Traveling Respiratory Therapist (RT) - System Flex

Flex Respiratory Care Practitioner

The Flex Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) is expected to float to various assigned sites throughout the Bon Secours Mercy Health System, outside of their home location, to provide patient care promoting and restoring patients' health through the respiratory care process. The RCP is responsible for providing respiratory care through patient assessment, planning, intervention, education, and evaluation. Performs respiratory care procedures, diagnostic services, patient monitoring and patient and staff education through the relevant standards and scope of practice for the respiratory therapist.

Our System Flex Team consists of the following locations:

• Maryview Medical Center in Portsmouth, VA
• Mary Immaculate Hospital in Newport News, VA
• Memorial Regional Medical Center in Richmond, VA
• Southampton Memorial Hospital in Franklin, VA
• The Jewish Hospital in Cincinnati, OH
• Anderson Hospital in Cincinnati, OH
• West Hospital in Cincinnati, OH
• Lourdes Hospital in Paducah, KY
• Marcum and Wallace Hospital in Irvine, KY
• St Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital in Youngstown, OH
• St Anne Hospital in Toledo, OH
• St Rita's Medical Center in Lima, OH
• St Francis - Downtown in Greenville, SC
• Springfield Regional Medical Center in Springfield, OH
• and more!

Essential Job Functions

• Data collection and accurate record keeping as well as product evaluation and assessment
• Assists physician performing procedures such as bronchoscopy, transtracheal catheter insertion, tracheotomy in intubation (if intubation is performed by respiratory therapy in the facility), and invasive monitoring
• Performs CPR including closed chest compressions and airway management techniques in accordance with the AHA ACLS protocol
• Conducts prescribed therapeutic procedures to achieve maintenance of a patient airway, including use of appropriate airways including endotracheal tubes, nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal airways, maintenance of airway humidification, aspiration of secretions, extubation, maintenance of correct endotracheal tube (ETT), cuff pressures, and documents procedures in patient and department records
• Selects, assembles, monitors, and evaluates mechanical ventilators for proper function and operation, including correction of malfunctions, cleanliness and determines appropriateness use for patient condition
• Performs pulmonary function tests (PFT)
• Assesses patient's physical status by inspection, palpation, auscultation, percussion, patient behavior and reviewing existing data in patient's record
• Performs treatments according to physician orders, explains therapy and therapeutic goals to patient; modifies treatment procedures based on patient response
• Determines appropriateness of prescribed therapy and recommends methods to physician to achieve therapeutic goals including intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB), aerosol therapy, postural drainage and percussion, ultrasonic nebulizer, incentive spirometry, metered dose inhalers and spacers, etc.
• Sets up and maintains different modes of oxygen therapy to maintain adequate partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood (PaO2) with accurate inspired levels of oxygen
• Administers intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB) or aerosol therapy by first preparing the prescribed medication ordered by the physician and adjusting the machine or device to accomplish patient's individual clinical needs; document and observe patient's vital signs, productivity of cough, relief of dyspnea, improved breath sounds and any adverse reactions to therapy; and use judgement and technical skill to determine possible adverse reactions and suggestions for appropriateness of therapy
• Gives postural drainage, vibration, percussion to ensure proper drainage of bronchial secretions by use of manual or mechanical percussion; check orders and X-rays for segments to be treated prior to initiating treatment; auscultation prior to and after procedure to note presence of clearance of secretions and response to therapy
• Instructs patients and families in incentive spirometer, metered dose inhaler (MDI) administration, postural drainage and clapping, oxygen therapy, ventilator care and home aerosol therapy
• Procurement of sputum for culture and sensitivity or airway clearance either by patient coaching, administration of mucolytics, aerosol therapy or endotracheal / nasopharyngeal suctioning
• Evaluates normal and pathologic blood and urine laboratory value ranges
• Performs arterial punctures and analysis; has an in-depth knowledge of analysis and arterial blood gas (ABG) interpretation. Performs arterial line procedures, takes safety precautions, sterile procedure, flushing, and ABG aspirations
• Performs EKG's and understands electronic monitoring, lead placement, and basic arrhythmias
• Maintains all respiratory therapy equipment and supplies
• Responds to cardio-pulmonary resuscitations and actively participates as indicated by clinical circumstances

This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

Licensing/Certification

• Current Respiratory Care License in the state they are working (required)
• National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) credentialed (required)
• BLS Basic Life Support - American Heart Association (required)
• ACLS Advanced Cardiac Life Support - American Heart Association or Red Cross (required)
• PALS Pediatric Advanced Life Support - American Heart Association (required)
• NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program) - AAP/AWHONN (required)
• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) (preferred)
• Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) (preferred)

Education

• Associate Degree AMA approved school for Respiratory Care (required)
• Bachelor's degree (preferred)

Work Experience

• 1 Year in Acute Care Setting and demonstrated clinical competency in at least two of the following environments: Nursery/NICU, PICU, ICU/CCU, ED and general care areas (required)

Training

• EPIC Electronic Health Record (EHR)

Range:

Minimum: $40.00

Maximum: $60.00

Patient Population

• Neonates (0-4 weeks)
• Infant (1-12 months)
• Pediatrics (1-12 years)
• Adolescents (13-17 years)
• Adults (18-64 years)
• Geriatrics (65 years and older)

Working Conditions

• Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur.
• Long-distance or air travel as needed- not to exceed 10% travel.
• General office environment.
• May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights.
• May be exposed to physical altercations and verbal abuse.
• May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids.*
• May be required to use physical restraints.
• May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials.*
• May be exposed to adverse weather conditions; cold, hot, dust, wind, etc.
• May have periods of constant interruptions.
• Required to car travel to off-site locations, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.
• Prolonged periods of working alone.
• * Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.

Physical Requirements

• Physical Demands
• Frequency 0% 1-33% 34-66% 67-100%
• Lifting/ Carrying (0-50 lbs.) _____ X _____ _____
• Lifting/ Carrying (50-100 lbs.) _____ X _____ _____
• Push/ Pull (0-50 lbs.) _____ X _____ _____
• Push/ Pull (50-100 lbs.) _____ X _____ _____
• Stoop, Kneel __________ X _____
• Crawling _____ X __________
• Climbing _____ X ______