Respiratory Nurse

Overview

Provides respiratory nursing and related services for patients while maintaining positive levels of interaction with facilities and clients in accordance with the principles and practices of nursing and within Reliant Rehabilitation guidelines. Provides quality patient care including screening and assessments of patients, development of initial and ongoing treatment plans of care, discharge plan and case management responsibilities. Maintains professional conduct that represents Reliant Rehabilitation's commitment to quality and service in all interactions with clients, including positive levels of interaction and rapport with facilities and clients. Adheres to all state and federal regulations regarding nursing and respiratory services.

Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Administer and manage respiratory nurse treatments, including CPAP/BiPAP, incentive spirometry, breathing techniques/exercises, oxygen, etc, according to established protocols.
• Provide complex pulmonary care, including vest therapy, cough assist, suctioning, and nebulizer treatments, to enhance resident comfort and pulmonary function.
• Conduct respiratory nurse assessments, monitor resident status, and modify treatment plans based on clinical findings and physician directives.
• Educate residents, families, and caregivers on respiratory techniques, equipment uses, and safety protocols.
• Maintain and troubleshoot respiratory nursing equipment to ensure proper functioning and safety.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary healthcare team to develop and implement individualized care plans.
• Document all treatments, observations, and resident responses accurately in the electronic medical record (EMR).
• Participate in resident care conferences, providing input on respiratory nurse goals and progress.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory standards, facility policies, and procedures related to respiratory care.
• Assist in the development and implementation of respiratory nursing care protocols and guidelines.
• Stay current with advances in respiratory techniques and equipment through continuing education and training.
• This position requires patient lifting using appropriate biomechanical techniques frequently throughout the course of a workday/shift. Must be capable of lifting Thirty-five (35) pounds of dead weight alone.

Qualifications

Competency:

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Proficiency in CPAP/BiPAP, spirometers, oxygen, vest therapy, cough assist, and nebulizers.
• Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and standards for respiratory nursing care in a SNF setting.

Education/Experience:

• Associate degree in nursing from an accredited program. (LVN/LPN)
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a nursing role, preferably in a SNF or acute care setting.

Computer Skills:

• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point, etc.)
• Basic Internet navigation skills

Certificates and Licenses:

• Valid Nursing state license (where applicable)

Supervisory Responsibilities:

May assist with supervising the work of one or more rehab techs, and/or students, following state practice act guidelines by providing consultation and clinical supervision; creating and ensuring treatment plans are executed; and assisting the Director of Respiratory Services, Regional Director of Operations and Director Of Rehab with clinical development of Respiratory dept. and rehab techs in the various covered facilities.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essentials functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The workplace is in an office environment and the temperature in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable the individuals with disabilities to perform the essentials functions. Must be able to walk, bend, stand, and reach constantly during a workday/shift and be able to participate in sustained activities for many hours in duration.

Must have visual, auditory, and speaking skills sufficient to assess, communicate, and monitor patient needs, and to maintain accurate records, recognize people, and provide and understand written, verbal, and gestural communications.

Must have fine motor skills for legible and accurate writing and keystroking for charting, scheduling, daily correspondence, and reports, and for handling of diagnostic and therapeutic equipment.