, and ABG lab documentation.
• Accurately enters ABG results in a timely manner.
• Contributes to the productive and effective operation of the department by minimizing time away from the NICU, organizing patient care, and setting appropriate priorities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Licensed to practice as a Respiratory Therapist (Respiratory Care Professional) in the state of Georgia.
• Associate’s Degree.
• Respiratory Therapy training through an accredited school and successful completion of the registry examination.
• One (1) year of prior experience in neonatal care preferred.

Skills

• Good interpersonal skills.
• Good communication skills.

Physical Demands

• Weight Lifted: Up to 20 lbs, frequently (31-65% of time).
• Weight Carried: Up to 20 lbs, frequently (31-65% of time).
• Vision: Moderate, constantly (66-100% of time).
• Kneeling/Stooping/Bending: Frequently (31-65% of time).
• Standing/Walking: Frequently (31-65% of time).
• Pushing/Pulling: Frequently (31-65% of time).
• Intensity of Work: Frequently (31-65% of time).
• Job Requires: Reading, writing, reasoning, talking, keyboarding.