Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

Registered Respiratory TherapistThe Registered Respiratory Therapist under the guidance of the Department Director/Manager, and Medical Director utilizes knowledge and skill at the advanced level to provide direct age specific and culturally appropriate patient care through provision of adequate ventilation and oxygenation by use of medical gases and breathing equipment. Administers respiratory medications and performs invasive procedures, such as arterial blood sampling punctures, endotracheal intubation/extubation, tracheostomy care and other procedures as outlined on the competency grid form. Assists as a clinical resource and participates in patient and staff education.Minimum RequirementsEducationAssociate degree graduate of specialized training in an approved Respiratory Therapy 2-year program or meets minimum requirements to qualify to take and pass the NBRC RRT examinationsExperienceSuccessful completion of new hire orientation within probationary period.Must successfully complete annual Respiratory Care Hospital required competency assessment within the probationary period.License/Registration/CertificationsMust be Registered by the National Board for Respiratory Care with RRT credentialMust have current South Carolina Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) LicenseMust have and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification as a minimumAdult critical care requires ACLS and PALS if applicableNICU/Pediatrics area requires NRP and PALS certifications; STABLE certification is preferred if applicableMust opt into the National Board of Respiratory Care's searchable registry for the duration of employment with SRHSPreferred RequirementsPreferred EducationAssociate of Science degree in Respiratory Therapy or a Bachelors in Respiratory TherapyPreferred Experience1-2 years of experience in the specialty area (Ex. Adult critical care, Neonatal/Pediatrics area)Specialized training and 1-year experience in Pulmonary Functions and cardiac testing if applicablePreferred License/Registration/CertificationsCurrent certification in BLS, ACLS and PALS in adult critical careCurrent certification in BLS, PALS and NRP for Neonatal/Pediatric specialty areasAll areas require SC Respiratory Care Practitioner License; NBRC Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credentialCore Job ResponsibilitiesPerforms and documents detailed age specific respiratory assessment including heart rate, breath sounds, respiratory rate, and sputum characteristics, and notifies the physician as appropriate any identified abnormalities.Checks EMR to verify physician orders for new/current and/or changes in orders on all assigned patients by reviewing medication list throughout the shift.Recommends therapy modifications to ensure appropriateness of care using medical director approved oxygen and aerosol protocols.Initiates mechanical invasive and non-invasive ventilation per physician order; performs ventilator bundles on all ventilated patients.Performs arterial sampling draws and moderate complexity lab testing to include blood gases, Hemoglobin, and basic electrolytes per policy and procedure. Also responsible for verifying panic values by policy.Responds to all assigned designated medical alerts, establishes, and maintains the airway.Assists the physician with bronchoscopy procedure as requested.Documents all assessments and procedures in EMR.Ensures that appropriate critical path/standard of care/plan of care is identified and collaboratively implemented.Other Duties as Assigned Available