Registered Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory Therapist RRT

The Respiratory Therapist RRT provides advanced-level respiratory care to patients designed to diagnose, evaluate, treat, manage, and control deficiencies and/or abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary system within the prescription of the order physician. This position acts as a resource to the CRT staff. The RRT may be responsible for special clinical projects or assignments as designated by leadership according to the needs of the department.

Essential Functions

• Performs, interprets, and evaluates diagnostic testing procedures according to protocol. Obtains arterial gases. Oversees and troubleshoots the operation of equipment for optimal patient care. Initiates Respiratory Protocol according to department criteria. Initiates interventions based on the interpretation of assessments.
• Administers medications in a timely and safe manner. Evaluates effect and re-evaluates appropriately and according to protocol. Ensures that progress of patient is communicated to staff, physicians and other departments.
• Maintains awareness of assigned patient's overall condition. Communicates and shares patient information with the physicians and nurses. Makes appropriate recommendations for patient care. Recognizes the educational needs of patients and families in relation to health promotion and wellness. Teaches patients and families self-care techniques and modalities.
• Completes documentation according to departmental standards. Accurately documents productivity information. Monitors supplies and equipment and notifies appropriate person when supplies are low, out on loan or broken. Utilizes time effectively to achieve productivity standard, including utilizing low census time when patient load does not support full productivity.
• Participates in quality and patient safety initiatives. Identifies potential areas for improvement including processes that could be streamlined or revised to improve patient satisfaction. Identifies potential safety hazards that may create problems for patients and/or staff and takes appropriate actions. Participates in departmental meetings, contributing ideas or feedback.
• Promotes the profession of Respiratory Care and acts as a resource, consultant, and mentor to staff within department and patient care areas through development of others. Participates in quality improvement and research activities as part of the Respiratory Care Team to guide the development of standards of patient care.
• May be required to float to other departments (within scope of competency and qualifications) based on business need.
• May be required to be placed on-call during a regularly scheduled shift.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduate of a NBRC approved Respiratory Therapist program is required. Education must be obtained from an accredited institution. Degree will be verified.
• Registered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (RRT).
• Current license as Registered Respiratory Therapy in the state of practice is required.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) for healthcare providers is required.
• Specific certifications as required (i.e. PALS, ACLS, NRP) is required.

Physical Requirements

• Ongoing need for employee to see and read information, labels, assess patient needs, operate monitors, identify equipment and supplies.
• Frequent interactions with patient care providers, patients, and visitors that require employee to verbally communicate as well as hear and understand spoken information, alarms, needs, and issues quickly and accurately, particularly during emergency situations.
• Manual dexterity of hands and fingers to manipulate complex and delicate equipment with precision and accuracy. This includes frequent computer use and typing for documenting patient care, accessing needed information, medication preparation, etc.
• Expected to lift and utilize full range of movement to transfer patients. Will also bend to retrieve, lift, and carry supplies and equipment. Typically includes items of varying weights, up to and including heavy items.
• Need to walk and assist with transporting/ambulating patients and obtaining and distributing supplies and equipment. This includes pushing/pulling gurneys and portable equipment, including heavy items. Often required to navigate crowded and busy rooms (full of equipment, power cords on the floor, etc.).
• May be expected to stand in a stationary position for an extended period of time.

Location: Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital

Work City: Wheat Ridge

Work State: Colorado

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 36

The hourly range for this position is listed below. Actual hourly rate dependent upon experience.

$32.34 - $49.94

We care about your well-being – mind, body, and spirit – which is why we provide our caregivers a generous benefits package that covers a wide range of programs to foster a sustainable culture of wellness that encompasses living healthy, happy, secure, connected, and engaged.

Intermountain Health is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.