Respiratory Therapist (RT)

Respiratory Therapist, We need You If you live in St. Joseph or the surrounding area and you are willing to drive to Hiawatha, please reach out and ask about our compensation package. Maple Heights Nursing and Rehabilitative Center, located in Hiawatha, is launching a pulmonary program that caters to our residents and future residents’ pulmonary and cardiac needs. Our pulmonary program has had a highly effective impact on preventing re‑hospitalization, maintaining or improving ADLs, and reducing risk of pulmonary infection. Policies and processes have been created so we can have a proactive focus on bettering the lives we serve. The ideal candidate will be a Certified or Registered Respiratory Therapist, licensed in the State of Kansas, with a love of servant leadership. Alongside the Director of Nursing and Infection Preventionist, the RT will execute treatments and interventions necessary to create an atmosphere of health and wellbeing, establishing tangible goals and tracking the progress of those we steward. Main Responsibilities Maintains knowledge of the varying aspects of all things pulmonary as allowed within the therapist scope and licensure of the long‑term care facility. Administers respiratory therapy treatments and interventions, understands the purpose of each and the possible side effects associated with each. Able to assess patient pain interfering with optimal level of function or participation in rehabilitation. Makes appropriate nursing contact for intervention. Follows departmental equipment sterilization procedures and maintains effective infection control. Documents all pertinent data on the patient’s medical record following completion of any extension of the Pulmonary Program. Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the differences in techniques and treatment modalities as performed on residents of varying acuity, age, and life station. Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly. Inspects and tests respiratory therapy equipment to ensure that it is functioning safely and efficiently. Maintains thorough knowledge of hazards of oxygen therapy. Formulates care plan based on identified learning needs of a patient and evaluates effectiveness of learning; patient’s family is included in teaching as appropriate. Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Coordinates and directs patient care to ensure patients’ needs are met and that physician orders and facility policy is followed. Demonstrates ability to assess patient, his/her need, and ability to tolerate treatment and reassessment for response to treatment. Demonstrates the ability to navigate pressure to meet deadlines, to be accurate, and to handle constantly changing situations. Attends and conducts education in‑service programs to maintain professional competency. Obtains appropriate program‑specific education and training. Performs all additional duties assigned by the department manager. In charge therapist role, is responsible for the daily operation of the shift, including work assignments, troubleshooting, responding to emergencies, and liaison with nurses, Director of Nursing, the Administrator and Physicians. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned to you at any time with or without notice from PPC or NHA. Professional Requirements Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner. Actively participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities. Communicates and complies with the Sweetwater Mission, Vision, and Values as well as the focus statement of the department. Complies with State and Federal Guidelines, along with Organizational Policies and Procedures. Complies with Health and Safety Standards and Guidelines. Qualifications Education/Experience Requirements: Current State Respiratory Therapist Licensure. Graduate of an AMA‑approved School of Respiratory Therapy. Possesses and maintains an active CRT or RRT credential. Current ACLS and BLS Certification. #J-18808-Ljbffr