Registered Respiratory Therapist

Career At Lehigh Valley Health Network

Imagine a career at one of the nation's most advanced health networks.

Be part of an exceptional health care experience. Join the inspired, passionate team at Lehigh Valley Health Network, a nationally recognized, forward-thinking organization offering plenty of opportunity to do great work.

LVHN has been ranked among the "Best Hospitals" by U.S. News & World Report for 23 consecutive years. We're a Magnet(tm) Hospital, having been honored five times with the American Nurses Credentialing Center's prestigious distinction for nursing excellence and quality patient outcomes in our Lehigh Valley region. Finally, Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest, Lehigh Valley Hospital - Muhlenberg, Lehigh Valley Hospital- Hazleton, and Lehigh Valley Hospital - Pocono each received an 'A' grade on the Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group in 2020, the highest grade in patient safety. These recognitions highlight LVHN's commitment to teamwork, compassion, and technology with an unrelenting focus on delivering the best health care possible every day.

Whether you're considering your next career move or your first, you should consider Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Job Title: Registered Respiratory Therapist

The Registered Respiratory Therapist administers respiratory therapy procedures to examine, diagnose, and treat patients with respiratory and pulmonary disorders. The Respiratory Therapist assesses patient condition and consults with physicians to determine appropriate treatment plans, and monitors patient progress following procedures to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. The Respiratory Therapist also documents all patient care activities and ensures they comply with the appropriate quality of care standards and regulations of the department.

Job Duties

• Administers physician prescribed respiratory therapy, including oxygen, respiratory medication, PFTs, ABGs, and all mechanical ventilation.
• Performs evaluation procedures, both invasive and non-invasive, to determine respiratory care needs, and makes appropriate recommendations based upon department protocols ultimately improving patient outcomes and facilitating patient discharge.
• Monitors patients requiring mechanical ventilation including clinical assessment, routine rounds, troubleshooting, weaning, airway care, and diagnostic testing to ensure the safety and appropriate care of patients.
• Collects and analyzes sputum, blood and breath specimens for diagnosis. Measures the patients lung capacity to determine if there are any impairments.
• Offers diagnostic results and treatment suggestions based on the analysis of the patient.
• Communicates with other health care team members to ensure continuity of care and coordination of services.
• Assures smooth operation of the PFT and ABG laboratory, or other duties as assigned by the supervisor or manager.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduate of a AMA approved School of Respiratory Care.
• Less than 1 year related experience.
• Ability to provide respiratory therapy methodologies and techniques.
• Ability to operate and trouble-shoot diagnostic equipment.
• RRT - Registered Respiratory Therapist - National Board for Respiratory Care within 1 Year and
• ACLS - Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support - American Heart Association within 60 Days and
• RCP - Respiratory Care Practitioner - State of Pennsylvania Upon Hire

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree from an AMA approved school of Respiratory Care.
• 1 year related experience.

Physical Demands Lift and carry 40-50 lbs. Examples: Push/pull patients on bed, stretcher (requires 29 lbs. push force), lateral transfers up to 50 lbs. of the patient's weight. Frequent to continuous standing/walking. Patient transporters can walk 8-10 miles per shift. *Patient care providers may be required to perform activities specific to their role including kneeling, bending, squatting and performing CPR.

Lehigh Valley Health Network is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with, and where applicable, in addition to federal, state and local employment regulations, Lehigh Valley Health Network will provide employment opportunities to all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or other such protected classes as may be defined by law. All personnel actions and programs will adhere to this policy. Personnel actions and programs include, but are not limited to recruitment, selection, hiring, transfers, promotions, terminations, compensation, benefits, educational programs and/or social activities.