RESPIRATORY THERAPIST - RT PER DIEM

Responsibilities

• Consistently perform clinical assessments of the pulmonary system with precision and accuracy;
• Develop a plan-of-care that aligns with departmental protocols and clinical practice guidelines;
• Administer respiratory therapeutic interventions (including oxygen therapy, aerosols, airway clearance, etc.) with high proficiency, needing minimal to no supervision;
• Regularly (≥ 90%) complete assigned work with minimal assistance;
• Use effective time management skills to organize work, triage patients, and prioritize tasks during shift;
• Establish and manage mechanical ventilation (both invasive and non-invasive) with high proficiency;
• Set up, operate, and perform associated critical care duties for all ventilators used in-house with minimal supervision;
• Perform ventilator weaning, develop or refine ventilator care plans, and communicate findings and recommendations to the patient care team with clarity and clinical insight;
• Accurately document all pertinent data and charges in the patient’s medical record following each service;
• Consistently communicate findings with other healthcare team members in accordance with organizational standards;
• Perform EKGs per departmental policies and procedures;
• Cool blood specimens (including arterial blood gases), report and document results per collection, reporting, and documentation policies with high proficiency;
• Maintain current knowledge of oxygen delivery methods and equipment;
• Monitor for side effects and adhere to oxygen protocols appropriately;
• Provide patient and/or family education regarding respiratory conditions, equipment use, and best practices for home care when applicable;
• Complete all departmental, hospital, and system competencies required for the job category within designated timeframes;
• Adhere to any new hospital and departmental initiatives or policies;
• Stay updated via staff communications;
• Attend at least 50% of staff meetings;
• Escalate concerns to management as needed.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1-2 years of clinical experience preferably in acute care / critical care settings;
• Experience with ventilators is essential;
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-stress environment;
• Able to work independently overnight, problem-solve, make decisions, and communicate clearly;
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs.