Respiratory Therapist

It’s more than a career, it’s a calling MO-SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital 1201 Grand Worker Type: Regular Job Highlights: SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital, a LEVEL 1 Time Critical Diagnosis hospital in Stroke, Trauma and STEMI, is at the forefront of ground‑breaking medical treatments, procedures, clinical trials and comprehensive patient care. We are seeking a Registered Respiratory Therapist to join our team and are pleased to extend a $20,000 Sign on Bonus to new, external candidates!* Schedule: Full‑time, Night‑shift. 36 Hours/Week, 3x12‑Hour Shifts/Week. Rotating holidays and weekends. Shift Differentials: Available for nights, weekends and additional shifts RRT MO Licensure Required * Only Qualified external candidates will be considered for participation in the sign on bonus and relocation programs * Job Summary: The respiratory therapist is a healthcare professional employed to perform all respiratory care diagnostic and therapeutic procedures provided by the Department of Respiratory Care. They should be energetic and motivated to support the success of a growing service. The respiratory therapist should refer to supervisory personnel in any doubtful situation. Job Responsibilities and Requirements: POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES AND PERFORMANCE CRITERIA (% of time) The following are essential job accountabilities: Demonstrate ability to relate to coworkers in a professional and respectful manner, in order to assure and promote a culture of safety. Perform all respiratory related therapeutic and diagnostic maneuvers in accordance with established policies and procedures of the department. This shall include: (50%) Criteria: A. Implements and assesses the function of oxygen and therapeutic gas. B. Ensures proper set‑up and implementation of therapeutic and diagnostic procedure. C. Provides aerosolized medication. D. Provides CPT and IPV. E. Sets up and monitors ventilators in accordance with the department and hospital policies. F. Communicates with peers and staff to develop and improve inter‑ and intradepartmental services. Meets with appropriate personnel to address and resolve problem issues. G. Performs CPR. H. Performs diagnostic procedures including but not limited to: ABG analysis Pulse Oximetry Nitric Oxide pulmonary hypertension studies The licensed respiratory therapist will ensure that each patient’s status is assessed to determine the patient’s care needs and to ensure patient’s needs are reassessed in response to treatment and care provided. Criteria for assessment and reassessment of patients for therapy include but are not limited to: A. Vital signs before and after therapy. B. Breath sounds before and after therapy. C. Checking for physician orders for therapy. D. Pre and post‑assessment for therapy tolerance and response. E. Oxygen requirements. F. Sputum color, viscosity and quantity. G. Other patient‑specific observations as needed. Special duties: Ability to interact with physicians and nurses. May work in an intensive care unit area. This may include: (25%) A. Responsible to respond to critical areas (e.g. ER, OR, Code). B. Performs routine checks on Life Support Unit. C. Assists with bronchoscopy procedure. D. Assists with minor cardiopulmonary invasive or surgical procedures. E. Performs tracheotomy care. F. Performs bedside studies including: f/vt, shunt studies, ventilator mechanics dead space, compliance, O2 content, and metabolic cart studies. G. Performs bedside pulmonary function procedures. H. Interprets complex lab data. I. Provides input in decisions involving patient care on and off life support systems. J. Provides input on patient care via physician consultations. K. Displays qualities of an independent thinker through the performance of everyday job duties. L. Assists with the prevention of ventilator‑associated pneumonia as indicated by the latest evidence‑based literature. Perform all other aspects of Respiratory Care in accordance with hospital policies and procedures. (5%) A. Attends monthly department meetings, specialty meetings, in‑services, and any other meetings as required. B. Assures all time and attendance exceptions are properly recorded in the exceptions book. C. Communicates with physicians in regard to therapies ordered and therapeutic goals. Performs other duties as required. (5%) A. Cleaning, disinfecting and/or sterilization of all reusable respiratory and bronchoscopy equipment. B. Routine mechanical maintenance of respiratory equipment. C. Maintains neat and clean work and storage areas. D. Maintains neat and accurate records. E. Answers phone in a professional and timely manner. Safety/Infection Control: Practices according to safety and infection control policies. (5%) A. Practices universal precautions and disposes of hazardous wastes per established guidelines. B. Maintains a safe, clean, comfortable and therapeutic environment for patients/families/employees in accordance with hospital standards. C. Maintains clutter‑free environment. D. Keeps conversations and background noise to a minimum. E. Adheres to dress code. F. Reports risk management concerns. G. Assumes responsibility for completing all annual mandatory requirements: Safety/Fire, Blood Borne Pathogen, Hazardous Communication, TB, Department Specific, Age Appropriate Care (for clinical staff only), BLS/ALS per recertification guidelines of AHA. Service: Provides service excellence to the customers of Saint Louis University Hospital by delivering timely, high‑quality care in a courteous, and