Respiratory Therapist (RT), Full Time Nights

About the role

The Respiratory Therapist is responsible for administering safe respiratory care, monitoring mechanical ventilation, and performing patient assessments. They also manage artificial airways, perform diagnostic procedures, and participate in multidisciplinary patient care rounds.

Responsibilities

• Competent delivery of Respiratory Care procedures in all areas of the hospital as outlined in the Respiratory Care policies, procedures and protocols
• Maintain accurate and complete documentation and charge capture of all Respiratory Care procedures
• Develop, document and maintain respiratory care elements of the patient plan of care
• Verify and initiate all physician orders for Respiratory Care
• Demonstrate competency and working knowledge of all Respiratory Care instruments and equipment
• Perform troubleshooting, problem resolution and proper disinfection/sterilization
• Initiate, monitor and maintain oxygen/aerosol delivery devices and non-invasive and invasive mechanical ventilation devices
• Perform effective airway management including oral/nasal airway placement, bag/mask ventilation, intubation and/or intubation assistance, emergent and scheduled tracheostomy tube changes
• Demonstrate safe and appropriate suction techniques and use of artificial airways
• Initiate and perform "CPR"
• Perform tracheostomy, endotracheal tube and oral care
• Implement one way speaking valve trials per physician order
• Assist physician with diagnostic and therapeutic bronchoscopy procedures
• Complete initial and ongoing decannulation risk assessments with appropriate interventions and documentation
• Perform and document timely Spontaneous Breathing Trial assessments for weaning readiness
• Initiate and advance mechanical ventilator weaning per protocol
• Actively participate in the multidisciplinary early patient mobility program
• Perform pulse oximetry and carbon dioxide gas monitoring
• Perform arterial blood gas (ABG) sampling and analysis
• Perform and document ongoing ABG analyzer quality control and maintenance as required
• Perform and document patient and family teaching/education
• Provide and receive accurate and complete patient handoff reports
• Participate in department/hospital in-services, meetings, and patient care rounds
• Notify immediate supervisor of changes in workload and patient acuity
• Provide timely and accurate updates to healthcare team members and make recommendations for modification to patient therapy as clinically indicated
• Assist in orientation and training of new employees/students, and precept new employees during orientation

Requirements

• Current state Respiratory Therapy license
• Certified or Registered Respiratory Therapist (CRT/RRT) credential
• Current BLS and ACLS certifications
• One year of experience preferred

Qualifications

• Respiratory Therapy education as required for attainment of credentialing by the National Board for Respiratory Care
• Ability to work under stress and to respond quickly in emergency situations
• Utilize appropriate interpersonal communication skills when interacting with all healthcare team members, patients, and their families
• Understands principles of lifespan growth and development with the ability to provide care appropriate for the adult and geriatric patient population
• Ability to work cooperatively as a member of a team
• Must have good and regular attendance
• Must read, write and speak fluent English

Skills

• Troubleshooting
• Documentation
• CPR
• Patient education
• Interpersonal communication
• Patient assessment
• Mechanical ventilation
• Hemodynamic monitoring
• Airway management
• Pulse oximetry
• Respiratory care
• Tracheostomy care
• Arterial blood gas sampling
• Ventilator weaning
• Bronchoscopy assistance