Traveling Respiratory Therapist (RT) - System Flex

About the Role

The Flex Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) floats to various assigned sites throughout the Bon Secours Mercy Health System, outside of their home location, to provide patient care promoting and restoring patients’ health through the respiratory care process. The RCP is responsible for patient assessment, planning, intervention, education, and evaluation, performing respiratory care procedures, diagnostic services, patient monitoring, and staff education.

Our System Flex Team locations include:

• Maryview Medical Center in Portsmouth, VA
• Mary Immaculate Hospital in Newport News, VA
• Memorial Regional Medical Center in Richmond, VA
• Southampton Memorial Hospital in Franklin, VA
• The Jewish Hospital in Cincinnati, OH
• Anderson Hospital in Cincinnati, OH
• West Hospital in Cincinnati, OH
• Lourdes Hospital in Paducah, KY
• Marcum and Wallace Hospital in Irvine, KY
• St Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital in Youngstown, OH
• St Anne Hospital in Toledo, OH
• St Rita's Medical Center in Lima, OH
• St Francis - Downtown in Greenville, SC
• Springfield Regional Medical Center in Springfield, OH
• And more!

Responsibilities

• Data collection, accurate record keeping, and product evaluation and assessment.
• Assist physicians with procedures such as bronchoscopy, transtracheal catheter insertion, tracheotomy, intubation, and invasive monitoring.
• Perform CPR, including closed chest compressions and airway management techniques in accordance with AHA ACLS protocol.
• Conduct prescribed therapeutic procedures to maintain patient airways, including use of appropriate airways, maintenance of airway humidification, aspiration of secretions, extubation, and documentation.
• Select, assemble, monitor, and evaluate mechanical ventilators for proper function, including correction of malfunctions and determining appropriateness for patient condition.
• Perform pulmonary function tests (PFT).
• Assess patient’s physical status through inspection, palpation, auscultation, percussion, and reviewing patient records.
• Perform treatments according to physician orders, explain therapy and goals to patients, and modify treatment based on patient response.
• Determine appropriateness of prescribed therapy and recommend methods to achieve therapeutic goals, including IPPB, aerosol therapy, postural drainage, and more.
• Administer oxygen therapy to maintain adequate PaO2 with accurate inspired oxygen levels.
• Administer IPPB or aerosol therapy, prepare prescribed medications, adjust machines to patient needs, and document observations.
• Provide postural drainage, vibration, and percussion to ensure proper drainage of bronchial secretions.
• Instruct patients and families in incentive spirometry, MDI administration, postural drainage, oxygen therapy, ventilator care, and home aerosol therapy.
• Procure sputum for culture and sensitivity or airway clearance through patient coaching, mucolytics, aerosol therapy, or suctioning.
• Evaluate normal and pathologic blood and urine laboratory values.
• Perform arterial punctures and analysis, including ABG interpretation and arterial line procedures.
• Perform EKGs and understand electronic monitoring, lead placement, and basic arrhythmias.
• Maintain all respiratory therapy equipment and supplies.
• Respond to cardio-pulmonary resuscitations and actively participate as indicated by clinical circumstances.

Requirements

• Current Respiratory Care License in the state of practice (required).
• National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) credential (required).
• BLS (Basic Life Support) - American Heart Association (required).
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) - American Heart Association or Red Cross (required).
• PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) - American Heart Association (required).
• NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program) - AAP/AWHONN (required).
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) (preferred).
• Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) (preferred).

Qualifications

• Associate Degree from an AMA-approved school for Respiratory Care (required).
• Bachelor’s degree (preferred).
• 1 year in an Acute Care Setting with demonstrated clinical competency in at least two of the following environments: Nursery/NICU, PICU, ICU/CCU, ED, and general care areas (required).
• Training in EPIC Electronic Health Record (EHR).

Skills

• Gather and interpret data.
• Operate non-invasive respiratory therapy equipment such as oximeters or end-tidal CO2 analyzers.
• Perform therapeutic procedures including CPAP/BiPap, jet aerosol, oxygen therapy, incentive spirometry, chest physiotherapy, pulse oximetry, high flow oxygen, continuous aerosols, ventilator management, and diagnostic testing.
• Perform EKGs, electronic monitoring, lead placement, and basic arrhythmia interpretation.
• Perform arterial blood gas punctures and testing.
• Conduct airway maneuvers and bedside pulmonary function tests.
• Patient assessment and education.
• Use chest suction equipment and interpret chest X-rays.
• Sterile procedure techniques.
• Interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills.
• Organizational and time management skills.
• Accountability and diversity awareness.

Patient Population

• Neonates (0-4 weeks)
• Infant (1-12 months)
• Pediatrics (1-12 years)
• Adolescents (13-17 years)
• Adults (18-64 years)
• Geriatrics (65 years and older)

Working Conditions

• Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads.
• Long-distance or air travel as needed (not to exceed 10% travel).
• General office environment with potential exposure to high noise levels and bright lights.
• Exposure to physical altercations, verbal abuse, hazardous substances, or body fluids.
• Use of physical restraints may be required.
• Exposure to human blood and other potentially infectious materials.
• Exposure to adverse weather conditions, dust, wind, etc.
• Periods of constant interruptions and prolonged working alone.
• Car travel to off-site locations, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.
• Exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment, and follow infection control policies.

Physical Requirements

• Lifting/carrying up to 50 lbs. (1-33% frequency).
• Push/pull up to 50 lbs. (1-33% frequency).
• Stoop, kneel, balance, and bend (34-66% frequency).
• Walking and standing (67-100% frequency).
• Sitting (1-33% frequency).

Additional physical requirements include:

• Manual dexterity (eye/hand coordination).
• Perform shift work.
• Maneuver weight of patients.
• Hear alarms/telephone/audio recordings.
• Reach above shoulder and perform repetitive arm/hand movements.
• Finger dexterity, color vision, and depth perception.
• Exposure to latex products, toxic/caustic chemicals, moving mechanical parts, dust/fumes, potential electrical shock, x-ray/electromagnetic energy, high-pitched noises, and gaseous risks.

Benefits

• Competitive pay, incentives, and referral bonuses.
• 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible).
• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage, including HSA/FSA options and life insurance.
• Mental health resources and discounts.
• Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, and backup care for children and elders.
• Tuition assistance, professional development, and continuing education support.

Benefits may vary based on the market and employment status.

Pay

Minimum: $40.00 per hour
Maximum: $60.00 per hour