respectful manner. (10%) A. Explains therapy to the patient prior to initiation. B. Is courteous to the patient, their family, visitors and co‑workers. C. Respects patients’ rights. D. Practices commitment of patient confidentiality. Quality Improvement (QI): Incorporates Quality Assessment into one’s daily work. (5%) A. Assists with collection of data for reporting. B. Completes paperwork in a timely fashion. C. Completes charting/charging by the end of the assigned shift. D. Reviews charting for errors before electronically signing. E. Reports any unresolved charting/charging discrepancies to the immediate supervisor for resolution. F. Follows policies and procedures when administering care. G. Reports quality issues to management for review. Age Appropriate Care: Provides age‑appropriate care to: Infant / Child / Adolescent / Adult / Geriatric. A. Demonstrates knowledge and skills of normal growth & development necessary to provide services to the age of the patient served by the department. B. Demonstrates ability to assess and interpret age‑specific data to identify patient needs. C. Utilizes communication skills necessary to interpret age‑specific responses to service and interaction. D. Involves family or significant other in decision making related to services provided. E. Demonstrates ability to provide service needed for the age groups routinely served by the department assigned. F. Position specific: Able to titrate dosages and applications to fit the needs of the various growth and development stages. Specialized Care: Provides specialized care to patients at high risk for injury. (1%) A. Restraint Care B. Pain Management (licensed personnel) C. Abuse Assessment Rationale for Essential Functions: ... (summary omitted for brevity) Work requires the knowledge and skills necessary to provide direct patient care appropriate to patient population of specialty. Job Specifications Minimum Education: Graduate of an AMA approved school Respiratory Therapy preferred. Minimum Experience: Leadership skills are desirable and should be demonstrated. Required Registry or License: Registered with the N.B.R.C. Licensed in the state of Missouri within 6 months of hire required. Independent Action: Must demonstrate ability to provide high‑quality therapy skills with moderate supervision and to make independent decisions in critical and non‑critical care areas. Individuals must be energetic and motivated to support the success of a growing service. Pressure of Work: Capable of withstanding long hours of walking and standing. Capable of tolerating the sights and sounds and odors associated with the care of the sick and dying patients. Capable of responding quickly in emergencies. Capable of lifting moderate weights. Capable of handling hazards due to exposure to inflammable and explosive gases. Working Conditions: May be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases. Regularly exposed to the risk of blood‑borne diseases. Exposed to hazardous anesthetic agents, body fluids, and wastes. Subjected to electrical and radiant energy hazards. Exposure to unpleasant patient or unit elements. Contact with patients under a wide variety of circumstances. May be exposed to unpleasant elements (accidents, injuries and illness). Subject to varying and unpredictable situations. May be required to handle emergency or crisis situations. Subjected to irregular hours. Protective Requirements: Eye protection, gowns, lab coat, mask, sterile and non‑sterile gloves, lead aprons. Contact with Others: Demonstrates desire and willingness to provide comfort and aid to patients. Cooperative and friendly to all personnel. Presents a professional demeanor at all times. Always consults supervisor/senior tech when confronted with unusual situations. Equipment Knowledge: Must be familiar with equipment used for therapy and diagnostic procedures. Physical Requirements: Heavy physical effort: lift up to 50 lbs.; prolonged, extensive, or considerable standing/walking; lifts, positions, pushes, and/or transfers patients; pushes/pulls or moves/lifts heavy equipment/supplies; manual dexterity, mobility, and fine motor skills; intermittent exertion when performing therapies; considerable reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling and crouching. Vision Requirements: Ability to adjust vision for varying degrees of room light. Required Professional License and/or Certifications: Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) – American Heart Association (AHA) Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) – National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Respiratory Care Practitioner – Missouri Division of Professional Registration Work Shift: Night Shift (United States of America) Job Type: Employee Department: View phone number on click.appcast.io Respiratory Therapy Scheduled Weekly Hours: 36 Benefits SSM Health values our exceptional employees by offering a comprehensive benefits package to fit their needs. Paid Parental Leave: We offer eligible team members one week of paid parental leave for newborns or newly adopted children (pro‑rated based on FTE). Flexible Payment Options: Our voluntary benefit offered through DailyPay provides eligible hourly team members instant access to their earned, unpaid base pay (fees may apply) before payday. Upfront Tuition Coverage: We provide upfront tuition coverage through FlexPath Funded for eligible team members. SSM Health is an equal opportunity employer. SSM Health does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Click here to learn more. #J-18808-Ljbffr