Respiratory Nurse (nursing home)

Respiratory Nurse

Are you a licensed nurse with a passion for preventative care and patient education? We are seeking a dedicated Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to join our clinical team as a Respiratory Nurse. In this specialized role, you will focus on delivering targeted respiratory care to our residents, with a primary emphasis on administering, monitoring, and documenting the use of incentive spirometry (IS). By driving hands-on education and early intervention, you will play a critical role in optimizing lung function, reducing pulmonary complications, and improving overall resident outcomes.

What You'll Do (Key Responsibilities)

• Clinical Therapy: Initiate incentive spirometry therapy per facility protocols and physician orders.
• Assessments: Perform initial and ongoing respiratory assessments for residents utilizing IS.
• Patient Education: Provide direct, hands-on training to residents on proper IS techniques; reinforce and re-educate to promote consistent and correct usage.
• Monitoring & Collaboration: Monitor compliance, identify barriers to participation, and collaborate closely with the Director of Nursing and Respiratory Coordinator regarding resident progress or declining function.
• Documentation: Accurate tracking of assessments, interventions, education, and compliance in accordance with facility policy and regulatory requirements.
• Interdisciplinary Care: Participate in care plan development and assist in quality improvement tracking (QAPI) related to respiratory outcomes.

What We're Looking For (Qualifications)

• License: Valid Illinois State Licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
• Certification: Current CPR certification required.
• Clinical Knowledge: Strong understanding of respiratory conditions such as COPD, Pneumonia, CHF, and post-operative pulmonary care.
• Skills: Excellent communication, teaching, and documentation skills. Ability to work independently while adhering to established protocols.
• Mindset: A strong commitment to patient rights, safety, infection control, and evidence-based practices.

Why Join Us? Convenient uptown Chicago location / Edgewater area with easy access for commuters from Skokie and surrounding suburbs. A supportive, collaborative interdisciplinary team environment. Opportunities for ongoing professional development and in-service training. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER