Respiratory Therapist - RRT

Respiratory Therapist

Sets up and operates oxygen and therapeutic gas and mist inhalation equipment; administers prescribed doses of medical gases and aerosolized drugs to patients; responds to emergency code situations, administers CPR procedures, and draws arterial blood gas samples.

Minimum Qualifications

Education, Certification, and/or Licensure:

• Licensed registered respiratory therapist by the West Virginia Board of Respiratory Care.
• Obtain certification in Basic Life Support within 30 days of hire date.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

The statements described here are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be constructed as an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities and duties. Other duties may be assigned.

• Operates mechanical ventilation equipment used in administering oxygen to acute and chronically respiratory deficient patients, such as oxygen set-ups, ventilator and pulse oximetry (infant and adult) - CPAP and BiPAP.
• Administers oxygen therapy to patients upon physicians written orders, by using devices such as face masks, venti masks, cannulas, face tents, trach and aerosol masks, and croupettes; monitors patients within respiratory therapy field.
• Administers respiratory therapy treatments to patients such as intermittent positive pressure breathing, ultrasonic, postural drainage, spontaneous aerosol, peak flows in ICU, CCU and ER, post-op, PACU, OB and other departments as requested.
• Administers chest-physio/therapy treatments to acute and chronic respiratory deficient patients to mobilize secretions in lungs; performs pulmonary function tests on patients to determine presence of acute or chronic lung disease.
• Instructs patients in proper breathing techniques including incentive, purse lip, diaphragmatic and splinting breathing, using incentive spirometry.
• Draws blood samples and analyzes for identification of arterial blood gases.
• Responds to code calls throughout hospital and administers cardio/pulmonary resuscitation to patients; serves as active member of cardiac resuscitation team.
• Monitors patients respiratory condition daily and records data in the progress reports.
• Maintains proper operation of respiratory equipment such as nebulizers, ventilators, mist inhalation equipment, etc.; reports repairs to maintenance department or manufacturer.
• Cleans equipment and supplies after each use; transports to central processing department for gas sterilization processes.
• Prepares emergency oxygen set-ups (bag-masks, endo-tube trays, etc.) for immediate access.
• Maintains state of the art knowledge in respiratory therapy procedures and techniques through literature, seminars, workshops and continuing education classes.
• Assists anesthesiologist with changing of tracheostomy tubes.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skill necessary to provide care and education appropriate to the age of the patients served. (Neonatal 0-11 months, Pediatric 1-12 years, Adolescence 13-17 years, Adult 18-79 years, Geriatric 80+ years)
• Maintains and stocks respiratory equipment such as arterial blood gas kits, Ecylinders, and medications from pharmacy.

Physical Requirements

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 individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to be on feet/walking extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift, push, and/or pull 40 pounds.

Working 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 essential functions.

• Cognizant of environmental factors, infection control issues and maintains a safe environment for patient care.

Skills and Abilities

Requires good interpersonal communication skills when in contact with public, patients, staff and physicians.

Requires multi-tasking, problem solving and decision making abilities.

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 36

Shift: Non-Exempt

Company: WMCH Weirton Medical Center

Cost Center: 500 WMCH Administration

Address: 601 Colliers Way Weirton West Virginia

Equal Opportunity Employer

West Virginia University Health System and its subsidiaries (collectively "WVUHS") is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. WVUHS strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. All WVUHS employees, other workers, and representatives are prohibited from engaging in unlawful discrimination. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, training, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, and termination of employment.