Registered Respiratory Therapist I, Atrium Health Huntersville FSED, FT Nights

Job Description

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Atrium Health Levine Children's Hospital is the largest children's hospital between Atlanta and Washington, D.C., providing specialized care for critically ill children. It has been ranked among the Best Children's Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report for 16 consecutive years.

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Levine Children's Hospital provides top-tier critical care for neonates, infants, and children with complex medical needs. It features a 24-bed Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), a 20-bed Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU), an 85-bed Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and an inpatient pediatric rehabilitation floor. The hospital offers advanced care capabilities, including respiratory therapy protocols, mechanical and non-invasive ventilation, nitric oxide and heliox therapy, and ECMO management.

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Respiratory therapists benefit from continuous learning about conditions like ARDS, RSV, acute respiratory failure, seizures, sepsis, and trauma.

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Key Responsibilities:

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Why Respiratory Therapy at Levine Children's Hospital?

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Exercise high autonomy in assessing, implementing, and adjusting respiratory therapies.

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Independently adjust ventilator settings and oxygenation strategies, providing real-time recommendations.

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Implement weaning protocols and optimize patient outcomes using critical thinking and advanced knowledge.

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Maintain precise documentation and ensure compliance with hospital policies.

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Work in a cutting-edge pediatric healthcare environment with specialized ICU units and therapist-driven protocols.

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Enjoy a high level of clinical independence, managing critical respiratory interventions and collaborating with intensivists, neonatologists, and the multidisciplinary care team.

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Access opportunities for professional growth and continuing education.

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Be part of a collaborative and supportive work culture focused on excellence in pediatric patient care.

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Job Summary

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Performs all aspects of direct respiratory care according to physician's orders and/or approved protocols. Consults physicians on effectiveness of therapy and makes appropriate recommendations. Provides appropriate ventilator support and maintains and monitors other cardiopulmonary life support equipment. Maintains and properly utilizes respiratory care equipment.

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Essential Functions \n

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• Demonstrates knowledge in various modes and methods of oxygen delivery and the equipment needed for each and can conduct prescribed therapeutic procedures to achieve adequate oxygenation.
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• Administers therapeutic procedures, understanding the purpose and benefits, and possible effects associated with each. Performs diagnostic procedures as outlined in policy.
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• Initiates, monitors and maintains mechanical ventilators and non-invasive ventilators and is aware of the critical care duties and effects of such therapy.
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• Independently evaluates current therapies using appropriate judgment and protocols, making proper recommendations concerning plans of care and patient education needs.
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• Documents therapy and results as required by hospital, department and regulatory agencies. Communicates information to appropriate members of the healthcare team.
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• Initiates, conducts and modifies respiratory care techniques in an emergency setting. Performs and evaluates blood sampling analysis with a thorough understanding of the values, and the importance and treatment of abnormal results.
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• Works independently in all patient care areas and assists co-workers with patient care whenever possible. Is proficient in the electronic medical records and its interface with the Respiratory Care Department.
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• Follows departmental safety guidelines. Completes all regulatory requirements. Completes annual proficiency evaluation of respiratory care equipment and procedures.
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Physical Requirements
\n Requires repetitive physical activity. Able to walk and stand to perform duties. Ability to lift materials 20-50 pounds. Ability to move patients of all age groups. Adequate hearing and eyesight is necessary. Exposures to working environment that may include odors, low lighting, and crowded working conditions.

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Education, Experience and Certifications \n

Graduate of an AMA-approved school of Respiratory Care. Associate's RRT or RRT Equivalent required, Bachelor's degree preferred. Credentialed as a Registered Respiratory Therapist by the National Board for Respiratory Care. Licensed as a Respiratory Care Practitioner in the state of North Carolina. BLS required per policy guidelines. Advanced certifications per facility policy/standards. For free-standing Emergency Department and Virtual Critical Care, 2 years critical care experience required.